Things to do in Franschhoek
One of Franschhoek's biggest draw cards is that is the Culinary Capital of South Africa. With 8 of South Africa’s Top 100 restaurants located here, you are perfectly placed for a journey of tantalising tastes and haute cuisine delights. However, if you are not quite a foodie, Franschhoek is also host to other worlds of adventure, from horseback riding to paragliding and everything in between. Art galleries and the world's most magnificent wine farms are right on your doorstep when visiting Franschhoek.
Our delectable a'la carte breakfast at the Corner House Residence puts us on the gastronomic map in the area. Home-roasted granola, freshly squeezed juice, a choice of pastries, handmade jams, diverse local seasonal fruits, and a bespoke menu of hot dishes are served every day on our sun-drenched patio or in bed.
Given the abundance of eateries within walking distance, the Corner House Residence exclusively serves breakfast. However, our house is your home, from the fully stocked minibar to the coffee in your room.
Every evening at sunset, beverages are served on our terrace as a social celebration of the Franschhoek good life. Feel free to book a complimentary wine tasting to savour the afternoon light.
A plethora of boutiques and galleries along Main Street offers a superb selection of antiques, world-class artwork collections, and intriguing bric-a-brac. Other speciality stores include book stores, a chocolate factory, and a carpet manufacturer.
Hop on a horse and visit a couple of the Vignerons de Franschhoek for a unique wine tour. On the other hand, those looking for a more sedate journey may decide to drive themselves or hire the services of a local guide to make their visits unforgettable.
For the more adventurous, there are various walking paths in the neighbouring mountains, notably in the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve. Rent a bike and start exploring on your own, or go wine tasting by horseback. There are multiple trout fishing places in the region, including streams and dams, where you may catch your dinner.
Things To Do:
In-Room Spa
Enjoy a world-class treatment in the comfort of your own space.
Elevate your Franschhoek escape with the ultimate relaxation: Beauty Direct Mobile Spa brings the spa to you when you stay with us at The Corner House. Choose from a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, and manicures, all delivered in the comfort of your room. It's the perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure, ensuring a serene and luxurious experience without ever having to leave your retreat.
"ADD-ON" TREATMENTS
Minimum treatment value per therapist is R 800
30 min massage - R 500
30 min coconut scalp massage - R 500
30 min relaxing foot massage - R 500
45 min massage - R 550
30 min express facial - R 550
Luxury spa manicure or pedicure - R 550
Mini manicure or pedicure - R 450
Mini manicure/pedicure with Gelish application - R 520
Spa manicure/pedicure with Gelish application - R 600
Gel polish soak off (no acrylic) - R 150
Medi-heel (dry, cracked feet) - R 150
Lash/brow tint - R 150
Lip/brow/chin wax - R 150
Underarm wax - R 180
Standard bikini wax - R 280
Brazilian wax - R 400
Half/full leg wax - R 330/R 500
Full body exfoliation - R 400
Babylonstoren Garden Tour
The Babylonstoren farm's heartbeat is the Babylonstoren garden. It was inspired by the Company Gardens of the Cape, where ships would refuel with sweet water, vegetables, and fruit for centuries at the midway point between Europe and Asia. It also harkens back to Babylon's mythological garden.
INSPIRATION
The Babylonstoren garden is eight acres in size and is formal in structure. The garden comprises fifteen clusters and features a prickly pear labyrinth, vegetable sections, berries, bees, indigenous plants, and chickens. Each of the approximately 300 plant kinds is edible and cultivated organically. Fruit and vegetables are gathered all year for our restaurant. As it has for the past 300 years, gravity flows through waterways into the garden.
MEANDERING WALKS
The garden has three miles of pathways that follow the bell tower axis, the ancient basement axis, or the Babylonstoren hill axis. In the spring, 7 000 clivias blossom beside the creek, where a hidden trail passes through the shade of wild olives and oaks.
ENTRANCE FEES
When tourists come to Babylonstoren for lunch or a garden tour, visitors pay a small admission charge to get access to the 3.5-acre garden, which is the core of Babylonstoren.
GUIDED VISITS
To make a reservation, email: [email protected]
Franschhoek Wine Tram
Travel through rolling vineyards in a double-decker tram and open-air tram-bus, stopping at some of South Africa's oldest and most recognised wine estates for a unique and unhurried way to experience the Franschhoek Valley.
This tram/bus hybrid takes passengers around a circle of stations, allowing you to get off and participate in activities like wine tastings, cellar tours, lunch, or simply a stroll through the vineyards. The Franschhoek Wine Tram provides eight hop-on hop-off trips, allowing passengers to sample a range of wines, sights, and experiences. Each tour is colour coded to make it simple to select and follow. The trip brings guests directly into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with commentary concentrating on the valley's history and wine development and unrivalled views of the valley and vineyards.
In addition to the hop-on hop-off tour, travellers who want to learn more about local grape varietals, cultivars, and elements of viticulture can choose a tailored wine experience. Lunch, wine samples, and a wine pairing are all included in the tailored tour.
The Huguenot Museum
The Huguenot Museum houses several art pieces that have long been associated with Franschhoek. The museum reflects the history of the area via various Huguenot objects of significant significance to Franschhoek locals and others with love for preservation and history. The lovely gardens are an added treat.
Franschhoek Motor Museum
With its unique and intriguing collection of cars, motorcycles, bicycles, and memorabilia in the picturesque setting of L'Ormarins Vineyards, the Franschhoek Motor Museum provides visitors with a beautiful opportunity to look back at more than 100 years of automotive history.
Grande Provence Estate - The Gallery
The Gallery at Grande Provence has established itself as a significant venue for modern South African art and a residence for some of the country's most well-known artists. The Gallery exhibits all types of visual art, such as painting, graphic arts, sculpture, ceramics, and glass, in addition to jewellery by notable South African designers. Exhibitions vary on a regular basis, generally at 6-weekly intervals.
Franschhoek Theatre
Enjoy an intimate movie experience while sipping a glass of local wine and watching a blockbuster or art-house film in the soothing comfort of leather chairs. The theatre is a 5-minute walk from the accommodation.
Pearl Valley Golf Course
Pearl Valley Golf Estates is a 500-home residential development on 212 hectares of excellent Cape Winelands real estate, surrounded by a spectacular 18-hole Jack Nicklaus signature golf course. This beautiful course offers one of the most extraordinary golf experiences in South Africa, if not the globe.
Franschhoek Adventures
Franschhoek Adventures is your doorway to a world of exciting, educational, and adventurous experiences.
Hiking in our gorgeous mountains, mountain bike wine or village tours, cultural township and village history excursions are just a few of the outdoor activities available.
Join us for a Rond-en-Bont Cultural Tour to discover the richness of our lovely valley. Various members of our community are keen to share their backgrounds and rich cultural heritage with our visitors.
Contact: [email protected] or call Robyn on 072 999 8581.
Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve
The reserve is part of the UNESCO-designated Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve. This reserve, which is located in the Franschhoek Mountains, offers stunning views of the Franschhoek Valley (on a clear day, one can see as far as Table Mountain), rich plant life, and well-maintained hiking and walking routes. Proteas, pincushions, ericas, restios, and other fynbos species are among the spectacular fynbos variety.
Permits (R50 per person, children under 16 enter free with a paying adult) and maps are available from the Franschhoek Tourism Office and the Huguenot Museum.
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