Why We Love Franschhoek

Listed below are a few of our favourites and definitely ones to look into when planning a holiday or weekend at The Last Word. The great thing about all of these activities is that they provide some relief from the inevitable gorging at irresistible restaurants and vineyards and are a great way to stretch one’s legs, one’s mind and revive one’s appetite.

VISIT THE FRANSCHHOEK MOTOR MUSEUM

AT L'OMARINS ESTATE

Housing more than 100 years of motor history, the Franschhoek Motor Museum is situated upon the magnificent L’Omarins Estate and displays some of the oldest and most revered vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles and memorabilia.

“Across the length and breadth of Southern Africa, only one place can adequately portray the evolution of the automobile, The Franschhoek Motor Museum.”

Open Monday to Friday from 10h00 to 17h00 and Saturday and Sunday from 10h00 to 16h00 the museum charges a fair R60 entrance and is currently offering a R340 Anthonij Rupert Estate Package which includes wine tasting at two renowned estates, Anthonij Rupert and Terra del Capo, antipasti, a visit to the museum and a scenic tram ride through the valley. Some of the automobiles on display include the Alfa Romeo 6C 2500 SS, the Austro-Daimler Bergmeister, the Bugatti Type 35B and the Bugatti Type 46.

The museum is just a five-minute drive from The Last Word Franschhoek and we will book your tour and transfer you to the venue ourselves.

PHOTOGRAPH THE HUGUENOT MONUMENT

A NATIONAL HERITAGE

The Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek, South Africa, remains dedicated to the cultural influences that Huguenots brought to the Cape Colony after their immigration during the 17th and 18th centuries. It also remains a popular tourist attraction in Franschhoek due to its sheer majesty and scenic beauty, throughout the year.

In the heat of December, the monument plays host to the annual Franschhoek Methode Cap Classique Festival where the top bubbly houses in Cape Town display their best yields and the guests arrive in an elegant array of black and white garments.

In winter, the monument is just as exquisite and the surrounding gardens come to full bloom and fruition with the Cape rains.

The monument is within walking distance of The Last Word Franschhoek and is an excellent photographic opportunity for visitors who’d like to document their trip.

DO SOME HERB TASTING

ALLEE BLEUE WINE ESTATE

Allee Bleue Wine Estate cultivate all of their own herbs in their modern greenhouse facilities for exclusive use in their restaurant kitchens. Herbs are seasonal and excitingly, also available for tasting in combination with their award winning wines.

“The range of herbs include Sweet Basil, Coriander/Dhania, Dill, Fennel, French and Garlic Chives, Rocket (wild and cultivated), Rosemary, Sage, Mint, Thyme, Lemongrass, Oregano, Sorrel, Tatsoi (Spinach Mustard), Watercress, Tarragon and Chervil,” claim the estate and tours can be booked for Fridays followed by a three course herb inspired lunch for R185 a person. Starting at 10h30 for 11h00, bookings are essential and The Last Word Franschhoek will arrange this for you while you stay.

HOP ON THE FRANSCHHOEK WINE TRAM

A PICTURESQUE EXPRESS

One of the best ways to discover the Franschhoek wine valley, in its quintessential beauty is to book a hop-on-hop-off tour on the Franschhoek Wine Tram.

“Picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history,” claim the operators.

The open-air tram is truly a popular choice amongst tourists to Franschhoek and stops at some of the most celebrated wine farms in the area. Many of the guests who stay at The Last Word Franschhoek take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and rave about the experience afterwards.

GO FOR A RUN

THE SALOMON BASTILLE DAY TRAIL RUN

Franschhoek winters are perfect for runners of all calibres. One can take a light jog through the town, a particular vineyard or various trails that can be found on the map.

For the serious adventurers out there, there’s always the annual Salomon Bastille Day Trail Run, which takes place on the weekend of the 16th and 17th July. While the Franschhoek mountains are dusted with snow and the rivers run icy cold, this activity is a wonderful eye-opener to the natural beauty of Franschhoek winters. Offering 35km and 50km events, it's not for the lighthearted but draws crowds annually is always fully booked before the month of July so book early and get training!

TAKE A BIKE TOUR

THROUGH HUGUENOT STREET

Alternatively, renting a bicycle from Franschhoek Cycles is a great way to explore the town and surrounding vineyards and they're situated 200m down the road from The Last Word Franschhoek, in Huguenot Street.

Many guests who stay at the hotel take a day to ride the perimeters of the valley and explore the natural wonders in the open air, stopping for light lunch at a Bistro or Deli of choice.

PLAY SOME LUXURY GOLF

AT PEARL VALLEY

The Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course at Pearl Valley is considered the best conditioned gold course in the Western Cape. Designed by the man who provided its name, it truly is a feat of mastery to take advantage of and its fairways are nestled amidst the Val De Vie Estate'spremier polo and wine making facilities.

Many guests who stay at The Last Word Franschhoek opt for an early tee off and we accommodate them with luxurious packed breakfasts or early insuite options as well as a convenient transfer to Paarl where the course is situated.

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