History

Province: Western Cape
Winelands
Coordinates:33°55′S 19°08′E
Area:7.05 km2
Municipality: Stellenbosch

Franschhoek is relatively remote and the Franschhoek valley has mountains on three sides. Before it was Franschhoek it was called Olifanthoek by early settlers as elephant cows chose the protected valley for raising their calves
Huguenots who arrived from France in 1688 were allotted farms in Drakenstein where the soil was of poor quality. They appealed to Governor Simon van der Stel to move to better farms. In 1694 9 farms were allocated in the Olifantshoek area along the Franschhoek river. These farms were later subdivided and named after areas in France.
The Huguenots brought with them agricultural expertise and many of the original farms are renowned wineries where the original Cape Dutch, French-influenced buildings can still be seen.
Franschhoek was first called de France Hoek (The French Corner), It was later shortened to Franschhoek. In 1805 the name Franschhoek or La Petite Rochelle was given by the Commissioner-General of the Batavian Republic. Jau De Mist, The town was declared a municipality only in 1881.
The earliest track over the mountains was made by the elephants but the track was rough and uneven and therefore unsuitable for wagons. Simon Van Der Stel organized a gang of slaves to make a road, estimating it would take just a few months. 125 years later 1819 was the first time a fairly passable road was created by SJ Cats. The road became known as “Cats se Pad” which though arduous was in use till 1825 when Lord Charles Somerset used soldiers from the Royal Africa Corps to build a new road. A stone bridge was built at Jan Joubertsgat which was so-called because he died there. The bridge can still be seen today and it is the oldest bridge currently in use. The road was used until 1933 when the present road was completed. It was modified and tarred in 1960.
The arrival of the Huguenots changed the face of the area and there was much French influence in the culture and language. Many South African surnames are of Huguenot origin such as Malherbe, Terreblanche, Du Toit, Marais, Du Plessis, and others.

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

Franschhoek literary festival
Bastille day in Franschhoek
Franschhoek Chamber Music Festival. https://fcmf.co.za/
Franschhoek Uncorked
Robertsvlei MTB trail

Useful Numbers

Police: Saps Franschhoek-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;Franschhoek Post Office-021 876 2342
Local newspaper: Franschoek Tatler 021 876 3460 info@franschhoektatler.co.za
Library:Franschhoek Public Library-021 808 8406
Closest hospital;Franschoek Clinic-021 876 2172
Pharmacy;Link Franschhoek 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

Franschhoek