Franschoek ,Established originally by 176 French Huguenot refugees in 1688 and one of the oldest town in South Africa , now known as the culinary capital of South Africa having some of the best restaurants in the country including one of the top 50 in the world. The Huguenot Monument is dedicated to the cultural influence of the first French settlers and today their influence is still found in the wide variety of boutique wineries.
Originally called Elephants Corner.First reconnaissance done by Simon van der Stel in 1687 and later called French Corner and finally Franschhoek due to the first 176 French Huguenots who had settled in the valley in 1688 Initially and grew to 201 by 1692. By 1700 over a million vine plants had been planted in the valley. Now home to famous wine estates in Franschoek.The Huguenot Monument is dedicated to the cultural, skills and craftsmanship of these early pioneers .Today Franschoek is known as the culinary capital of S. Africa with the finest restaurants.
