Things to do during your stay

7 Koppies offers a range of wonderful experiences to enjoy during your stay.

Whether you enjoy time spent outdoors, meandering through our surrounding wild, exploring the koppies, varied fynbos and incredible birdlife found on our working farm, or perhaps prefer gastronomic delights and wine-tastings at some of the country’s most prestigious wine farms – we’re on hand to ensure that your stay in Franschhoek is one you’ll never forget. 

Along with historical wine farms, breath-taking scenery, culinary delights and award-winning wines, Franschhoek offers incredible natural wonders that are best explored on foot on its many hiking trails and fynbos paths.

On the farm

Fynbos Walks

We have 50 hectares of pristine fynbos. Fynbos is the name given to the naturally occurring vegetation that is only found in the coastal and mountainous areas of the western cape and eastern cape. It is one of the world’s six floral kingdoms and has the distinctive feature of having the highest biodiversity of them all.

Our Garden

Within the immediate vicinity of our farmhouse, spanning roughly 2 acres, lies our man-made garden that includes an orchard and a flourishing vegetable patch. South Africa’s wonderful climate, coupled with our abundant water supply, has allowed us to cultivatea broad selection of fruits and vegetables, enriching the culinary experiences we provide our guests…

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Take a swim

While the view is completely distracting, our 25-metre long pool is designed for laps. Ideal for working off the gastronomic delights you’re sure to enjoy during your time in Franschhoek.

Bees on the farm

The gardens of 7 Koppies are home to a thriving population of bees, which play a crucial role in the ecosystem. These industrious insects not only pollinate the flowers, but also produce a sweet and flavourful fynbos honey. While the honey is certainly a delicious byproduct of their work, the bees themselves are fascinating creatures with complex social structures and vital roles in the natural world.

In the area

Fly fishing

No Wifi, just a great connection. Combine the beauty of the outdoors with the excitement of reeling in an impressive catch.

Dining in the area

With almost 50 restaurants within just a 10-minute radius of our property, it’s not hard to see why Franschhoek is renowned as being one of the world’s gastronomic capitals. Soak up the South African sunshine, with a vineyard vista as you enjoy some of our top restaurants, a few even located on award-winning wine farms, ideal for wine-tasting prior to your meal.

Wine tasting

Franschhoek is a town with rich history. Meaning, ‘French Corner’, it came into being when French Huguenot refugees settled in the valley in 1688, after fleeing religious oppression in France. They brought with them their knowledge of viticulture and the first vines which now carpet our magnificent valley.

Franschhoek Experiences

Explore the main road, exploring galleries and collecting local treasures as you learn more about this historic town and dine out in style.

Exterior view of 7 Koppies guest house in Franschhoek

Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren is a cutting edge and innovative farm and wine estate located in the Franschhoek valley. The vast gardens and orchards are impressive and full of delightful and unexpected details. It offers visitors a wide range of experiences, that include meals, wine tasting, spa treatments and garden tours.

Franschhoek Wine Tram​

The Franschhoek Wine Tram takes you on a journey through rolling hills, lush vineyards, and charming estates. Sample the finest wines and feast on gourmet delights as you enjoy the picturesque views and fresh country air. Let yourself be transported to a world of relaxation and indulgence.

Franschoek Motor Museum

The Franschhoek Motor Museum is located at the picturesque L’Ormarins wine estate in the Franschhoek Valley. The estate is the perfect setting for the vintage vehicles, which are on display in four dehumidified halls. Visitors can enjoy a bite to eat at the museum’s deli, and take a tram ride to the nearby Anthonij Rupert Wines estate for a wine tasting.

Golf in the Franschoek Valley

Franschhoek Valley in South Africa is home to some of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the country. With stunning mountain views and lush vineyards as the backdrop, it’s a popular destination for golfers of all abilities. From full-size 18-hole courses to shorter nine-hole options, the area offers a variety of options. With facilities like restaurants and pro shops, golfers can enjoy a memorable experience in this picturesque setting.

