Arrivals data: Cape Town Tourism Destination Intelligence, 2025 international arrivals by source market (di.capetown.travel).
Franschhoek: the French corner
In the late 17th century, French Huguenot refugees settled the valley now called Franschhoek ("French corner"). Family names, farm names such as La Motte and La Provence, and the Huguenot Monument keep the story alive. Today the valley is one of the Cape's gastronomic capitals: see wine-farm restaurants.
A gastronome's itinerary
Three nights in Franschhoek, four on the Atlantic Seaboard with dinners at FYN, Salsify and La Colombe, and a day in Hemel-en-Aarde for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. See fine dining.
Getting there
Air France has offered seasonal Paris–Cape Town flights; otherwise connect via other European or Middle Eastern hubs. Cape Town is one hour ahead of Paris in French winter time and on the same time in summer.
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Franschhoek?
The name means 'French corner' in Dutch/Afrikaans, after the French Huguenot refugees who settled the valley in the late 1600s.
Is there a direct flight from Paris to Cape Town?
Air France has offered seasonal direct flights; check current schedules.