Franschhoek Wine Tram Accommodation Options (Best Places to Stay in Franschhoek)

Franschhoek wine country is one of the most beautiful areas I've ever been to. When you think about a location for wine tasting, there really is nowhere better I can think of! The mountain backdrop and nice year-round temperatures just can't be beaten. Here are some Franschhoek Wine Tram accommodations to help plan your trip.

Franschhoek is a town in South Africa’s Western Cape with centuries-old vineyards and Cape Dutch architecture. Trails wind through flowers and wildlife at Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve to views over Franschhoek Valley. The Huguenot Memorial Museum and neighboring monument honor the area’s French settlers, who arrived in the 17th and 18th centuries. Franschhoek Motor Museum displays vintage cars amid mountain farmland.

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Choosing Which Franschhoek Wine Tram Line to Stay on

Tips for Franschhoek Wine Tram and Choosing Your Stay

Where to Stay Near Franschhoek Wine Tram Terminal

Where to Stay on the Orange and Purple Line

Where to Stay on Other Lines

Note: the list below starts with the most expensive going to the least expensive for average rates.

Choosing Which Franschhoek Wine Tram Line to Stay On

As I'm writing this post, I'm reminded of just how wonderful the time was here. The wine is amazing, the views are stunning, and choosing the right place to stay was one of the hardest parts of planning the trip. I hope this post will help you decide!

The Franschhoek Wine Tram has several different routes that you can take. When we were first trying to decide the best places to stay in Franschhoek, we had to choose which line we were going to stay along. This can be intimidating at first because they all look fabulous! But, it really depends on what you want to do.

The Orange and Purple Lines traverse the western region of Franschhoek; the Blue and Green Lines showcase the majestic mountains of the valley; the Red and Yellow Lines take you through rolling vineyards stretching out as far as the eye can see, and the Pink and Grey Lines combine these lines.

We chose the Orange Line because we really wanted to visit both Babylonstoren and Boschendal. We also loved that the mountains would be the backdrop for our entire stay by choosing this area. It was stunning!

Below are the lines and all the wineries they stop at. Book your Franschhoek Wine Tram here.

Orange Line: Noble Hill, Babylonstoren, Backsberg, Anura, Vrede en Lust, Plaisir de Merle, Allee Bleue, Boschendal, Solms Delta
Purple Line: Allée Bleue, Boschendal, Zorgvliet, Plaisir de Merle, Vrede en Lust, Noble Hill, Babylonstoren, Backsberg, Anura
Blue Line: La Bri, Holden Manz, La Bourgogne, Glenwood, La Couronne, Rickety Bridge, Grande Provence
Green Line: Rickety Bridge, Grande Provence, Franschhoek Village, La Bri, Holden Manz, La Bourgogne, Glenwood, La Couronne
Red Line: Maison, Holden Manz, Mont Rochelle, Chamonix, Dieu Donne, Rickety Bridge, Maison, Grande Provence
Yellow Line: Maison, Rickety Bridge, Grande Provence, Franschhoek Village, Holden Manz, Mont Rochelle, Chamonix, Dieu Donne
Grey Line: Haute Cabriere, Le Lude, Franschhoek Cellar, Leopard’s Leap, Moreson, Eikehof, Paserene
Pink Line: Leopard’s Leap, Moreson, Eikehof, Paserene, Franschhoek Village, Le Lude, Haute Cabriere, Franschhoek Cellar

Tips for Franschhoek Wine Tram and Choosing Your Stay

The Franschhoek Wine Tram is one of the easiest ways to see multiple wine farms in a day. You purchase a ticket in advance and enjoy your day at your own pace without the worry of transportation!
Franschhoek is only about 45 minutes from Cape Town, making it easy for a quick trip during your time in Cape Town. We rented a car and found it easy to get to this area and safe. If you're comfortable driving on the left side of the road, I'd recommend this option, as it's a lot more affordable than going on a tour! Plus, you can easily stay overnight!
You can take the wine tram from any stop. Meaning, you can call your accommodation ahead of time and ask them if you can leave your bags early, walk or have them drop you off at the nearest winery and catch the wine tram from there!
Check the check-in times listed on the hotel's website are firm. Call ahead or make arrangements if you want different hours. Most of the wine farms and accommodations are family owned and operated, meaning they will not be available 24/7 like a typical hotel. Plan ahead if you choose a boutique stay!
Franschhoek is the perfect place for special experiences. Since many of the hotels and wine farms are boutiques, they are willing to work with you to make your stay special. All you have to do is ask, and they will likely have a ton of ways they can make your trip special!
Self Catering: You might see the words, "self catering" on certain hotels or rooms at wine farms. Self-catering accommodation refers to a type of lodging where guests are provided with facilities to prepare and cook their own meals, instead of relying on hotel or restaurant service.
Loadshedding: When the demand for electricity exceeds the available supply, planned supply interruptions may have to be carried out. This is called load shedding. It is a controlled way of rotating the available electricity between all Eskom customers. Many hotels have backup generators for when this is going on. You'll want to read the hotel's website for details.

