Franschhoek
Franschhoek ([fransˈɦuk]; Afrikaans for "French Corner", Dutch spelling before 1947 Fransche Hoek, French: Le Coin Français) is a small town in the Western Cape Province and one of the oldest towns in South Africa. It was formerly known as Oliphants hoek (as there were vast groups of elephants roaming the valley). It is situated about 75 kilometres (47 mi) from Cape Town, a 45-minute drive away. The whole area, including townships such as Groendal and suburbs such as Wemmershoek, has a population of slightly over 20,000 people while the town proper, known as Hugenote, has a population of around 1,000. Since 2000, it has been incorporated into Stellenbosch Municipality. In 2022, Franschhoek was mentioned in Time magazine as one of the top 50 places in the world to visit.
Franschhoek | |
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Clockwise from top: Franschhoek Pass, the Huguenot Monument, Huguenot Museum, Bastille Festival, Boschendal Estate, Dutch Reformed Church, Franschhoek | |
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Flag Coat of arms | |
| Motto(s): Dieu Est Mon Aide (French: God is My Helper) | |
Franschhoek Franschhoek Franschhoek | |
| Coordinates: 33°55′S 19°08′E | |
| Country | South Africa |
| Province | Western Cape |
| District | Cape Winelands |
| Municipality | Stellenbosch |
| First Settled | 1688 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.8 km2 (0.7 sq mi) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Total | 1,066 |
| • Density | 590/km2 (1,500/sq mi) |
| Racial makeup (2011) | |
| • White | 76.8% |
| • Black African | 15.5% |
| • Coloured | 6.2% |
| • Indian/Asian | 0.5% |
| • Other | 1.0% |
| First languages (2011) | |
| • English | 44.1% |
| • Afrikaans | 43.8% |
| • Xhosa | 1.6% |
| • Sotho | 0.5% |
| • Other | 10.0% |
| Time zone | UTC+2 (SAST) |
| Postal code (street) | 7690 |
| PO box | 7690 |
| Area code | 021 |