Franschhoek is a town in South Africa’s Western Cape with centuries-old vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture.  Trails wind through flowers and wildlife at Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve to views over Franschhoek Valley.  The Huguenot Memorial Museum and neighbouring monument honour the area’s French settlers, who arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Franschhoek Motor Museum displays vintage cars amid mountain farmland.

The town’s proximity to Cape Town allows for pleasant day trips during which visitors can explore the area’s many world-class wine estates and range of excellent restaurants or simply browse through the quaint, upmarket boutiques strewn along the town’s tree-lined avenues.  (ITT)