During the late 1600's, the French Hugenots arrived in South Africa and settled in Franschhoek, founding the smallest town in the Drakenstein Valley. The name Franschhoek means "French corner" but the the town was originally named Olifantshoek, which means "Elephants Corner" after the fact that migrating herds would move through the valley in search of more fertile lands beyond. Today we celebrate this rich history and cultural diversity by doing a weekend "French style" With loads of activities and attractions including a Food & Wine Marquee, a French Film Festival, the Chef’s & Waiters Race, Pêtanque, the Barrel Rolling competition and lots more you can be assured that there's something on offer for the whole family at the annual Franschhoek Bastille Festival. Come and celebrate that French corner within yourself and enjoy a day in the sun in the Culinary Capital of South Africa.
Make your way to Franschhoek, South Africa’s Gourmet Capital, over the weekend of the 17th and 18th of July, where locals and visitors will be celebrating the Valley’s centuries-old French Huguenot heritage at its annual Bastille Festival.
The Franschhoek Wine Valley has throughout the years been linked with the pursuit of freedom, as the destination where the French Huguenots sought refuge from persecution. Aside from the European legacy, the connection with freedom is also evident in a local context with the Drakenstein Prison (formerly Victor Verster), the prison from which the iconic Nelson Mandela was released, situated between Franschhoek and Paarl. This year in particular will be more significant as it commemorates the 20th anniversary of Mr Mandela’s release from the exact prison.
And 2010 will without a doubt be a year of celebrations. Taking into account that South Africa will be winding down from the hype and festivities of World Cup 2010, what better way to paint the town red, white and blue and join in ‘A Celebration of Freedom’. Not forgetting, it’s the only time of the year you’ll be forgiven for wearing a beret.
The Food and Wine Marquee open from 12 noon until 5pm, is always the focal point which draws people to the hub of activity, where visitors can sample fine wines from some of Franschhoek’s award-winning wine estates and indulge in mouth-watering dishes created by the Valley’s highly acclaimed chefs. Sample a wide selection of cuisine, ranging from: oysters, sushi, local and French cheeses to charcuterie, hand-made chocolates and salmon trout from the area.
Not to be missed is the festival’s comprehensive sporting element featuring the usual, popular traditions and activities of: boules, Franschhoek minstrel parade, kiddies’ soccer, a barrel-rolling contest and a fun run. A farmers’ market, craft market stalls, musicians and children’s activities are also included in the line up of festival celebrations. For those wanting to appreciate French heritage in comfort, the Screening Room at Le Quartier Français will be screening French movies throughout the weekend.
Known throughout the world for its fine cuisine, Franschhoek’s award-winning restaurants will also be offering special menus exclusively prepared for this annual Festival.
So, with something for everyone, make a weekend of your visit, taking full advantage of the many Bastille accommodation packages on offer. Come celebrate the universal triumph of freedom. C’est la vie!
Cost: An R100.00 per person entrance fee allows you access to the Food and Wine. Marquee, which includes a tasting glass and a complimentary booklet containing 5 tasting coupons. Thereafter all tastings will be charged on consumption.
Enquiries: Darielle Robertson - Events Manager
Franschhoek Wine Valley
Tel: 021 876 2861
Email:
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Bookings: Tickets can be purchased through www.webtickets.co.za, but hurry as tickets are limited. Once the marquee is full no further patrons will be admitted.
Map:
Captions as numbered
- Donning colourful red berets, visitors to the festival get the opportunity to sip and savour award-winning wines.
- Franschhoek becomes a colour French Affair during the Bastille Festival
- Boule, another popular festival activity.
- What would the Bastille Festival be without the accordion player?
- The Food and Wine Marquee is always the focal point which draws people to the hub of activity.
- The popular festival activity of barrel rolling.
- The festival caters for children, with an abundance of kiddies' activities.
- A Bastille Festival clown to keep the kids occupied
