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Franschhoek, South Africa
The key to unlocking Franschhoek
Here you gain an insider glimpse into village life in South Africa. From exploring the mountains to discovering the valley’s wines, cheese and restaurants, La Clé celebrates life.
La Clé, meaning ‘the key’, makes the most of Franschhoek’s picturesque mountain-and-valley scenery.
Its essence lies not only within the exceptional attention to detail, exquisite finishes and superb location, but also in the breadth of experience on offer. With an exquisite culinary team, the cuisine is dynamic and fresh – from local-style ‘braais’ to generous breakfast tables, personalised picnics, private dining and select Shared Table evenings.
The key in La Clé’s logo signifies the unlocking of Franschhoek’s secrets; guests are invited to live like a local in the beautiful Cape Winelands. Soak up the valley, visit the art galleries, shop at the markets, sample the region’s wines and discover a sense of tranquillity, space, taste and style.
Owned by international entrepreneur Michael Pawlowski, the experience is modelled on his needs when travelling with his wife and four children. The lodge and villas sit amid vineyards on the edge of Franschhoek, just a short walk from the village centre.
Franschhoek, South Africa
Rooms: from R 7 775 per room per night
Exclusive-use Villas: from R 15 875 per villa per night (2 guests)
1 hour drive from Cape Town International Airport
25 minute drive from Stellenbosch
Exclusive-use Villas: All ages welcome | Rooms: 12+ years
Experience authentic Franschhoek living with elegant accommodation, seasonal dining, and easy access to the village’s art, wine and culinary scene.
Ideal location on two private farms with vineyards and plum orchards, yet only a 5-minute walk to the Franschhoek main street with restaurants and shops.
From a gourmet dinner or braai to a light snack or picnic, the menus highlight ingredients and flavours from the region.
From couples to families and friends, there is an option for everyone - from rooms and suites to exclusive villa stays.
La Clé is your key to living like a local and celebrating life in South Africa.
Nestled in the heart of Franschhoek, this beautifully restored thatched farmhouse captures the essence of gracious country living. The Lodge features five elegant en-suite bedrooms, spacious living areas, and a kitchen at the heart of the experience.
Overlooking vineyards and mountains, it’s a place where meals are shared, wines are poured, and conversation flows. Guests can enjoy a Shared Table dinner, a relaxed summer braai (South African BBQ), or a private meal for two - always prepared with care by the in-house culinary team.
La Clé Lodge appeals to travellers who appreciate art, design, cuisine, and the warmth of a home rather than the formality of a hotel. Just a ten-minute walk away, across the vineyards, lie the four private Villas.
A beautifully converted historic barn, Grange blends rustic charm with contemporary comfort. It features a large open-plan living area with a double-sided fireplace, three elegant en-suite bedrooms, and an open loft (ideal for up to four children when booked exclusively).
With generous indoor and outdoor living spaces, a sun-drenched pool, and mountain views, Grange can be booked per room or as an exclusive-use villa.
Once one of Franschhoek’s grandest farmhouses, Manoir exudes character and charm. It is available as a two-bedroom villa year-round, with a one-bedroom option offered between 1 May - 19 December 2026.
Inside, guests will find a gracious master suite with a dressing room and luxurious en-suite, a second bedroom with its own lounge (ideal for children), and a collection of elegant living spaces - study, dining room, conservatory, and kitchen - all opening onto wide verandahs, manicured lawns, and a sparkling pool.
Inspired by an artist’s retreat, Galerie combines creativity and comfort. Available as a two-bedroom villa year-round or a one-bedroom escape from 1 May - 19 December, it features an open-plan living area that extends to a generous verandah overlooking the gardens, vineyards, and mountains.
With two equally sized bedrooms, Galerie is perfect for two couples sharing or for a solo traveller seeking an intimate hideaway.
Once a humble chicken coop, Domain has been beautifully transformed into a stylish four-bedroom villa, beloved by families and groups of friends. Its airy interiors blend contemporary design with African colour and texture.
Each bedroom has its own character, complemented by expansive shared spaces - including three verandahs designed for every moment of the day: breakfast at sunrise, leisurely lunches in the shade, and sunset drinks overlooking the pool, vineyards, and mountains.
Bookings can be made by contacting the La Clé reservations team.
Email: reservations@lacle.co.za
Tel: +27 21 876 4833
Emergency: +27 82 850 3093
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am – 5pm. Based in Franschhoek.
Cape Town International Airport is the closest airport. La Clé is approximately a one-hour drive away through the Cape Winelands, with helicopter transfers available to the on-site helipad from the V&A Waterfront or Cape Town International Airport (on request).
La Clé is ideal for self-drive travel and is located approximately 1 hour from Cape Town International Airport, 25 minutes from Stellenbosch, and around 1.5 hours from Hermanus and Stanford. Private transfers can be arranged on request.
Amenities
- Set across two working farms with vineyards and orchards in the heart of Franschhoek.
- Choice of La Clé Lodge (five en-suite rooms) or exclusive-use Villas with private gardens and pools.
- Air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms, shared indoor living spaces and libraries.
- La Clé Lodge facilities (subject to availability): swimming pool, natural swimming dams, tennis court, putt-and-chip lawn and helipad.
- Complimentary bicycles (subject to availability).
- Daily housekeeping and turndown (villa stays include laundry and a dedicated host).
- Wi-Fi, concierge services and complimentary on-site parking.
- Breakfast included
Activities (Included)
- Vineyard walks and self-guided farm strolls.
- Cycling on the estate and into Franschhoek village.
- Use of Lodge facilities (where applicable).
- Easy 5-minute walk to Franschhoek’s main street.
Available (Extra Cost)
- Lunches, dinners and private dining experiences.
- In-villa chef services, picnics and braai dinners.
- Wine tastings, cellar visits and curated village tastings.
- Spa and wellness treatments.
While La Clé is not directly involved in conservation initiatives like some of their Classic Portfolio partners, they are deeply committed to creating a positive and lasting impact within the local community.
Franschhoek is celebrated for its vineyards, fine dining, and mountain beauty – yet beyond this charm lies another side: families facing hardship and children growing up with limited opportunities.
Community Commitment: La Clé is a foundation sponsor of The Kusasa Project, an organisation dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty through early childhood education. The project provides children from disadvantaged backgrounds with a strong foundation for learning, development, and long-term well-being. La Clé’s ongoing partnership with Kusasa forms a cornerstone of their community engagement.
Every guest stay supports meaningful local initiatives through transparent contributions:
- Community Fee: R 120 per room per night is donated in full to The Kusasa Project.
- Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourism Levy: R 80 (2026) per room per night supports local security, community upliftment, and sustainable tourism development in the Franschhoek Valley.
- Local Sourcing: Their culinary team prioritises seasonal produce sourced within a 30 km radius, supporting nearby farmers and artisans.
- Sustainable Tourism: By dining, shopping, and exploring within the village, guests directly contribute to the livelihoods of local residents who rely on tourism.
Looking Ahead: La Clé continues to explore new ways to reduce their environmental footprint and support the local economy responsibly – through ethical sourcing, waste reduction, and long-term partnerships that strengthen the Franschhoek community.
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