Along with historical wine farms, breath-taking scenery, culinary delights and award winning wines, Franschhoek offers incredible natural wonders that are best explored on foot on its many hiking trails and fynbos paths.

Fly Fishing

Begin the day with your local, skilled guide collecting you early in the morning. 

The fish tend to be most active from 8 am until 12 pm. Gear up and let the local pro show you the tricks of the trade for casting your way to a prize trout. This is no ordinary day of fishing though, one of the best-kept secrets known as the ‘Cape Streams’ awaits exploring! 

Renowned as one of the top stream fisheries in the world for stalking wild trout, a series of pristinely managed rivers in the Du Toits Kloof Mountain range, a mere 25 minutes drive from 7 Koppies, provides the perfect backdrop for your day out. Cool, crystal waters and breath-taking views come part and parcel with your private experience. Changing flies and all equipment is handled by your guide and when the fish aren’t biting- the snacks and beverages are at least flowing.

The Berg River Dam is another hidden ‘outdoor’ gem with numerous trails to explore, leading to spectacular views over our valley.

We Recommend
Delaire Graff Restaurant
This has to be one of the best restaurant terraces in the world. Dine outdoors and be dazzled by the million-dollar views – and look for 7 Koppies, which can be seen in the distance. If the weather doesn’t play along, enjoy the David Collins designed dining room. The food is light, fresh and not too elaborate.
Chefs Warehouse at Maison
A sophisticated yet casual setting with a seasonal menu structured as ‘Tapas for 2’, which arrives in three tranches. During the day it feels bright and airy and there’s the possibility of siting on the veranda or at a longer table in the garden. In the evening soft lighting lends a cosy ambience.
Ou Meul Farmstall
When looking for a simple, well-made meal in the face of a fine dining weekend, this spot under promises and over delivers. There’s a little shop selling rusks and jams, a pretty garden and honest food like curried mince jaffles, Stop in for a coffee on the way to Babylonstoren or make a morning of antique shopping – at Ou Meul and Koöperasie Stories down the road.
Babel at Babylonstoren
Go for breakfast. It is a cornucopia, a feast for the senses, with plentiful fruit, armfuls of flowers and bundles of herbs – all so fresh it illustrates the true meaning of ‘farm to fork’. Babylonstoren is awe-inspiring, especially for those with an interest in gardening, food or interior design.
Greenhouse at Babylonstoren
Produce arrangements on a stone basin honour what’s in season at this light-filled greenhouse. A place to pause for paper-wrapped sandwiches, salads in Weck jars or scones with preserves, after wandering through the food garden at Babylonstoren.
Tokara
By day there is a view of sloping vineyards and at night all attention is focused on the five impressive William Kentridge tapestries – fine dining with some very fine art. On the plate, classical elements belie a strong sense of creativity and an understanding of flavour. It is seriously good.
Grande Provence
An idyllic setting when sitting in the dappled light under the oaks and an experience greater than going for lunch, when combined with the art gallery right next to the restaurant. Dishes are colourful and lean into fine dining. For cooler weather there’s a more formal dining room with a fireplace.
De Werf at Boschendal
A beautiful old-style farm setting that is constantly evolving. The architectural layout of the Manor House, the Werf and the tree-lined path and kitchen garden holds an appeal because it doesn’t try too hard. Chickens roam freely, vegetables are organic and the farm has grass-fed cattle and a butchery of its own.
Le Petite Colombe
La Colombe is one of the best restaurants in the world and we are proud to have her little sister, Le Petit Colombe, in our village and such a short distance from our property. The lighter lunch menu gives a good impression of the best on offer.
Protégé
Though the food makes it clear there is shared DNA, if there is one is member of the La Colombe family that comes closest to fast fine dining, it is Protégé. The best seats in the house are at the counter, for observing the kitchen activity while tasting and chatting.
Reubens
This is the place for a jolly night out. There is a good buzz, which makes it fun and the menu carries crowd-pleasers, like chilli salted squid and many of the signature Reuben Riffel flavour combinations that first made him famous.
