If there's anywhere in South Africa that you're going to blow the budget, Franschhoek might as well be it. The luxurious rooms at this quiet hotel are a fine place to splurge. Part of the guesthouse dates back to 1860 and rooms honour the building's history with heavy four-poster beds and occasional antiques, though there is a distinctly modern flair.
Akademie Street
Franschhoek
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
12.91 MILES
This 2.5-sq-km wine and fruit farm is on the north slope of the Simonsberg mountain between Klapmuts and Paarl. Its highlight is an 800-sq-metre, formally…
29.73 MILES
Although it was established in 1702 and has some of South Africa's oldest pinotage and shiraz vineyards, as well as a handsome Cape Dutch homestead,…
3.62 MILES
There’s enough to keep you occupied for a full day at this vast estate just west of Franschhoek. As well as tastings of the superb shiraz range, wine…
8.91 MILES
This is a quintessential Winelands estate, with lovely architecture, food and wine. Tasting options include bubbly, brandy or wine and chocolate pairing…
15.59 MILES
Spice Route is known for its complex red wines, particularly the Flagship syrah. Aside from wine there is a lot going on, including glass-blowing…
19.93 MILES
Spier has some excellent shiraz, cabernet and red blends, though a visit to this vast winery is less about wine and more about the other activities…
-
12.39 MILES
This quiet spot in a gracious old homestead serves delectable, organically made wines. The formal tasting takes around an hour, or you can join a two-hour…
17.53 MILES
Simon van der Stel’s son Willem first planted vines here in 1700. The buildings and elegant grounds have ravishing mountain views and a ‘stately home’…
Nearby Franschhoek attractions
1. Huguenot Memorial Museum Annexe
0.05 MILES
Part of the Huguenot Memorial Museum, this annexe offers displays on the Anglo-Boer War and natural history. Admission to the annexe is covered by a…
0.09 MILES
This museum celebrates South Africa’s Huguenots and houses the genealogical records of their descendants. Behind the main complex is a pleasant cafe, in…
0.42 MILES
Franschhoek boasts many fine galleries, mostly along Huguenot Rd. At the Ceramics Gallery you can watch David Walters, one of South Africa’s most…
0.7 MILES
Best known for Méthode Cap Classique (MCC; wine made in the Champagne method), there is also an excellent range of white and red wines, plus a brandy. The…
0.86 MILES
The tasting room at this small winery is in a converted blacksmith’s; there’s also a range of grappa to sample. Game drives to see wildebeest, zebras and…
0.96 MILES
A beautifully revamped, 18th-century manor house that is home to a stylish restaurant and a splendid gallery showcasing contemporary South African art…
0.97 MILES
Along with the uberplush hotel of the same name, this winery was bought by Richard Branson in 2014. You can pair your wines with a trio of canapés (R140),…