A friendly and vibrant market where locals meet and chill out on Saturdays.
A stroll down Franschhoek‘s main street on a Saturday inevitably leads to the cool shade of the oak trees beside the church, where live music and wafts of exotic food entice passers-by to stroll among the colourful stalls. The weekly village market is a favourite meeting place for locals and visitors, families and friends, with friendly vendors (many of them the makers of the products) offering everything from jewellery and clothing to ceramics, art and crafts. Hungry? Wander over to the central group of picnic tables bordered by a varied offering of food and drinks, deli goods and produce, sit down for a catch-up and let the soulful live music slow the pace to a chilled-out weekend tempo.
The food offering lives up to Franschhoek’s foodie reputation, with street-food chefs cooking up a storm of mouth-watering, globally inspired dishes made with local ingredients – think falafel pitas, lamb shwarma, steamed dumplings, gourmet pancakes, salad bowls, samosas, and more. The stalls vary from week to week, but are always tasty. The drinks selection – by mixologists and bartenders – is just as wide, from mimosas and gin cocktails to craft beers, local wines, freshly squeezed juices and, of course, excellent coffee.
Shop handmade
Wander the colourful stalls for handmade and locally produced artisanal products. If you’re looking for special gifts, you’ll be spoilt for choice with jewellery, local clothing labels, handmade shoes, bags and belts, art, individual top quality crafts and ceramics. Or lose yourself browsing vintage and antique stalls, and pick up some second-hand books for relaxing weekend reads.
Stay a while
While the live music creates a laidback atmosphere, the nearby boules court, always with a game in progress, charmingly channels Franschhoek’s French-village vibe. The market really does invite you to linger all morning, with a kids’ play area to entertain the young, and bowls of water for thirsty hounds, recognising that dogs on leads are all part of the family.
Sunday pop-ups
Saturday is the regular weekly market slot, but pop-up markets also happen on the first Sunday of the month in spring, summer and autumn, and to coincide with special events such as the Bastille Day festival in July when the market flies the Tricolour flag and celebrates all things French for the whole weekend. In mid-December, a three-day Christmas market makes gift shopping a summer breeze with a guest appearance from Father Christmas.
Dog-friendly? Yes, on a leash.
Opening times Summer: Saturday, 9am – 3pm (weather-dependent)
Winter: Saturday, 10am – 3pm (weather-dependent)
Contact info@fhkvm.co.za
Where to find it 29 Huguenot Street, Franschhoek
Discover all of the Cape’s hidden gems – subscribe to our weekly newsletter.
