Franschhoek– a little corner of France in the Cape. My intro to this post is going to start with les couleurs…the colours that blew my hair back in this most magnificent of valleys, before my lips had even touched a wine glass or nibbled a canapé.
In the Western Cape, as you may or may not know, we are graced with summer days right in the middle of winter. Last Wednesday was one such perfect day- crisp, with a striking blue sky framing the mountains and vineyards, graciously upping the ante on all my images. From rustic reds and browns of late autumn leaves to walls painted in ochre, burnt orange flames leaping in fireplaces, peacocks in dazzling turquoise plumage and lush green gardens tinged with lavender and purple salvia bushes, Franschhoek is a visual trip. Breathtaking views for days and nature at its finest, presenting like one huge painting.
Franschhoek is a show off. It’s a posh little ville, yet emanates warmth, hospitality and great service. I experienced exceptional food and wine at Noble Hill, a decadently delicious high tea at La Residence, award winning bubbly at Haute Cabriere, dinner at Dutch East and at the end of it all, flopped into my duvet cloud at the luxurious L’Ermitage villas, that overlook fynbos-covered hills. The next morning I enjoyed breakfast in the company of, amongst other wonderful people, monsieur Hendrik the rooster at the stylish Cafe Bon Bon, on the La Petite Dauphine estate.
The refreshing thing about this staycation was that all the places I went to, other than Haute Cabriere, were first time visits for me. Franschhoek has so many hidden gems. Get yourself there this winter…sip your vino fireside, enjoy fine food and an even finer welcome, wherever you go. Aller visiter!
And now, I’m going to swamp you with images, saturated with colour…
(This trip was courtesy of Franschhoek Wine Valley & Tourist Association and arranged by Pippa Pringle from On the Marque Communications)
A magnificent peacock at La Residence
Rusts, reds, browns and that gorgeous blue sky…
Noble Hill wine estate
Mexican tapas at Cosecha, at Noble Hill
A visit to Haute Cabriere for lunch & bubbly is a must
La Residence…the colours remind me of a Monet painting
High tea is a grand occasion at La Residence
Berries ablaze…high tea at La Residence
Macarons…again at La Residence…I couldn’t resist posting this many foodie images…
Breakfast at Cafe Bon Bon, at La Petite Dauphine
Monet palettes…
THE END ~ LE FIN
And to end, a leg hoist, because bubbly made moi do it…