33km (20 miles) E of Stellenbosch; 79km (49 miles) E of Cape Town via Stellenbosch; 85km (53 miles) SE of Cape Town via Paarl
If you plan to overnight in the Winelands, the prettiest valley by far is Franschhoek (French Corner), the land Simon van der Stel gave the French Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in 1688. This minute valley, surrounded by soaring mountains, is so lush, a local once compared it to "living in a lettuce"; aside from its scenic advantages, it boasts the highest concentration of top-quality restaurants in Africa, and a number of excellent accommodations options. It's very faux French, however, and some complain that it's become too touristy, but relative to the other Winelands options, it's easy to navigate and still offers the most rural atmosphere, with dirt tracks a few blocks from the main road, and glorious views wherever you look.
