Things to Do Near Franschhoek Country House & Villas During Your Stay
There’s always something memorable to do in Franschhoek. From slow mornings on the Franschhoek Wine Tram to evenings of fine dining at Monneaux Restaurant, the valley offers a collection of experiences that capture the best of the Cape Winelands. During your stay at Franschhoek Country House & Villas, you can explore nearby wine estates, art galleries, and hiking trails — all just minutes away. Whether you prefer spa time, adventure, or culture, these are some of our favourite things to do in Franschhoek, each close enough for an easy day out. If you’re planning your visit, have a look at our Accommodation page for inspiration on where to stay while you explore.
Where to Stay While Exploring Franschhoek
Franschhoek is best enjoyed when there is time to slow down between wine tastings, gallery visits, scenic walks and long lunches. Franschhoek Country House & Villas gives guests a peaceful base just outside the village, with rooms and villa-style suites, Monneaux Restaurant, gardens and easy access to the experiences listed below.
Plan your day around the valley, then return to quiet accommodation, dinner on the estate and a more relaxed Winelands stay.
SPA TREATMENT ROOM
Relax at our Spa Treatment Room – Unwind at Our On-Site Sanctuary
Tucked quietly into the property, the spa treatment room at Franschhoek Country House & Villas is designed for rest and reset. It’s an intimate space, created to help you step away from the pace of the day and enjoy some time to yourself.
We use Theravine products – developed here in South Africa and loved for their gentle, natural ingredients. Every treatment is adjusted to suit how you feel – whether you’re after a restoring facial or a full-body massage to ease tension. It’s your time, and it’s unhurried.
Before your visit, browse our spa menu and packages or chat to reception for personal recommendations.
WINE
Take the Franschhoek Wine Tram – A Journey Through Wine
One of the most relaxed ways to experience the valley is aboard the Franschhoek Wine Tram. It’s a hop-on, hop-off service that connects some of the region’s best wine estates – all while offering open-air views and a nostalgic, vintage tram setting.
There are several routes to choose from, each one offering a different mix of estates, scenery, and stories along the way. It’s a gentle, scenic way to explore the Franschhoek wine experience – perfect if you’d like to take the day at your own pace. Stay close to the line with our luxury accommodation in Franschhoek and make the most of every stop.
FOOD & WINE
Food & Wine Experiences – Discover Franschhoek’s Culinary Scene
This region is known for its food – and rightly so. The Franschhoek Valley is home to some of South Africa’s top restaurants and boutique wine estates, making it a favourite destination for those who appreciate thoughtful dining and exceptional wines.
If you’d like to explore further, both the Stellenbosch and Paarl wine routes are within an easy 30-minute drive. Each offers its own unique take on Winelands hospitality. We’re also happy to assist with guided wine or cellar tours, or to recommend a table at Monneaux Restaurant Franschhoek – right here on the estate.
You can also enjoy fine dining right here at our very own Monneaux Restaurant Franschhoek – seasonal menus, estate wines, and candlelit ambience await.
CULTURE
Culture & Boutique Shopping in Franschhoek
Franschhoek’s always had its own rhythm. It’s a small town with big stories – shaped by history, surrounded by mountains, and filled with creative energy.
Drive the pass for a full view of the valley, then head back down and wander through the streets. You’ll come across little galleries, jewellery shops, and family-run spots where it’s easy to lose track of time. If you’re curious about the area’s past, the Huguenot Museum is worth a stop – along with a few tucked-away heritage sites that share pieces of the town’s early days.
After exploring the village, unwind at Franschhoek Country House & Villas – a peaceful retreat just minutes from the main street.
EXPLORE
For the Adventurous – Hiking, Horse Riding & More
If you’re looking to mix a little adventure into your stay, Franschhoek offers a few unexpected ways to explore. You can taste wine on horseback, cycle through the village, or head for the hills and take on one of the trails for some of the best hiking near Franschhoek accommodation.
Prefer something with a bit more speed? The nearby Elgin Valley has ziplining through forest canopies – a fun way to see the landscape from a different angle. Whether it’s slow or fast-paced, the valley’s always worth exploring beyond the vineyard.
After your adventures, return to Franschhoek Country Villas for a well-earned rest.
GOLF
Tee Off at Nearby Golf Estates
If you enjoy a round of golf, there are several scenic courses within easy reach of Franschhoek. Pearl Valley, Boschenmeer, Stellenbosch Golf Club, and Theewaterskloof are all great options, each offering a different view of the Winelands landscape.
A few more courses sit a little further out, so there’s plenty of choice whether you’re after a relaxed afternoon or something a bit more competitive. Stay nearby at our Franschhoek hotel for easy access to these fairways.
WINE TOURS
Horse Riding & Wine Tasting Tours
There’s something timeless about exploring the Winelands on horseback. Guided rides take you through vineyards, over low mountain trails, and across open farm roads with plenty of time to stop along the way.
You’ll visit boutique estates like Vrede en Lust or Babylonstoren for tastings – relaxed, unhurried, and with views that stretch across the valley. It’s a slower, more scenic take on wine tasting near Franschhoek Country House & Villas, and one that’s well worth setting aside a day for.
MORE
Day Trips from Franschhoek
If you’re looking to explore beyond the village, Franschhoek is perfectly placed for a range of day trips. Stellenbosch and Paarl are both less than 30 minutes away, each offering its own mix of wine farms, restaurants, and countryside charm.
The Elgin Valley is another favourite – cooler in climate and known for its orchards, forest walks, and ziplining routes. Whether you’re after a slow lunch, a scenic drive, or a change of scenery, these day trips from Franschhoek add even more variety to your stay.
Plan your visit and view our Accommodation options to make the most of your time in the Cape Winelands.
Things to Do in Franschhoek FAQs
Where should I stay when exploring things to do in Franschhoek?
Franschhoek Country House & Villas is a peaceful base just outside the village, close to wine estates, galleries, restaurants, scenic drives and the Franschhoek Wine Tram.
Is Franschhoek Country House & Villas close to the Wine Tram and village experiences?
Yes. The property is close to Franschhoek village and offers easy access to the Wine Tram, local restaurants, galleries, wine estates and scenic Cape Winelands activities.
Can I combine Franschhoek activities with dinner at Monneaux?
Yes. Guests can explore Franschhoek during the day and return to the estate for dinner at Monneaux Restaurant, making it easy to combine local experiences with a relaxed evening.