Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, Franschhoek is surrounded by serenely beautiful homesteads and vineyards. This quiet little town, overlooked by the mighty mountains of the Franschhoek-berg, was established by the Huguenots who settled here in 1688 after leaving France to escape persecution. The French tradition of fine cuisine has grown from these humble origins with Franschhoek now boasting many fine restaurants as well as local art and craft galleries.