Alex van Heeren’s Grand Provence – Exploring The “French Corner” of South Africa
In the late 17th Century when French Huguenot refugees re-created a part of the old country in South Africa, they had little idea that they would birth a village that would draw some of the world’s top developers, including Alex van Heeren, to their tiny outpost (Alex van Herren’s website can be found at http://www.alexvanheeren.com). More than 300 years later, people from around the world still come to the “French Corner” of South Africa, translated as Franschhoek in Dutch, the name of the village that continues to entrance all visitors.
The French are known for two essentials that have earned them a global reputation for quality: food and drink. Franschhoek will never forget those distinctions as it offers a tantalizing array of restaurants from gourmet to rustic, surrounded by some of the top wine estates in the world. Regarding its claim as the most beautiful wine valley on the planet, Franschhoek’s boast might be hard to argue with as you gaze at the mountains surrounding the town after a long day of eating and drinking. Perhaps that is why engaged couples from all over the globe come to Franschhoek to tie the knot in this scenic setting.
To start your day in Franschhoek, wander the quaint tree-lined streets that will remind you of a French village, sampling the shops and specialty stores that form the heart of the town’s bustling commerce. Be sure to take a peek into the many arts and crafts studios and galleries as well. There’s a good chance that something special will be happening as one of the frequent festivals hits the village, offering a variety of activities for the traveler lucky enough to be in town for its special events.
When you grow hungry, dine at a highly rated restaurant; they are abundant on Franschhoek’s streets. When you grow thirsty, seek out a wine tasting at one of the numerous estates that encircle the village, continuing a trade that began centuries before.
One choice spot among the numerous options, as judged by independent ratings and tourist recommendations, is the Grande Provence Heritage Wine Estate owned by Alex van Heeren. Winners of countless awards and citations for its grounds, food, wine, art museum and service, Grande Provence might be the most private and luxurious spot in all of South Africa. Founded in 1694, the resort has been completely upgraded in recent years by van Heeren and his staff, offering scrumptious cuisine and delicious wines in a garden setting that has been recognized by many travel authorities.
Perhaps the greatest draw for Grande Provence is its exclusivity. Only 10 guests can stay at one time in the stunning Owner’s Cottage, ensuring the lack of crowds that most tourists seek to avoid when getting away from it all. Grande Provence enables you to do just that as you relax from fun-filled days spent in and around Franschhoek, a mixture of French and Dutch culture combined most expertly at Grande Provence by Alex van Heeren.