Franschhoek , sometimes wrong Franschhoek , afrik . Franschhoek , literally "French corner", outdated (until 1947) name Fransen-Hook , Africa. Franschen Hoek is a town in the Western Cape Province of South Africa , about 75 km from Cape Town . The population is 15 353 inhabitants (2001).
Since 2000 , belongs to the municipality of Stellenbosch .
Originally the city was called Olifantshoek , Africa. Olifantshoek , “the elephant corner”, in memory of the elephants who trod the path, which was then used by the local settlers.
History
Franschhoek founded 176 Huguenots in 1688 , who arrived in this area from France after a brief stop in Holland. Soon, the area became known as the "French Quarter" or "French Corner." From here come many famous surnames in South Africa, such as Malan , Theron . From the 18th century, the name Fransen-Hook became the official name of the village. By 1829 , the last speaker of French, who had been supplanted by the Dutch dialect, Afrikaans, died. Nevertheless, numerous toponyms of French origin are preserved (mainly in the names of local wineries ): La Motte, La Cotte, Cabrière, Provence, Chamonix, Bien Donné, Champagne, Dieu Donné, La Dauphiné, etc.
A monument to the Huguenots was solemnly opened on April 17, 1948 , and next to it is the Huguenot Memorial Center (a small historical museum).
Franschhoek is one of the centers of South African winemaking and tourism.