WINES

There is a superb wine shop offering a wide selection of wines. La Cotte offers a wide range of quality local and international wines, beers, spirits, mixers and cheeses. Speak to the guru Ludwig. It is within staggering distance from the cottage. Many of the wine estates offer tasting, and some by appointment only. There is more information in the house.

RESTAURANTS

Franschhoek is the gastronomic capital of South Africa with eight of the top 100 restaurants in the country. We advise that when you make your booking at Cook's Cottage, you give us your preferences for us to book. In high season the top restaurants are often full up to one month in advance. Download the e-brochure from the Franschhoek website for more information.

CYCLING

What better way to explore the valley and visit some of the vineyards and restaurants than on a mountain bike. Manic Cycles, in the village, offer mountain bikes for hire. There are gentle routes, or ones that offer a little more adventure!

HORSE RIDING
There are many trails and a number of companies offering trails and wine tasting on horseback.

FISHING

For those that are into casting a fly and slapping a fresh trout on the fire in the evening there is a beautiful spot 10 minutes drive in a picturesque valley, next door to Franschhoek. They supply all the tackle at Dewdale and there is a picnic area below the willow trees, next to the lakes.

HIKING
There are plenty of trails in the valley and the mountains. See the maps for more details.

PARAGLIDING

When the weather is right you can launch yourselves off the mountain and glide through the valley, and get someone else to do the work. This is a fantastic way to start your Franschhoek experience!

GOLF

There are some splendid golf courses in the Western Cape. At Pearl Valley there is the newest designer, world-class, course in the Cape, just 15 minutes down the road. Over the mountain, on the side of Theewaterskloof Dam, is a nine-hole country course. There are more courses in Paarl and Stellenbosch.