CAPE TOWN DIVA: Cape Town's French corner...Franschhoek, this time there was snow...

Franschhoek, about a 50 minute drive out of Cape Town on the N2, is a must-visit destination for locals and People From Afar, come rain or shine. But on a sunny winters day, when snow caps the surrounding mountains, it's especially beautiful, a sight to behold. The Western Cape has had some heavier than usual snowfalls in the outlying areas this year - even Table Mountain got its share of powder, so the drive out of the city was stunning and I had to stop the car every 5 minutes to Instagram some or other scenic moment. I admit I was in a bit of an Instagram frenzy.

Franschhoek is a small town established around 1671 by the French Huguenots. The town has pretty much stayed the same over the years - there's definitely been residential expansion but the Main Street still feels (to me) as it did years back. There's some good shopping to be done, be it curios, artwork, locally made chocolate or home ware and there's no shortage of places to eat - both high end and casual - with some of the Cape's most rated restaurants being there, like Reuben's and Le Quartier Francais and then, even before you get to town, there's Bistro Allee Bleu and the superb Babylonstoren. If you're on the hunt for great coffee, then lucky for you (and me) there's a Deluxe Coffeeworks en ville, in a teeny space next to Reuben's - best get there early to make sure you don't miss out on the divine pastries.

The Franschhoek valley is home to some of the oldest and newest wine estates, with each vineyard bringing something unique to the table: L'Ormarins, Haute Cabriere, La Motte, Rupert & Rothschild, Boschendal, Colmant, Freedom Hill...the list goes on.

For a dose of culture, talke a walk around the Huguenot Monument or visit one of the museums...the area is steeped in history. There are even Bushman rock paintings to be spied if you venture a few km's out of town towards the mountains near the Wemmershoek Dam.

The name “Franschhoek” stems from the Dutch phrase “Fransche Hoek”, which means “French corner”. Don't you feel a French moment coming on? Allez mes Amis, good times await ...bon voyage, bon appetit & release your inner bon vivant- you know you want to. Just another reason to visit Cape Town I say.

See www.franschhoek.org. za for more info.

On the way...snow capped mountains...