Encapsulating the essence of life in Franschhoek

Set amidst a working vineyard, orchards, and fragrant gardens, and just a short stroll from the historical village centre, La Clé des Montagnes encapsulates the essence of Franschhoek life. Cocooned in a beautiful corner of the valley, below towering mountains, the accommodation at La Clé consists of 4 individual Villas (ideally suited to families) and a decadent Lodge (for ages 12 years and above). Quiet and uplifting, the spaces are exquisitely finished with a remarkable and distinct style that imbues the spirit of glamourous farm style design. With a team of chefs on-hand, the cuisine is dynamic and fresh, from local-style South African ‘braais’ (barbeques) to bounty laden breakfast tables, personalised picnics, private dining and select Shared Table evenings – there’s plenty here to keep you ensconced for days! Although, there’s a reason Franschhoek is touted as the gourmet capital of South Africa…not only is the town surrounded by some of the oldest and most renowned wine estates in the country, it’s also home to some of the top culinary experiences in South Africa!

Choose the beautifully restored, thatched-roofed La Clé Lodge for a taste of refined and wholesome, farmhouse living. Consisting of spacious living areas, 5 beautiful en-suite bedrooms and a kitchen at the heart of the home, the lodge is run by a superb husband-and-wife team with a special knack to anticipate your every need – meals are cooked, drinks are poured, and nothing is ever too much. Book an individual room, or travel with a group of friends or family and take out the entire lodge.

A 10-minute walk away, on a separate village-farm, La Clé Village comprises of four distinctly different Villas (Grange, Manoir, Galerie and Domain), each one a private and peaceful retreat. Book one or all of them with family and friends for a blissfully relaxing stay. Designed by South African designer Sarah Ord, known for her bright and playful style, the contemporary Villa interiors are immaculate and defined by oodles of space, private pools and can accommodate between 4 – 10 guests, depending on the Villa.

Details

  • A heavenly French-styled retreat, spread out over to expansive South African estates, including a working vineyard, orchards and fragrant gardens
  • Book an individual suite at the 5-bedroom luxury, La Clé Lodge – a charming Cape Dutch home where modern design meets traditional style
  • Or choose to stay at one of the four distinctly different Villas at La Clé Village – each one a blissfully indulgent, private retreat
  • La Clé Village offers boules and croquet; La Clé Lodge has a putting green, rugby field, two swimming dams and a tennis court; in-room spa treatments are available at both. Between the Village and the Lodge, there are no less than five pools.
  • Both properties are located in the heart of the village for easy traipsing and exploring on foot

Trips featuring Cape Town

There are thousands of ways our travellers can experience Africa. Our bespoke itineraries are created to ensure your trip is just right for you.

12 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Ultimate South Africa

13 days from $13,405 per person

15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Cape Town, Karoo & Eastern Cape Safari

10 days from $5,269 per person

15 nights featuring the best of Botswana

Cape Town, Mana Pools, Kariba and Vic Falls

16 days from $16,345 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Cape Town, Overberg, Kruger and Mozambique

14 days from $10,305 per person (based on 8 people sharing)

12 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Cape Town, Kruger and Mozambique

12 days from $9,035 per person

11 nights featuring the best of Namibia

Battlefield Bush and Beach

10 days from $3,149 per person

8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

Family Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

9 days from $6,985 per person

10 nights featuring the best of Southern Africa

Cape Town, Vic Falls & Botswana

11 days from $6,254 per person

8 nights featuring the best of South Africa

Cape Town, Winelands & Safari

9 days from $8,869 per person

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Alternative stays in Franschhoek

Discover our other world-class accommodation options.

Brookdale Estate Manor
Brookdale Estate Manor
Babylonstoren Farm Hotel
Babylonstoren Farm Hotel
La Cotte Farm
La Cotte Farm
Delaire Graff
Delaire Graff
Twice Central
Twice Central
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Guest Testimonials

Discover why our guests select Scintilla for their travel to Southern Africa.

