Franschhoek Bastille Festival 2009

South Africa's French history makes its mark every year in the Cape Winelands

Franschhoek, South Africa’s Gourmet Capital, is once again celebrating its French Huguenot heritage with a wonderful feast of food, wine and entertainment at its annual Bastille Festival on the weekend of 11 and 12 July in 2009.

Franschhoek, being the French Corner of South Africa, celebrates Bastille Day with reckless abandon. In fact, we like to commemorate our forefathers by celebrating for an entire weekend. We might add that it’s also the only day in the year that you can get away with wearing a beret.

With lots to see, do and enjoy for the whole family, make a memorable winelands weekend getaway of your visit and take advantage of the special Bastille packages offered by a plethora of the great and cosy hotels and guest houses in Franschhoek.

Award-winning restaurants in Franschhoek, such as Ruebens, La Petite Ferme and Moreson Bread and Wine are compiling special menus exclusive to Bastille.

However, culinary indulgence is far from all this annual celebration has to offer. Frequent all the galleries, boutiques, crafts shops and food emporiums, dressed up to the nines and draped in French apparel. Amble along the charming aisles and weave in and out of the alcoves, delighting your senses.

Come along and paint the town red and blue, with entertainment ranging from a French Film Festival at Le Quartier’s Screening Room, to boules - a chefs and waiters’ race- to street soccer, a barrel-rolling contest and fly-fishing competitions.

The Bastille Food and Wine Marquee in the centre of Franschhoek’s main road is the focal point, drawing people to the hub of activity and fervor, as well-loved wineries and esteemed chefs parade their talents at colourful, vibrant stalls, offering delicious fare from oysters, sushi, local and French cheeses to charcuterie, hand-made chocolates and salmon trout from the valley, complemented by Franschhoek’s fine wines.

Guests can jive to the tunes of musicians while shopping up a storm at the market stalls and drinking in the wine, food and atmosphere, while a wide variety of children’s activities promise to keep your little ones amused for hours.

So, with something for everyone, come celebrate this universal, colourful appreciation of French heritage, history and culture. Du Vin, du pain; C’est la vie!

Read our directions overview article for directions from Cape Town to Franschhoek.

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