Nestled between sprawling mountains and sea with various hiking trails and lookout points, Franskraal provides a unique combination of barefoot beach fun and modern luxury in a serene botanical bower.
This is where the sun seekers and swimmers hang out in summer. The beautiful seaside village of Franskraal stretches from Kleinbaai along a rocky Milkwood-fringed coastline to the main beach of Gansbaai that crosses the outlet of the Uilenkraalsmond estuary. Franskraal and the adjacent Uilenkraalsmond caravan park are the oldest established weekend and holiday resorts in the area. The area was named after Frans, the shepherd of the then landowner and former minister, Piet van der Byl, who also owned various other farms in the Overberg in the 1930’s.
Many of the residents are pensioners who came to retire here in their childhood family holiday houses. During weekends and school holidays, however, the peaceful and serene neighbourhood is abuzz with visitors seeking escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The wide streets, fringed by lush flowerbeds and gardens, and the coastal hiking trail with comfortable benches at various lookout-points, provide a safe and scenic environment for daily walks and cycling.
The rocky shore with its many pools and pebbles, like Blousloep, is ideal for angling and family picnics.
The endless beach, stretching all the way past the popular Gruisgat fishing spot to Pearly Beach, is a paradise for both water and beach activities. It is the only beach in the area where life-guards are on duty at the designated swimming area during peak season.
Franskraal is a close-knit community with a strong social network that takes pride in its pristine environment. A supermarket, restaurant and a thriving bowling club, as well as countless guesthouses and B&B’s, cater for the fun and food needs of locals and visitors.
Tourist hotspots include the acclaimed Strandveld Museum where private owner and historian Jan Fourie enlivens the rich history of the Strandveld region and its treasure chest of relics with his enchanting showmanship, and the Groot Melkhoutbos Trail, an hour long hike through an ancient Milkwood forest brimming with an array of rare bird, animal and plant species . Come and discover this paradise.
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