Le Coin Francaise
This recent addition to Franschhoek’s fine dining scene takes inspiration from French cuisine and is recognised by the food media as a contender in South Africa’s top restaurant rankings. The chef, Darren Badenhorst, is heading up Le Chêne – a new restaurant at the Manor house on Leeu Estates.
We Recommend
Antonij Ruppert Wyne Tasting Room
A family-run winery located in the farm's historic Manor House. The estate is known for its elegant wines and beautiful grounds, which include lush gardens and an art gallery. Visitors can enjoy tastings of the winery's wide range of wines, or simply stroll through the gardens and take in the beauty of the estate.
Mullineux & Leeu
Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines is a family-owned winery that values sustainability, authenticity, and quality above all else. The winemakers believe in creating wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region, rather than adhering to trends or fads.
Boschendal
Founded in 1685, Boschendal has a rich history and is one of the oldest wine estates in South Africa. It is renowned as one of the most prestigious wine estates in the country. The estate's beautiful grounds, historic buildings, and award-winning wines make it a popular destination for visitors from all over the world.
Babylonstoren
Established in 1692, Babylonstoren is renowned for its stunning Cape Dutch architecture and extensive gardens. The estate's wines, which include award-winning reds and whites, have solidified its position as one of South Africa's most prestigious wineries.
Delaire Graff
Delaire Graff, a prestigious estate in the Stellenbosch wine region, is celebrated for its stunning mountain views, breathtaking scenery, and award-winning wines. The estate is renowned for its commitment to excellence and meticulous craftsmanship, producing wines of exceptional quality and distinct character.
We Recommend
Garden Tour at Babylonstoren
For backstories on the masterful design and carefully selected plant varieties, join a guided tour (daily, 10h00, 1.5 hours) – book ahead as spots tend to fill up quickly. For a highlight at its seasonal best, like the 7000 clivia lilies that bloom in Spring, join The Special Collections Tour (Monday to Friday, 11h30, 1 hour).
Franschhoek Motor Museum
Johann Rupert’s private collection of over 200 vehicles, at his wine estate, L’ Ormarins, tells the story of over 100 years of automotive history. Viewings are by appointment only. Make the most of a visit to this property by booking it in combination with wine tasting or the Classic Car Drive.
Boschendal Night Market
Summertime sees the picnic grounds at Boschendal strung with lights and turned into a lively night market. Browse with a glass of wine in hand, or settle in for a wood-fired pizza and a live performance by local musicians. Friday nights 18h00-21h00.
Wine tasting on horseback
Enjoy an outride through changing vineyard and orchard terrain as you soak up the mountain views and stop for wine tastings at Rickety Bridge and Mont Rochelle vineyards (about 4 hours) Alternatively, take a scenic ride on a circular route to a lookout point surveying Franschhoek (1 hour). Horses trot or canter but never gallop, so this experience is suitable for beginner riders.
Exploring by bike and mountain biking
Choose from three self-guided rides that include bike rental and a map. For a wine-tasting focus there’s the Child Friendly Route (5km) to Mont Rochelle, Grande Provence and Franschhoek Cellar or the Wine Route for Adults (15km) to Grande Provence, Rickety Bridge, La Couronne, Glenwood and – for the beer lovers – Hey Joe Brewing Company. For mountain biking enthusiasts the Adventure Route (25km-50km) can be approached as an easy or more technical route, depending on fitness levels. Guided tours and e-bikes are also available.
Garden and Art Tour of Leeu
Take a guided tour of the Leeu Estates’ magnificent manicured gardens, which serves as a gallery for an art collection curated by the owner, Analjit Singh. For the most part it comprises bronze sculptures by highly regarded South African artists.
Franschhoek e-bike wine tour
A wine tour by electric bicycle has all the romance of pedalling between vineyards without any unnecessary exertion. Set off from La Couronne, with a guide, for tastings at Holden Manz and Grande Provence (15km, 3.5 hours). Ample stitched-leather seats and saddlebags for stowing wine purchases add comfort and charm.