Towns and suburbs

Franschhoek

Franschhoek

History of Franschhoek

Franschhoek is relatively remote, with the valley surrounded by mountains on three sides. Early settlers called it Olifanthoek because elephant cows used the protected valley to raise their calves.

The Huguenots arrived from France in 1688 and initially received farms in Drakenstein, where the soil quality was poor. They appealed to Governor Simon van der Stel to relocate to better farmland. In 1694, the governor allocated nine farms in the Olifantshoek area along the Franschhoek River. Later, farmers subdivided these farms and named them after regions in France.

The Huguenots brought agricultural expertise, transforming many of the original farms into renowned wineries where Cape Dutch buildings with French influence still stand. The first name was “de France Hoek” (The French Corner), which was later shortened to Franschhoek. In 1805, Commissioner-General J.A. De Mist of the Batavian Republic renamed the area Franschhoek or La Petite Rochelle. The town became a municipality in 1881.

Elephants first made a track over the mountains, but it was too rough for wagons. Simon van der Stel organized slaves to build a road, expecting the project to take only a few months. However, in 1819, S.J. Cats created a more passable road. Known as “Cats se Pad,” this road remained in use until 1825 when Lord Charles Somerset used soldiers from the Royal Africa Corps to construct a new road. Builders erected a stone bridge at Jan Joubertsgat, named after a man who died there. This bridge, the oldest still in use today, served the road until 1933. In 1960, workers modified and tarred the road.

The arrival of the Huguenots significantly influenced the area’s culture and language. Many South African surnames, such as Malherbe, Terreblanche, Du Toit, Marais, and Du Plessis, trace their origins to these Huguenot settlers.

The postcode in Franschhoek is 7690

WEATHER IN FRANSCHHOEK TODAY

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Things to see and do in Franschhoek

  • The Huguenot Monument, which was erected in 1938 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Huguenots at the Cape, was ceremonially inaugurated on 17th April 1948.
  • Franschhoek open gardens, in aid of Fleur de Lis Age Home, held in October 073 535 0007
  • Franscherk walking tours   072 999 8581

Useful Numbers

  • Police: Saps -021 876 8061
  • Municipality: 021 808 8700
  • Traffic department :Stellenbosch -021 808 8800
  • Fire: Paarl Brandweer-021 872 2323
  • Water:021 808 8700
  • Electricity:021 808 8700
  • Ambulance:10177
  • Post office;Post Office-021 876 2342
  • Local newspaper: Tatler 021 876 3460  info@franschhoektatler.co.za
  • Library: Franschhoek Public Library-021 808 8406
  • Closest hospital; Clinic-021 876 2172
  • Pharmacy;Link  Pharmacy-021 876 2261
  • SPCA:021 876 4808
  • Schools
  • :Franschhoek High School-021 876 207
  •  Groendal Secondary School-021 876 2211
  • Dalubuhle Primary School-021 876 3957
  • Wes-Eind Primary School-021 876 2360
  • Groendal Primary School-021 876 2448
  • Bridge House School-021 874 8100
  • Simond Privaatskool-021 874 1196
  • Museums;
  • Franschhoek Motor Museum-021 874 9002
  • First South African Perfume Museum-072 342 4174
  • Huguenot Memorial Museum- 021 876 2532
  • Tourism ; 021 876 3603

Local Listings