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Published: June 22nd 2017
Franschhoek shops
Overcast day, but warmer for it. We looked at Tanzanite stones but (even here in SA) the prices could not compete with our good old Grays Online. Some nice art but too hard to bring home. That little red booth to Robyn's right sold caramel vodka in little chocolate cups. Mmm!Geo: -33.906, 19.1148
After a good breakfast we headed off for the 30 min drive to Franschhoek (French Corner). The place was jumping as Bastille Day celebrations were underway - markets, bunting, food and wine, everyone wearing red or blue berets, etc. The area was settled in the 1680s by Huguenot families escaping Catholic persecution, and their roots are still evident. There was a hiccup when our driver arrived early at the hotel and mistakenly picked up a Dutch couple who were waiting for a different tour. After a while they realised their mistake and returned to the hotel. No harm done.
We visited a couple of vineyards via the "Franschhoek Wine Tram" which was a little disappointing. No commentary and it was a bus, not the tram shown on the brochure. We tried a chocolate and wine tasting. Not exactly traditional but the chocolates were great and the wine was fine too. We arranged an extra-curricular visit to a winery/ restaurant called La Petite Ferme, that we had heard about from a couple of sources, and the Tripadvisor reviews were spectacular. It was very picturesque but booked-out for lunch.
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John Lowe
non-member comment
Sel, Rob, The Stellenboch area is wonderful is it not. I almost melt when experiencing the Cape Dutch architecture. The one local red is a Pinotage. Make sure you have a drop. The local drop is Castle ...which is not to be confused with
real beer ...but I wouldn't necessarily say that to the locals!Cheers,Lowie