We will be driving from Franschoek to George in October.
What would the most scenic route be, provided we don't
get into George too late that night? Also, any feed back on eating at Reuben's and Le Quartier Francais would be appreciated.

We stayed at Le Quartier Francais and loved it. However, the only meal we ate there was breakfast - which was lovely. Our best lunch of the trip was at La Petite Ferme.......quite memorable!

doob,

What I regard as the most scenic route from Franschhoek to George is not the shortest route but I do believe that it is worth the ride. I would suggest is that you travel from Franschhoek to Paarl and take the N1 via Worcester, Roberstson, Montagu and Ashton to Barrydale. Just before Barrydale you turn off to your right and cross through the Tradouw Pass (spectacular drive) which will bring you out at Heidelberg. (there is about 15 km of gravel road that is wll graded to pass on this part of the journey) From hereon you follow the N2 to Riversdale, Albertinia, Mossel Bay and George. I reckon the ride shold take you about 5 - 6 hours. I want to reiterate that this is not the shortest way to travel. The shortest way to do the journey would be to travel through the Franschooek Pass (spectacular) and latch onto the N2 at Grabouw. From Grabouw to Riviersonderend the road is quite scenic but after that it is just farmland scenery all the way. Eventually you will come out at Heidelberg in the same spot that you would be after your journey over the Tradouw Pass as per the original route that I suggested. The big difference in the two journeys is the winelands and fruit farming regions that you will travel through from Paarl to Barrydale as well as the fact that the route is longer (guestimate by about 100 km).

Be aware that Franschhoek is one of the best marketed towns in South Africa and you should be very careful of hype because believe me you will pay for it. In my opinion Reubens and LQF fall into this category even though I do believe they serve a good meal. The point I am trying to make is that I feel there are many places that are much better than these hyped up restaurants that offer a better meal at half the price. In this case Les Bon Vivant comes to mind. Go to www.ILoveCapeTown.com/bv/bv.htm and see my thoughts on this restaurant. I also agree with Grcxx3 that lunch at Le Petit Ferme is special but be warned, you have to book reasonably far in advance for this establishment as it is very popular. In the summer months I would also look to Bread and Wine on the Moreson wine farm for a wonderful lunch experience

Enjoy your stay in the Cape Town region when you visit us.

Very proudly part of the wonderful nation of South Africa

Selwyn, good to hear that Le Bon Vivant is still as good as I remembered... having eventually hounded you into trying it! FABULOUS meal that still sticks in my memory.

hi, docb,

I echo Selwyn's thoughts about the N2. we drove from hermanus to Kynsna in a day along the N2 and the most exciting thing that happened was almost running into an enormous bull that had strayed onto the road!

in October, you should have ample daylight to make the trip Selwyn suggests.

we spent sunday lunch-time in Franschoek and even in July it's heaving! we were not up for a proper lunch, unfortunately, but had a nice soup and salad at a restaurant near the monument called le bistro.
judging by the no. of people we saw there, booking even on a monday lunchtime would be a good idea!

regards, ann

My wife and i had lunch at Reubins on Sunday. They have a fantastic menu and the food was delicious. Since i work in the tourism industry am aware of pricing. The food is well priced.
You can google reubins. He and the restaurant have won many awards. The latest is the Johnny Walker award. One of the local radio DJ'S has booked a table for Sunday and has invited people to join him.
Reuben is from a previously disadvantaged community and has worked his way to the top.

I would suggest that you travel accross the Franschoek pass and follow the road to Villiersdorp. Carry on through the town and follow the signs(back roads) to Robertson. Then follow the directions given by Selwyn.

Everytime I travel to South Africa, I pop into a newsagent and pick up a copy of their Restaurant Award Guide. It has always been a good read, and the award winning restaurants are usually fantastic. Le Quartier Francais is great, but in my opinion there are better restaurants in Franshoek.

"You can google reubins".

You'll have a lot more success if you Google "Reubens"!

...or even Reuben's

Another strong recommendation for lunch at La Petit Ferme in Franschoek- best lunch of our entire South Africa trip. Stunning location and superb food. Don't miss it.