#6 | Cape Town in a nutshell
As we were finishing a spectacular meal today at the Chefs Warehouse at Maison in the Franschhoek region in Western Cape, we could not not compare our July trip to Cape Town to the one we are presently on.
Yes, we are back in the Mother City! Jessica has been coming very often since first visiting with her father back in September 2007 and this is my husband's second time, after coming last year in July for his birthday. And as we compare yesteryears' trip to the present one, we compared paces.
Last year we had lots of places to check on a list so that Bruno has a comprehensive view of the Western Cape region as it was his first time in South Africa. This time around we can move around at a slower pace, going back to places we loved in the past and discovering new ones in the process as well.
And that is when Bruno mentioned "last year I had to see Cape Town in a nutshell".
What a spectacular expression to describe his first visit route. So here are a few things we did in July 2023 which are so worth it to fall in the love with the most beautiful region in the Southern Hemisphere #biased!
Waterfront
This is the harbour area of Cape Town, that has lots of hotels, restaurants and shops, from the massive V&A Shopping Center to the Watershed that showcases local artisans. A few minutes away - but also walkable distance - you can find the Oranjezicht City Farm Market, that opens on Wednesday evenings and weekends. The produce is vibrant, the food is amazing and the vibe is just superb at the market. We thoroughly recommend.
This is a very safe and walkable area where we love to stay, eat and shop. The view over the Atlantic Ocean and the Table Mountain & Signal Hill is unparalleled.
Jess
Table Mountain
Either from the front or from one of the sides, you cannot not see the Table Mountain on a daily basis whilst in Cape Town. It can also help as a guiding point when you are sightseeing.
Hout Bay & Chapmans Peak
The Hout Bay area is south of Cape Town, with a very picturesque harbour and fishermen's village. You can do boat tours from there, check the friendly seals and enter the famous Chapman's Peak Drive, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Stop for a photo or two! In this area we recommend the Chefs Warehouse at Tintswalo Atlantic - this is where we celebrated Bruno's birthday in 2023.
Jess
Cape Point & Peninsula
The Western Cape is most famous for being the point where two oceans - Atlantic and Indian - meet. Well, they don't really at Cape Point (the joining of oceans is more accurate going East to Cape Agulhas) but it is still magical to know you are on the most southern part of the world. Other than that, Cape Point is extremely scenic and quite a workout to the top! The whole ride through the Peninsula is a sightseeing fauna and flora experience not to miss.
Simon's Town
Whilst crossing the Peninsula, Simon's Town is a stop not to miss with its Penguin conservatory, stunning blue ocean hues and very cute laidback restaurants. You might also me enticed by the several souvenir, aloe vera and arts and crafts shops in the area. But the penguins, the penguins... is there a cutest animal on the planet?!
Greenpoint & Sea Point
Already back in Cape Town, Greenpoint & Sea Point neighbourhoods are also very safe and walkable areas facing the Atlantic Ocean, very residential and boasting with street bars and restaurants. This part of town is a great sea promenade and is more affordable than Camps Bay.
Clifton & Camps Bay
Being in this area is synonymous with living in the water and being comfortable around rocks, either from the Atlantic Side of the Table Mountain (the mountain indents are called The 12 Apostles) or the sea rocks that separate every beach. Clifton is very vibrant and Camps Bay is extremely posh. You will feel a Miami Beach vibe with the white and ocean hues in every façade.
Stellenbosch & Franschhoek
If you have time to get away from the city and are interested in the countryside and winelands of Western Cape, do not miss on visiting Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. The first settlement is the epitome of Dutch Cape History and architecture, with a very safe and walkable vibe. You will stumble upon many students as it is very famous for it's centennial University.
Jess
Jess
As for Franschhoek, it can be translated to "the French corner" as it is where 300 Huguenots (French Protestans) settled in 1690 and created a new life for themselves. As they were mostly from southern France, most places and wineries have a southern french name such as Provence or Motte. Other than the stunning wineries where you can stay, eat and shop for wines, you can also look out for chocolate, cheeses and local arts and crafts.
Jess
Do not miss:
- the Mont Rochelle estate for the most beautiful stay
- wine tasting at the exquisite Delaire Graff and Tokara estates
- the Leeu Estates award winning restaurant La Petite Colombe, where we had one of the most memorable meals of our lives last year
- the Afternoon Tea at the Le Lude for the sights and the bubbles
- the Saturday Franschhoek market for food and crafts. We went and came back home filled with handmade candles and several unique decoration items!
- the Chefs Warehouse restaurant at the Maison Winery estate for a South African tapas feast
Jess
This is it for today. We hope this newsletter made you travel a bit with us for today whilst we enjoy our South Africa spring break this week!
If you are not sick of us already, you have more content below, written in the past few weeks. In the meantime, follow us on Instagram. Or Tiktok. Or Youtube. Share with a friend. Whatever tickles your fancy. See you in November.
Je t'embrasse fort,
Jess
PS: all pictures were taken by ourselves in July 2023
Jess
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