The French Connection

Franschhoek is Africaans for ‘French Corner’ and that is what it appears to be. Although the link with France was a long time ago, the influence remains in street names and the general ambience of the place.

In the 17th century, when Protestants in France were heavily persecuted by a Roman Catholic regime, many of these Huguenots fled to other countries as refugees. They were especially welcomed by the Netherlands, but eventually there were just too many of them and some were persuaded to go the Cape to settle. In 1688 around 200 made the journey. They settled in various places, but mainly in the Franschhoek area, a rich and fertile valley surrounded by high mountains. Here they made their homes, established farms and began winemaking.

This is the Huguenot Monument at the end of the town, which commemorates the journey these people made and the way they settled and established the area. The Monument stands in a large and beautiful garden, which is looking very dry at the moment because of the severe drought the Cape Town area is currently suffering – the sprinklers were not working, neither was the fountain in the water below the statue. But it is still an impressive monument, sparkling in the sun.

We visited the Museum next to the Monument, which tells the Huguenot story. We wandered the main street, lined with shops and galleries and cafes. Then it was too hot to do anything else but to go to one of the many Wine Estates for a lovely lunch in the shade and then retreat to our splendid guest house and sit by the pool and read. Later we will eat at a French restaurant close by. called - The French Connection!