Franschhoek Bastille Day Festival

Cape Town News & Events » Events » Festivals & Family entertainment

Posted for 16 Jul 2011

Make your way to Franschhoek, South Africa’s Gourmet Capital, over the weekend of the 16th and 17th July, where locals and visitors will be celebrating the Valley’s
centuries - old French Huguenot heritage at its annual
Bastille Festival.

FRANSCHHOEK BASTILLE FESTIVAL - A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM

16 & 17 JULY 2011
The Franschhoek Wine Valley, South Africa’s Gourmet Capital, will once again be hosting the annual Bastille Festival over the weekend of the 16th and 17th of July, where locals and visitors will be celebrating the Valley’s centuries-old French Huguenot heritage.

The area has throughout the years been linked with the pursuit of freedom, as the destination where the French Huguenots sought refuge from persecution. Aside from the European legacy, the connection with freedom is also evident in a local context with the Drakenstein Prison (formerly Victor Verster), the prison from which the iconic Nelson Mandela was released, situated between Franschhoek and Paarl.

The Food and Wine Marquee, open from 12 noon until 5pm, is always the focal point which draws people to the hub of activity. This popular meeting place allows visitors the chance to meet up with friends while enjoying fine wines from some of Franschhoek’s award-winning wine estates, and indulge in mouth-watering dishes created by the Valley’s highly acclaimed chefs. Delicious food on offer includes oysters, sushi, hand-made chocolate and fresh salmon trout from the area.
A highlight this year is Le Marche Français, or French Corner Market, in the Town Hall, which includes a showcase of delicious Franschhoek artisanal food and fare, as well as fun-filled kiddies’ activities. Not to be missed is the festival’s wide-ranging sporting element featuring the usual, popular traditions and activities of: boules - the largest and longest running boules competition of its kind, The Waiters’ Race, the Franschhoek minstrel parade, fencing, as well as the ever popular barrel-rolling contest. A farmers’ market, craft market stalls, musicians and children’s activities are also included in the line up of festival celebrations. Evening events will take place at Col’Cacchios and The Station Pub, with top DJ’s and live acts lined up to ensure that festivities continue well into the night.

For those wanting to appreciate French heritage in comfort, the Screening Room at Le Quartier Français will be screening French movies throughout the weekend.

Living up to its reputation of being the country’s Gourmet Capital, Franschhoek’s award-winning restaurants will also be offering special menus exclusively prepared for the festival.

Turn this social calendar highlight into a weekend of discovery. Book into one of the Cape winelands affordable B&B’s or guest houses, and discover all that Franschhoek has to offer. This should also allow you ample time for a leisurely stroll down the main road, uncovering world-class shops and boutiques, allowing for an intimate and relaxed shopping experience.

What better way to paint the town red, white and blue and join in ‘A Celebration of Freedom’. Not forgetting, it’s the only time of the year you’ll be forgiven for wearing a beret.

COST : R100.00 per person entrance fee allows you access to the Food and Wine Marquee, which includes a tasting glass and a complimentary booklet containing 5 tasting coupons. Thereafter all tastings will be charged on consumption.
FESTIVAL TIMES:
Festival goers who have purchased their tickets online will be allowed access to The Food & Wine Marquee from 12h00.
Visitors purchasing tickets on the day will be granted access from 12h30.

BOOKINGS : Tickets can be purchased through www.webtickets.co.za, but hurry as tickets are limited. Once the marquee is full no further patrons will be admitted.
WEBSITE: For more information visit www.franschhoek.org.za.

ENQUIRIES : Darielle Robertson Events Manager Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association
Tel: 021 876 2861
Email: events@franschhoek.org.za