The Protea Hotel Franschhoek overlooks the majestic mountains and famous vineyards of the historical village of Franschhoek, some 80 km east of Cape Town and prides itself on its charming ambiance, gracious style and attentive service. Indeed, if you are looking for tranquillity and beauty, you will find it at the Protea Hotel Franschhoek. The hotel has a rich history, with one section dating back to the 1880s. The town itself takes its name from the French Huguenots who settled here in the early 1820s after fleeing from their home country. Franschhoek has since become one of South Africa's leading culinary and wine-tasting destinations. Protea Hotel Franschhoek offers a restaurant, conference facilities, luxury accommodation, a sparkling swimming pool and well-stocked vinotique. Our convenient location make it a superb base from which to explore Franschhoek's culinary reputation, art galleries, cheese factories and some 25 wine estates. Various outdoor activities, such as horse-riding, golf, backpacking and trout-fishing, can also be arranged.

Rooms: The Protea Hotel Franschhoek offers 30 spacious en-suite rooms, comprising:

• 2 Colonial Queen Rooms
• 5 Colonial Suites
• 20 Pool Suites
• 2 Luxury Pool Suites and 1 Deluxe Suite
• Single, double and family options are also available.

All rooms are equipped with:

• Television
• Dual voltage sockets (110/240 V)
• A bar fridge
• A direct telephone number facility
• Air-conditioning.
• Although no two rooms or suites are identical at Protea Hotel Franschhoek, all are tastefully decorated to make your stay special, welcoming and comfortable.

Attractions: Protea Hotel Franschhoek's central location makes it the ideal base from where to explore the town's culinary reputation, art galleries, cheese factories and more than 20 wine estates. Various outdoor activities, such as horse-riding, golf, backpacking and trout-fishing, can also be arranged.

• Golf: Surrounded by tall mountains and colourful vineyards, the various golf courses in and around Franschhoek offer the perfect setting for a memorable round of golf.
• Horse riding: Explore the countryside on horseback. Equestrian centres near Franschhoek offer scenic rides on horseback through the hills and valleys around the village.
• Trout fishing: Various trout farms offer premier fly fishing venues with crystal clear dams and rivers stocked with rainbow trout and small mouth bass.
• Hiking trails: The Franschhoek Mountains, Drakenstein Mountains and adjacent Boland Mountains offer some of South Africa's most beautiful hiking trails. Choose between day hikes and overnight hikes, ranging from easy strolls to tough challenges. Some trails require permits.
• Eating out: Franschhoek, the food and wine capital of South Africa, hosts eight of the country's top 100 restaurants. Two of these are included in the Top Ten Restaurants of the Year (2004). Come on, indulge yourself.
• Wine routes: Be sure to set aside time to explore our beautiful wine routes and taste the award-winning vines of the Vignerons de Franschhoek. The Franschhoek Wine Route, mostly along the R45 road, include famous wine estates like Boschendal, Chamonix, Dieu Donne, Graham Beck, La Motte, L'Ormarins, the Rupert & Rothchild Vignerons, and Vrede en Lust. Franschhoek, with its more than 25 wine cellars, is the certainly most beautiful wine valley in South Africa. For your convenience, these wines can be purchased at the Franschhoek Inn Vinotique.
• Cheese factories: South Africans' interest in cheese has grown significantly over the past few years. However, it was the hosting of the SA National Cheese Festival in Franschhoek in 2000 which really put South African cheeses on the map. We now have a thriving local cheese industry with both boutique cheese producers and commercial producers creating quality cheese with individuality. Be sure to try out our local Camembert, Brie, soft French cheeses and cheddar-style cheeses, or let us arrange a cheese tour for you.
• Art galleries: The main street of Franschhoek is lined with art galleries selling and exhibiting a wide range of arts and crafts - including fine original oil paintings, watercolours, pastels and drawings, and sculptures in stone, wood and bronze by renowned South African artists. You will also find African and Eurocentric artefacts, contemporary ceramics and exquisite pieces of jewellery.