There is a corner of the Cape Winelands that is forever France and that is Franschhoek – ‘French Corner’ is perhaps the prettiest of the Winelands’ small towns. Wedged between dramatic mountain ranges, Franschhoek has long been producing great wines from its fertile soils and has now acquired a worldwide reputation for its food, too.

La Cle allows you to immerse yourself in the Franschhoek experience. Consisting of two properties in two different locations, guests are spoilt for choice when choosing to stay at either the Village or the Lodge. The Village consists of four villas (Grange, Manoir, Galerie and Colonial), while the Lodge is split into five rooms, boasting spectacular views of the Franschhoek Valley. All accommodation can be booked on a per-room or exclusive-use basis (apart from the Galerie villa, which is only exclusive-use). Each of the Village’s four modern and luxurious villas has been given a unique personality by its designer, while the Lodge radiates a sophisticated but relaxed charm. When not basking in all the wonders that the La Cle has to offer, step outside for a short stroll and you find yourself at the heart of the town and well-positioned to sample Franschhoek’s famous café and art gallery culture.

Set about an hour’s drive from Cape Town, Franschhoek is an ideal destination for a couple of nights of relaxing and indulging – after all, in Franschhoek, your wines are paired with chocolate as well as cheese! La Cle will certainly appeal to couples and romantic travellers but it is also popular with families. The lodge welcomes families with children over 12 (if it is booked exclusively for a family vacation then children of all ages are welcome).

Highlights

• Quintessential Cape Winelands experience
• A few minutes walk from Franschhoek town centre
• Wi-Fi, complimentary bicycle use, swimming pool, croquet lawn and tennis court
• In-house restaurant with professional chefs
• Beautiful vineyard views and a romantic atmosphere
• Suitable for exclusive group and family holidays

Activities

• HIKING
• TENNIS
• DAY TOURS

'A little hidden gem in the Franschhoek area, Le Cle is a home away from home. It is perfect for families with small children to book on an exclusive use basis, and guarantees lots of privacy in a beautiful setting.'

Rooms

Garden Room

Three of La Cle’s villas at the Village are available on a per-room basis or can be booked out for exclusive use. The Lodge is split into five opulent rooms but is available as an exclusive-use villa as well.

The Grange and Colonial villas each have their en suite bathroom featuring a shower and bathtub, while the charming Manoir villa comes with a library and private pool.

All accommodation at La Cle is air-conditioned and has a well-stocked mini bar, replenished during your stay. There is a mobile phone signal and complimentary Wi-Fi access throughout the property, and you also have the advantage of butler service to ensure all your needs – including room service - are met.

Exclusive Use

The Galerie villa is only available on an exclusive-use basis. The 2-bedroomed villa is a contemporary, sophisticated space with a design that features colour blocks and minimalist décor. The spacious villa boasts an open-plan kitchen along with a private swimming pool and garden.

Facilities

La Cle has a generous range of facilities, beginning with its classic country kitchen from which you can look forward to delicious meals. The lodge has a swimming pool and sundeck with loungers and lovely gardens to relax in, and private massages can be arranged on request. A nice touch is the lodge’s transfer service to points of interest in the Franschhoek Valley, as is the complimentary laundry service.

Guests who may want to burn off a few calories can take advantage of the lodge’s private tennis court and croquet lawn; if you are serious about exercise, then the lodge provides its guests with complimentary membership to the local gym for the time you are there, and staff will happily point the way to great hiking and running trails. Alternatively, you can grab a bike free of charge from the lodge and explore on two wheels.

Dining

La Cle features an in-house country kitchen and a pair of professional chefs. Delicious, inventive and local meals are served in the dining room or outside on the terrace, and you are also invited to the chef’s table for a more interactive approach to your dining.

With several of South Africa’s top restaurants and dining experiences a short walk away, you will want to explore Franschhoek too, sampling local delights at the town’s informal cafes, art galleries and more sophisticated restaurants.