Franschhoek is a small town nestled between magnificent mountains, located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is said to be one of South Africa’s oldest towns and is approximately 75 kilometres from Cape Town. The area is mostly known...more
Franschhoek is a small town nestled between magnificent mountains, located in the Western Cape Province of South Africa. It is said to be one of South Africa’s oldest towns and is approximately 75 kilometres from Cape Town. The area is mostly known for the numerous vineyards which cover the mountain slopes but also surprisingly boasts a variety of art galleries and other attractions. It is easy to notice that Franschhoek valley has been influenced by the French in a major way; and visitors can learn more about heritage of the town and the French that were originally settled here, by visiting the Huguenot Monument as well as the Huguenot Museum. Franschhoek is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination and is definitely a must-visit when in South Africa. Muslim visitors will however find it difficult to locate Muslim-friendly facilities in Franschhoek.
While a lot of the activities found here involve wine tasting, or ones linked to wine in some way, Franschhoek has so much more to offer. The area is ideal for hiking, and when in Franschhoek, tourists must make it a point to visit the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. The reserve belongs to the UNESCO declared Boland Biosphere Reserve and is thought to be one of the most beautiful spots for hiking in Franschhoek. The duration of hikes may vary along with the difficulty. This picturesque area is home to quite a few bird varieties as well as wildlife, and rock pools and rivers. There are also guided walks for those interested.
Tourists can also follow the Cat’s Pass Trail for more breathtaking views of the Franschhoek Valley. Apart from glorious views, visitors also come across historic sites like Muller’s Bridge and Jan Joubergat Bridge.
Car enthusiasts must visit the Franschhoek Motor Museum to learn more about and browse through over 100 years of motor history. The museum is also home to cars from the early 1900s, as well as to more recent sports cars. The collection that is found at the museum is said to exceed 220 vehicles.
While in Franschhoek, tourists must also try their hand at fly fishing in La Ferme. There are four dams, and a stream, which are packed with fish like trout, bass and carp. There are also picnic sites and barbeque facilities for guests to use. The area is incredibly beautiful and is ideal for a bit of relaxation. Those interested can book lessons prior to getting there.
Cape Town International Airport is the nearest major airport to Franschhoek and is the primary airport serving the city of Cape Town. This airport has domestic and international flights and is located about 48 kilometers from Hermanus. Cape Town International Airport is also known to be the second busiest airport in South Africa.
The one known Halal restaurant in Franschhoek is La Concorde Café & Restaurant. Even though this restaurant is said to serve Halal food, it is best for Muslim tourists to double check before dining. Muslim visitors could also dine at local vegetarian and seafood restaurants after making sure the dishes served do not contain any non-Halal items.
There are no known mosques in Franschhoek. Muslim tourists can ask the locals for mosques located in areas nearby or, they are advised to pray in their hotel room before setting out on any excursion, if possible. Visitors can also travel to the city of Cape Town or the town of Paarl for Friday prayers, as both are home to a few mosques.
5B victoria street somerset west Verbena St Cape Town 7130, South Africa
Prayer times for Franschhoek,South ..