Reminder: All lists below go from most expensive to least expensive.

Where to Stay Near Franschhoek Wine Tram - (Franschhoek Terminal)

The following accommodations are within walking distance of the Franschhoek Wine Tram Terminal.

Leeu Collection

The Leeu Collection is the manifestation of the vision of founder Analjit Singh (aka BAS) for sophisticated escapes and unique guest experiences. They offer three different accommodations, including one premium five-star and two five-star boutique properties in South Africa’s Winelands. With three different options and a location right by the Franschhoek Wine Tram, their restaurants, and the spa, you really can't go wrong staying here!

Leeu Estates is a five-star premium 24-room country house and boutique winery. This is the closest of their properties to the Wine Tram.
Leeu House is an exclusive hotel in the heart of Franschhoek village with 12 rooms and Suites.
Le Quartier Français, a romantic 25-room also located in the village.

The spa at Leeu Estates has one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen for a spa! Imagine spending an evening relaxing here after taking the Franschhoek Wine Tram and tasting some amazing wines... It sounds like heaven!

La Cotte Farm

La Cotte Farm is uniquely situated a stone’s throw from the charming village of Franschhoek. It offers close proximity to the fun and bustle of the main street with all the quiet, privacy, and rural charm of a working wine farm.

La Cotte Farm dates back to 1698 when the first of the eleven Huguenot Farms was granted to the French immigrants who fled their native country during the 17th century. They have beautiful gardens with views of the mountains close by.

They offer both self catering forest cottages and orchard cottages (rooms with kitchens) and hotel-like accommodations, making it an excellent option for both types of travelers. You can also rent the entire manor home. So many beautiful options to choose from!

La Cotte is the only farm within walking distance from anywhere in the village making it an ideal destination for those staying in the village and wanting to walk to places around Franschhoek Village and to the Wine Tram.

Le Petite Paris

Le Petit Paris offers accommodation just off Franschhoek's main street. Lavender walkways, water fountains, and lush gardens add to the tranquil atmosphere of this guest house. Some rooms offer mountain views, while others overlook the gardens. Check the description for each room to choose the right view for you.

The Franschhoek Wine Tram starts within a 5-minute walk of Le Petit Paris, and there are also a number of renowned restaurants within this quaint town. This is one of the most affordable hotel options on this list.

Where to Stay on the Orange and Purple Lines

Boschendal Wine Estate

Boschendal (Dutch for bush and dale) is one of the oldest Wine Estates in South Africa and is located between Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. It is one of the larger wineries in the area and in addition to your stay, they offer a wide variety of activities, including horseback riding, picnics, hiking, shopping, and art galleries in addition to their wine and food options. With a winemaking tradition spanning over 330 years, Boschendal Wine Estate offers a veritable treat for wine lovers everywhere.

The cottages are ideal for those who want to have access to a lot of things during their stay with an authentic farm living with a contemporary feel. This is one of the most popular wine farms, so it's not ideal for people wanting quiet!

Discover luxury farm living at any of their stunning farm accommodations, ranging from their Mountain Villa, to the historical Herbert Baker-designed Cottage 1685, to beautifully restored farm cottages in the Orchards, Werf, and Retreat.

This is the kind of place you could spend a day or two at and not have to leave! But, you can also visit it on two different lines of the wine tram. We loved having a picnic here.

Angala Boutique Hotel

Angala is family owned and managed, where every design and decision was made intentionally in order to enhance your stay! This boutique hotel provides you with a luxury stay you won't forget. They have two pools, a spa, and 11 room options to choose from. They provide dinner (additional charge) and breakfast during your stay. Local and ethically sourced produce is used to create their menu.

Every way you turn at this hotel offers another beautiful view. It's more secluded than other options I mention around the orange and purple lines and is very romantic. Perfect for a honeymoon or special trip with your significant other!

Angala is located a 5 minute drive from Vrede en Lust winery, and they can arrange a shuttle for you to and from Vrede en Lust, another great winery you can stay at, making it easier to get to and from the wine tram and enjoy the wineries! We absolutely loved this hotel and the quiet romantic feel on our honeymoon.

