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Less than an hour’s drive from Cape Town, the historic wine town of Franschhoek lies in the heart of the Winelands and enjoys a picturesque backdrop of towering mountains and rolling vineyards. When the Huguenots settled here in the late 17th century, they brought with them their age-old French cuisine and wine culture - a heritage which has come to define the region –and one which still continues today. Widely regarded as the food and wine capital of South Africa, Franschhoek, meaning ‘French corner’, is renowned for its bustling weekend atmosphere and boasts the largest concentration of acclaimed restaurants in the country. Set amidst a fragrant rose and lavender garden, the Cape Provençale spirit is echoed in the tin-roofed, white-walled buildings of Le Quartier Français. Charming and unpretentious, this delightful French-inspired auberge has just fifteen spacious bedrooms which open on to the rose-filled central courtyard and vintage-style swimming pool. In addition, there are two exclusive suites, each with a private plunge pool and complimentary full bars. Spacious and newly decorated with homely furnishings, all the rooms are splashed in sun-kissed pastels and fitted with cosy wood-burning fireplaces. For a truly romantic ‘pre-dinner’ indulgence - the auberge’s unique ‘Bath Menu’ has brought a whole new meaning to the ‘ensuite experience’! Simply select your choice of ‘bath time accompaniment’ – either ‘candles and incense’, ‘cocktails’, or even ‘Champagne and oysters’ – and at your request – your relaxing bath will be ready and waiting – complete with accessories! Within the grounds of the auberge - the newly opened ‘Four Quarters’ is the latest addition to Le Quartier Français. Decorated in characteristically bold designs, this fabulous four-bedroom villa boasts a private lounge, swimming pool and butler – and is ideal for families, groups of friends or couples seeking seclusion. It can either be booked ‘exclusively’ – or a room taken individually. In the multi award-winning restaurant, ‘The Tasting Room’, acclaimed chef Margot Janse offers course after course of exquisite culinary delights for serious ‘fine dining’ connoisseurs (bookings essential) - with even the option of appropriate wine-pairing. And for a lighter affair –Le Quartier’s relaxed café-style ‘iCi’ restaurant, which flows on to the street-side terrace, is not surprisingly, a firm favourite with the locals. Wine tasting sessions can be enjoyed at nearby wine cellars – and in the town, an array of art galleries, antique shops, boutiques and quaint specialist shops provide a wonderful way to spend the day. The Bread & Wine Vineyard Restaurant, also part of the ‘Le Quartier Français family’, serves modern country cooking in the grounds of a beautiful wine farm (just 10 minutes away).
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PRICES
Prices from £121 per person per night twin share in a Luxury Room and from £242 per person per night twin share for a room in the Four Quarters including breakfast.
Flights from the UK from £589 (including £120 tax) with South African Airways
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My Holidays: VIEWED
