Stories of old from our Franschhoek valley
Our village, once upon a time
Today we know our beautiful village as Franschhoek – the “French corner”. But did you know that before the Huguenots arrived, our mountains were called “Olifantshoek”? According to our rich history, in the 17th century, elephants used to freely roam our valley and majestic mountains.
What’s more, long before the Franschhoek Pass was completed in 1825, Franschhoek’s inhabitants used to follow the paths created by these elephants as they moved through the steep mountain ranges, to cross the Franschhoek mountains by foot, horse or carts.
So next time you visit our beautiful village, take a moment to imagine our valley as it used to look.
Dad’s always taking care of you, now it’s your turn!
Here at the Franschhoek Village Market, we’d like to honour the dads in your life. That’s why we’re starting the Father’s Day celebrations a day early, on Saturday 19 June.
Join us at the market, in the heart of Franschhoek, and spend your Saturday showing dad (or the male role model in your life) how much he means to you. The live music will create the fun vibe, and there will be so many gift ideas to spoil him with, from genuine handmade leather vellies and wallets, silicone rings for his adventure trips, to hardy, unique art pieces for the braai place (or even his man cave). And then simply enjoy an ice-cold beer under the oak trees while watching the boules game unfold, making the most of your bonding time together.
See you Saturday 19 June from 10am – 3pm and let’s give Dad the love and appreciation he deserves.
Sundays are made for market POP-UPS
Any plans for Sunday yet? We’ve got it covered: it’s MARKET time!
Make the most of your weekend with a FULL market line-up as we welcome you on Saturday (5 June) for our usual market and Sunday (6 June) for a pop-up market. We’ll be sure to spoil you with vibrant live music from talented musicians, provide a scrumptious culinary experience with delicious home-made foods and of course showcase amazingly talented craftspeople and artists…
We’re thrilled to see you at the market this weekend (safely, as always).
Entertainment for June
Saturday 5 June – Peter Wyness
Sunday 6 June – Peter Vanne
Saturday 12 June – Guy Feldman
Saturday 19 June – Newton & Co
Saturday 26 June – Peter Vanne
A dedicated mom and entrepreneur - that's our latest featured trader
Junice Hanekom started her homeware company, Aitsa, in 2009 to support her children's education. During this time, she proudly helped her son to become a paramedic (working at sea) and her daughter a garment technologist.
But even though her children are now working, she has continued to inspire with Aitsa, creating scatter cushions, tablecloths, placemats, aprons etc. with her team of hard-working women. These women can in turn now support their own families. It's thanks to patrons like you, and guesthouses in Franschhoek that her business continues to grow.
The Franschhoek Village Market is a very special place for Junice, with the traders, staff and visitors like family to her.
P.S. Junice takes special orders, so please get in touch or come say "hi" at Saturday's market.
Pure relaxation and indulgence at the Franschhoek Mystery Weekend…
Are you a couple looking to experience all that Franschhoek has to offer? The Mystery Weekend is an all-encompassing weekend in Franschhoek, organised for you by the Franschhoek Wine Valley. Beautiful stays, relaxing wine farms, exciting dining experiences – and you don’t have to plan a thing during this indulgent weekend.
You can choose between two packages. Head to the Franschhoek Wine Valley website and book your Mystery Weekend to explore Franschhoek with style.
It certainly is getting a little chillier in our valley. That’s why we’ve moved to our winter trading times: Saturdays from 10am – 3pm. So keep an eye on our social media and enjoy the cooler market days, taking a bicycle ride to the market, warming up with delicious coffees, a fun stroll through the stalls and yummy treats.
Warm regards,
The Franschhoek Village Market team