Hi Cuan.  Just wanted you to know we have had an amazing time in Namibia!  What an experience!  Yesterday we stopped off at a bar in a very remote village after tracking elephants and had beers and danced with the locals which was fantastic.  Between the orphanage, stops in many villages, the kids we’ve gotten to meet, the Himba village and of course all the animals it has just been incredible.  You organized quite a trip for us!  And now, Botswana!!!

The Soloman Family, USA

My week in Namibia was sensational and went seamlessly. From the welcoming pickup from the airport to the beautiful accommodations and fascinating road-trip across much of the country, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Of particular note, the food at Hoodia Desert Lodge was impeccable and the al fresco lunch prepared by the guide after the visit to Deadvlei and Sossusvlei was simply magical. The sundowners at both Hoodia and Onduli Ridge were top-notch, each offering breathtaking views and fabulous Namibian gin cocktails and bites. What made the entire journey so easily enjoyable was the daily itineraries and maps presented to me upon arrival and the overall organization and attention to detail. My solo sojourn was truly flawless, and I will recommend it widely!

Sarah Scott, ZA

Cuan, everything going to plan so far with stunning weather and excellent service and amazing wildlife in Etosha!! Thanks again for your professionalism. Everything has been magical, and we have definitely brought some luck with us being the first group to find the elephants only after 10 minutes of looking !! Really appreciate your help, and I will be recommending you to our friends back home.

Tom Last, AU

Our guide Charlene was out of this world. She was charming, intelligent, and fun and she showed us the best of Cape Town while also educating us on the journey Cape Town has taken from Apartheid through today. We were fascinated, engaged, and overjoyed to spend our final days in Africa with her. She is truly outstanding.

Paul & Wendy, UK

The trip was FANTASTIC, and our guide Marcus was absolutely superb! We took all of his recommendations for our last free day in the city and can’t thank him enough for the stellar suggestions.

Thomas & Mary Louise, Canada

Please convey my thanks to the Cape Town guiding teams! Without a doubt our most memorable moment of the trip was our visit to the Cape Peninsula with our guide, Chizzy. A major positive, thrilling time. The penguins, picnic and swim at the reservoir, continual birthday celebrations for Jack’s 18th Birthday were all home runs.

Suzanne, Jack & Family, USA

The most important thing for me to tell you is that we had a fabulous time with James exploring the Peninsula of Cape Town! Along with our visit to the Zeitz Museum, our day with James was a highlight of the time we spent in South Africa. He was friendly and open about discussing his experiences growing up with apartheid which I really appreciated. I enjoyed the towns we visited, the restaurant where we had lunch, our visit with the penguins, and our hike out to the shipwreck. Thank you!!

Emma & Lori, USA

Well, we finished up Cape Town this evening, heading to safari tomorrow. We loved the country tour and winery tour, absolutely amazing. Also, our guide for both days, was one of the best we have ever had. We couldn’t imagine a better time and she couldn’t be more flexible. Thank you for setting up this first part of the vacation and setting us up with the tours.

Cory & Heather, USA

It was great! Everything worked out perfectly! We absolutely loved the Sidecar experience – wow, was that fun! We loved our guide in Cape Town, Josh, he was the BEST! He was so fun. We took him for dinners and played golf with him! We just thought Cape Town was fantastic. Wine Country was great. Fantastic.

Joseph, Marsha & Family, USA

On Saturday, we met our guide, Charlene, who was OUTSTANDING. We had missed the Zeitz Museum, and she was happy to let us rearrange our schedule so that we could tour it as well as taking me to a beautiful craft market to buy gifts.  On arriving in the wine country, we enjoyed an amazing lunch at La Motte.  With Charlene's background in wines, she was able to recommend the best wineries to visit on the winetram, as well as several good restaurants in the area.

William & Constance, USA

Cape Town was so scenic and beautiful.  Had an interesting visit around town and to the houses of parliament with a very accommodating guide James.  James made that whole experience everything it was and deserves a lot of credit. What a great place to visit!  What phenomenal food!  What masters of hospitality they all are in Africa!

Jeffery & Barbara, Canada
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