Franschhoek Pass
A winding road over the mountain east of Franschhoek. Roadside lookouts overlook the whole valley and its vineyards, and it is one of South Africa's oldest mountain-pass roads.
Franschhoek Pass winds up the slope behind the Huguenot Monument. It first developed from an elephant migration route and was built as a wagon road in 1825. The Jan Joubert Gorge Bridge on the route is the oldest stone bridge still in use in South Africa. The drive to the lookout partway up the slope takes about 10 minutes and offers views of the town of Franschhoek, its vineyards and the surrounding mountains, which are especially beautiful at sunset. The road has many bends and is narrow, so watch out for cyclists and falling rocks. Continuing east will take you to Theewaterskloof Dam.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Franschhoek
- Huguenot Monument & Memorial Museum
- La Motte Wine Estate
- Drakenstein Correctional Centre
- Boschendal
- Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
- Delaire Graff Estate
- Babylonstoren