About
Franschhoek
Food and wine have been defining features of Franschhoek, the Cape's French Corner, since its founding years. A group of 176 hard working and principle-bound French Huguenots including farmers, viticulturists, and artisans found this town in 1688, and their pioneering legacy lives on. These days Franschhoek boasts S.Pellegrino World Top 50 best restaurants, award-winning wine estates, and cultural attractions.
The Village Market
It’s only fitting that a thriving village market continues the Franschhoek legacy. Our high quality goods are traded in the town centre, providing a market space for producers, traders and buyers. We have been consistently rated as one of the best markets in the Cape region, and continue to build on the work of our predecessors. The market is managed by mom-and-daughter team; Elsuna and Elzahn, who revived the market in 2016.
Art by Elzahn Nel
French Boules
On Saturday you could come across some locals enjoying a game of Boules at the Franschhoek Village Market. But the game never starts without a glass of wine and some snacks. In the past, we have even provided the backdrop for a large competition, with around 45 teams participating.
“We taught each other the game,” says Clive Venning, one of our regular Boules player. And things do get competitive during the large competitions. Clive says, “Some of the teams even come from France!”
Bastille Festival
The Village Market expands with a greater variety of traders each year in July during the Bastille Festival (when Covid lockdowns allow for it). During this festival we celebrate the Valley’s centuries-old French Huguenot heritage. Be sure to dress in the French colours (red, white and blue) and bring your beret along.