Franschhoek Stroll ALC: Bonus Cache
The cache is a bonus for completion of the ALC. The small black screw-capped tablet pot is hidden about 10 minutes’ walk away from #5 of the ALC – the NG Kerk.
Using the values obtained from the 5 stages of the ALC, the cache can be found at:
S 33 54.E(A+D)(C-1) E 19 7.(B-4)(C-A)E+A)
Franschhoek has a rich history dating back to the 1600s. In 1687, Simon Van Der Stel and 23 other Dutch settlers arrived in the region now known as the Franschhoek Valley. They set up a halfway station to supply ships sailing from the Dutch East Indies and Europe.
In 1685, after King Louis XIV banned Protestantism in France, 100s of people were forced to leave the country. In 1688, almost 300 French Huguenots arrived at the Cape of Good Hope by ship.
The Dutch colony needed to develop agriculture in the Cape to supply the sailing ships with fresh produce, so they gave the French an area of land to begin growing crops. It was a seasonal breeding ground for elephants but well-watered and with fertile soil. The valley soon became known as Franschhoek (French Corner in Dutch).
Many of the Huguenots settlers were highly trained blacksmiths, carpenters, tailors and merchants. Some came from French wine-producing regions and had viniculture skills and knowledge. They began laying out vineyards for wine production helping to establish the Cape’s wine industry. Many settlers named their new farms after areas in France, such as La Provence, La Motte, La Terra de Luc and Bourgogne and the area soon became known as Le Coin Français (The French Corner).
More recently, Franschhoek has transformed itself into a top South African tourist destination. Although the Huguenots were few, they contributed greatly to its development. Once a sleepy town, it has now grown into an internationally renowned food and wine capital.
Through sensitive development, the small town still exudes an elegant charm through the sweeping views of the orchards, vineyards and mountains beyond, and its quaint cafes and boutique art galleries. It has numerous world-class restaurants and wine farms and for those wishing to stay longer and explore the area, there are many hotels and guest houses.
See here for a beautiful short drone video on Franschhoek valley & Theewaterskloof.
