About an hour from Cape Town, Franschhoek is the Winelands village where you genuinely want to stop: vineyards running up to the foot of the mountains, a main street made for walking, and mountain roads best ridden without hurry. It is also a valley founded by French Huguenots, which gives it a familiar feel for French-speaking travellers.
The pass and its view over the valley
Above the village, the road climbs to a lookout where the valley opens out: vineyards, white farmsteads and blue-grey ridges on the horizon. It is the place to switch off the engine, park the bike and take in the height before heading back down.
Through access over the Franschhoek Pass is suspended during repair work: check that it has reopened before including it in your route. Meanwhile, Helshoogte remains a beautiful way to see the area.
The village, a Huguenot heritage
Huguenot families from France settled here at the end of the 17th century, and many wine estate names still carry that trace. You see it in the white gables, the tended gardens and the Huguenot Monument at the edge of the village.
Allow an hour or two on foot: galleries, small shops, shaded terraces. The motorcycles stay parked, and the day changes pace.
The Wine Tram, to taste without riding
On a motorcycle, tasting and riding do not mix. A simple solution is the Wine Tram, a vintage tram that runs between the vineyards. It is booked separately, and estate visits need their own arrangements.
Fitting it into a day on the bike
Franschhoek sits nicely mid-day, between the morning country roads and the ride back to Cape Town. Set off early, keep lunch for the village, and let the late-afternoon light carry you home.
It is one of the stops on our Winelands day ride. The exact programme is confirmed before departure, depending on the weather and road conditions.
Cape Ride Adventures
Explore the Winelands day ride
