Le good life at Le Franschhoek

21 May 2014

Franschhoek has always been a town I felt an affinity towards; the sophisticated French cousin to my hip Mother City if you will. With great food, wine, art, culture and scenery it's hard not to be seduced by her many charms. Therefore I would recommend a full weekend to explore rather than a day trip to best capitalise on those charms. And where better to lay your head than Three Cities' Le Franschhoek, a hotel that quintessentially captures all things French and Franschhoek.

Ooh la la

A large and sprawling hotel, Le Franschhoek still retains an intimate and welcoming feeling, which is achieved by the different room and villa options separated by pretty gardens and walkways and their fine attention to detail. Complimentary wine and macaroons greeted us as we entered our room and returning from dinner our bed was turned down, slippers had been placed alongside it and bottles of water and chocolates put on our bedside tables.

I would describe the décor of the rooms as subtle French country chic. Thatched roof, a muted cream-and-beige palette, elegant four-poster bed and breathtaking views of the mountains and vineyards all contribute to a sophisticated slice of French-style staying.

Order envy

After settling into our chic room we headed to the main hotel area to test out its fine-dining restaurant: Dish. Foregoing a starter due to a day of overindulgence, we headed straight to the main course, but not before a delicious complimentary taster of baby chicken pie and pomegranate syrup was served to us. For the main course I chose the peppered ostrich steak with potato and butternut cake and beetroot and fynbos jus. Beautifully presented and incredibly tasty, my only criticism would be that the potato and butternut cake was somewhat bland and the dish would have been better served without it. My partner chose the succulent aged beef fillet with potato gratin, horseradish aioli and bacon crumble. Order envy was in order. For dessert we shared a vanilla panacotta with poached pineapple and raspberries and a trio of chocolate mousse. Both velvety and delicious, the outstanding ingredient for me was the poached pineapple. Never before being a pineapple fan that wafer-thin and syrupy pineapple just might have swayed me.

Table with a view

After a fine buffet breakfast the next day we explored the hotel further. The views are truly magnificent whichever way you turn; however the best are saved for the back of the hotel in Le Verger, the Orchard Restaurant. Unfortunately it is closed for winter but one could easily see what a unique and stunning restaurant this must be in the summer. The tables are nestled amongst the garden and conservatory offering secluded tables separated by the layout and rambling vines and roses. I will have to return to Le Franschhoek in summer if only to sit at one of these tables.

Bellies filled, minds enriched and hearts stolen, our stay at Le Franschhoek and Franschhoek in general was a lovely and relaxing one. Au revoir Le Franschhoek, 'til we meet again!

For more info or to make a booking go to www.lefranschhoek.co.za.