Fun-filled festival promises French flair

OOH la la! It’s time to immerse yourself in French culture with the annual Bastille Festival in Franschhoek next weekend.

Deck yourself out in red, white and blue, slap a beret on your head, a rope of garlic around your neck and baguette under your arm and set off for the beautiful winelands village with its French roots.

In the late 17th century a large number fled religious persecution in France as Protestant-reformed Christians and immigrated to the Cape of Good Hope to find a new life. The name “Franschhoek” stems from the Dutch phrase “Fransche Hoek”, which means “French corner”.

The Huguenot Monument at the end of the Main Road will form the backdrop for a marquee filled with fabulous Franschhoek wines from Anthonij Rupert Wines, Boschendal, Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate, Haute Cabriere, and Leopard’s Leap Family Vineyards, among others.

Complement these with gourmet food from eateries in the region including Bread and Wine, Foliage Restaurant, Huguenot Fine Choco- lates, Reuben’s Franschhoek, and Terra Del Capo.

Add a quirky caricature artist who will captures your Bastille experience, the popular Porcupine Ridge barrel rolling competition, and a dedicated children’s area, and you have all the ingredients for a fun filled festival.

Ample parking permits you to leave your car while you spend the day either in the marquee or the village, which is a short stroll away with a hive of festive activities.

These include boules, a highly civilised game which can be played with a glass of wine in one hand.

The festival is on July 16 and 17 from 12pm to 5pm. Tickets to the Food & Wine Marquee cost R220 and include entry, a tasting glass, and a booklet of five wine tasting coupons as well as a R20 wine voucher to be redeemed at the festival. Additional coupons can be purchased on the day. Tickets are limited so pre-booking through www. webtickets is advised.

www. franschhoekbastille. co. za or follow @ Franschhoek_ SA on Twitter.