Babylonstoren

Babylonstoren is one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley. It has a fruit and vegetable garden of beauty and diversity, unique accommodation, fine food and wine, and evokes a sense of well being. This is also a very large wine farm and has several different activities and restaurants.

Every aspect of Babylonstoren – including the contemporary Farm Hotel & Spa, the Farm Shop and Restaurants – is led by the ever-changing tapestry and botanical diversity of the gardens. In addition to their wine, they also make and sell delicious olive oil that has a really distinct and delicious taste! We took three bottles of it home in addition to wine.

The farm hotel is characterized by thick whitewashed walls, elegant gables, and hearty fireplaces, emulating an authentic farm stay experience. They also have a really beautiful spa and their Greenhouse Restaraunt is absolutely gorgeous.

Where to Stay on Other Lines

La Petite Ferme (Pink, Grey)

At La Petite Ferme, each guest is offered a combination of private, traditional country-style luxury accommodation and heart-warming hospitality.

Situated on the slopes of the Oliphants Pass and the mountains, La Petite Ferme offers a Manor House and Vineyard Suites each with spectacular views and comfort. Overlooking the beautiful Franschhoek Valley, you can take in the sights and relax in this picture perfect paradise. Perfect for any season, come and snuggle up next to the fireplace in winter or cool down in the private splash pools during summer.

Their kitchen team has creative freedom, experimenting with various flavors, ingredients, and textures to create an authentic menu showcasing seasonal produce from the area. They are a small and intimate boutique style winery.

Note: This is a great option if you want something more quiet and have rented a car, but want something a little further from town. It is not directly on the wine tram but close.

Grande Provence (Blue, Green, Red, Yellow)

Grande Provence Wine Estate has a 325-year history with lush vines spread across 47 acres. Over 325 years ago, French Protestant Pierre Joubert hid his bible in a loaf of bread and fled his hometown of La Motte-d’Aigues in Provence to avoid religious persecution. In 1694, along with other Huguenots, he arrived in Olifantshoek (Elephants Corner; later to be renamed Franschhoek) and started this wine farm!

Grande Provence has a cottage with private suites as options for your stay here. All are gorgeous! The manicured gardens have a swimming pool and quiet patio deck overlooking the vineyards. A beautifully appointed loggia and entertainment area adjacent to the pool is perfect for relaxing. The Cottage can either be reserved for exclusive use by one guest, or sharing with others on a Bed and Breakfast, multiple booking basis.

They have many different options for where to eat, drink, and taste wine while here. It is right on the wine tram, making it easy to start your trip from here if you choose to!

La Chataigne Wines & Guest Cottage (Pink, Grey)

La Chataigne Farm has belonged to the Parkfelt family since they moved to Franschhoek from Gothenburg, Sweden, in 1972. It is a working farm, situated 7 km from Franschhoek Village, in the heart of the winelands. The property is beautiful, and this is a boutique wine farm that only makes about 15,000 bottles a year.

They have five self-catering cottages: two charming riverside cottages (both 2 bedroom), one Scandi style vineyard cottage (1 bedroom), and two contemporary mountain view cottages (both 1 bedroom).

All of the cottages are fully equipped and tastefully furnished with open-plan living and kitchen areas, as well as private verandahs/decks. There are fireplaces for cold winter nights and a swimming pool in the orchards to cool off on hot summer days.

Note: This is a great option if you want something more quiet, have rented a car, and are planning on cooking on your own. It is not directly on the wine tram but close.

Rickety Bridge (Blue, Green, Red, Yellow)

Located between the mountains and river, this vineyard offers beautiful views with a long tradition of winemaking. Rickety Bridge was established in 1797. The estate and its legacy have been passed on to its current owner Duncan Spence who has been ownership of the estate since 2000.

This historic estate was originally part of the great La Provence farm given to French Huguenot farmers in 1694. Over the years, the property was divided, and the portion which is now Rickety Bridge was granted to Paulina De Villiers, one of the first female landowners in South Africa, in 1797.

They have two accommodation options here. The Manor House can be booked as an exclusive stay, the price is available upon request. The exclusive stay includes a housekeeper, night porter, canapes, 10% off your Paulina's Restaurant bill, and exclusive use of the historic Cape Dutch Manor House. Basse Provence is a Manor House with one luxury room and a family loft, a Country House with 5 en-suite luxury rooms, and one two-bedroom cottage, with views of a vine-green valley and ageless mountains.

It is right on the wine tram, making it easy to start your trip from here if you choose to! This is one of the most affordable hotel options on this list.