Premier Magazine (South AFrica)
A PARTNERSHIP OF EXCELLENCE
Le chêne forms part of award-winning chef Darren Badenhorst’s portfolio of fine dining restaurants. Nestled in the glass observatory dining room in the Manor House of the five-star Leeu Estates, Le chêne offers a selection of two or three course dining experiences in true French style. Here, amidst the scenic gardens of Leeu Estates and the majestic mountains of Franschhoek, a preeminent estate and a chef extraordinaire share a vision of delighting the palette and enticing the senses cultivated from mother nature’s kitchen.
YOUR WINTER ESCAPE AWAITS IN FRANSCHHOEK
When you visit Franschhoek, you will find yourself “Over the Rainbow”. With every turn you take, the sweeping views and impossible vistas will take your breath away. It is no coincidence that this little Wineland-gem is called “The Valley of Dreams”. Just short of an hour’s drive from The Mother City lies the Franschhoek Valley, brimming with all the best of what life has to offer, no matter what the season. Regardless if you are in search of family fun, romance, or adventure, you came to the right place, and Winter in the valley is sprinkled with its own
kind of magic.
Hop onto the wine tram for a fun-filled day of adventure. Leave your vehicle and your woes behind and embrace the uniqueness of each wine estate stop.
Outdoor lovers will marvel at the Mont Rochelle hiking routes or the opportunity to hire a bike and ride through the village, discovering an array of boutique shops. The many galleries in and around town will delight art lovers and the award-winning restaurants have reinvented their menus using the finest local ingredients. Some may argue that a day without wine is a wasted one and if you subscribe to this philosophy, you are in good company. Fireplaces are roaring and winemakers are eager to share their knowledge and skills through curated tastings and cellar tours. Weekends see the main street bustling and buzzing with the legendary market, providing food stalls and live music in a rustic outdoor setting. Here visitors are welcomed with warmth and energy
from the local community!
The beloved July Bastille Festival may be on hold for now but the village is still gearing up to celebrate, with many restaurant establishments doing something extra special – a week of “French Flair” awaits!
When all the eating, drinking, sight-seeing, and hiking is done, flop into the fluffiest beds that you will find waiting in one of the boutique hotels, B&BS, or cottages.
For an ultra Franschhoek experience, consider the famous Franschhoek Mystery weekends, which include luxurious accommodation, award-winning wines, gourmet cuisine, and bespoke experiences. Dates for 2021 are 30 July to 1 August, 27 to 29 August, and
10 to 12 September.
Leave the real world behind – your winter escape awaits! For more information, visit franschhoek.org.za or follow us on www.instagram.com/franschhoeksa/