Day Trip or Weekend – Cape Town to Grabouw via Franschhoek
Day Trip or Weekend to Grabouw via Franschhoek
Cape Town – Franschhoek – Grabouw – Cape Town
N1 – R44 – Franschhoek Wine Valley – Theewaterskloof Dam – Elgin Valley
This drive of 196 kms takes you from Cape Town to Theewaterskloof Dam, to Grabouw in the Elgin Valley via the quaint town of Franschoek, to hundreds of years-old vineyards, Wine Estates, glorious valleys, through mountain passes, wild flowers and farmland.T
he highlight of this trip is the historic town of Franschoek (French Quarter), where the cuisine temptations are second to none! Leave Cape Town early to enjoy everything there is to see on this route or (recommended) take a weekend and overnight in Franschoek. You will be staying in the ‘piece de resistance’ of the Cape Winelands with its unique Dutch and French Huguenot Heritage.
Take this wonderful day trip out of Cape Town and you will come back feeling on top of the world!
This Route is a must! It is unique in the attractions offered and the scenery is stunningly beautiful. It also is a Wine Route of note. One of the most amazing sights from September to October is the fields of red watsonia near the Theewaterskloof Dam in Franschhoek.
A great way to spend a day!
Directions: Take the N1 out of Cape Town towards Paarl. Then take the turn off onto the R44. At Klapmuts look out for Butterfly World (an interesting attraction). Then carry on to the R45. Turn left onto the R45. Continue with the R45 through Franschoek to the T-junction with the R321 and R43. Turn right onto the R321 to Elgin past Theewaterskloof dam and re-join the N2 at Grabouw and drive back to Cape Town over Sir Lowry’s Pass.
The Franschhoek Valley produces some of the world’s truly great wines and has a comprehensive Wine Route. You will pass the Backsberg Cellars, Vrede & Lust, Graham Beck, Eikehof, La Motte and many wine estates en-route to Franschoek. For a map of the wine route, or more information about the local vineyards, phone the Franschoek Wine Valley & Tourist Association +27(0)21 876 3603.
If you’re a foodie, Franschoek is your type of place!
Franschoek is South Africa’s gourmet capital. Here top chefs have created some highly sought after eating spots. A smorgasbord of culture and quirks – from antique shops and art and craft galleries to cheese, chocolate and coffee shops awaits you.
Visit the Huguenot Museum on Lambrecht Street – you’ll get an idea of the rich French heritage that floods this beautiful corner of South Africa.
Join in the fun on Bastille Day – annual gourmet fair (weekend closest to July 14).
In late October, Franschoek presents the Fete de la Musique for classical music lovers: a range of classical music events at some of Franschhoek’s finest eateries & the beautiful Dutch Reformed Church, with all proceeds donated to local charities.
On your way to Grabouw you will pass the magnificent Theeswaterskloof Dam just outside of Villiersdorp.
Theewaterskloof dam is one of the biggest dams in the area and a mecca for water-sports enthusiasts.
The dam has always been known for its excellent Bass fishing and is a mecca for water-sports enthusiasts including sailing, power boating, jet skiing, canoeing, angling, swimming, tubing, wake boarding kite surfing, skiing, swimming. For more information on the water-sports call the Theewater Sports Club on 028-840 1334
Head on to Grabouw which is the centre of the Elgin Valley.
The beautiful Elgin Valley is known internationally for its fine Apple Farms
With its pine plantations it also offers a varied experience to nature-lovers who come to explore its hiking and mountain bike trails. The annual Elgin Open Garden Festival is usually held on or around the 29th October, and is something not to be missed if you are in the area. You will stumble across mounds of local fresh flowers, fruit, herbs and wines and a wonderful variety of local products.