La Petite Ferme - Franschhoek
We stayed at La Petite Ferme for 2 nights in January 2025, and we were blown away. It has the most beautiful and picturesque dining views we have ever seen, and the hotel is the perfect place to stay whilst exploring South Africa’s Wine Country.
*Disclaimer: This stay was provided to us for free in exchange for an impartial review and some photography and videography work. La Petite Ferme have no say in what we write in this review
Overview
Nestled in the heart of the Franschhoek Wine Valley, La Petite Ferme is a boutique hotel, restaurant and wine farm that epitomises tranquillity, understated luxury, and breathtaking views. Perched high on the Franschhoek Pass, this charming estate offers a perfect escape for those seeking romance, relaxation, and exceptional food and wine.
It’s conveniently located just five minutes from Franschhoek town, making it ideal if you want to hop on the wine tram or bus, which connects you to neighbouring vineyards.
From the moment we arrived, we felt at home. Thoughtful touches, attentive service, and stunning surroundings ensured that our stay was as unforgettable as the views.
And honestly, those views have stayed with us ever since!
Here’s everything you need to know about staying at La Petite Ferme and why it’s a must for your visit to Franschhoek.
Location
Address:
Franschhoek Pass Road, Franschhoek, South Africa
Email: reception@lapetiteferme.co.za
Telephone: +27 (0) 21 876 3016
Website: www.lapetiteferme.co.za
A Warm Welcome
Our experience began with a warm welcome, including a dedicated car parking space out back and help with our luggage, which was taken to our rooms. Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a refreshing drink – an immediate taste of the exceptional hospitality here.
While we waited for our room, we relaxed in the inviting guest lounge surrounded by gorgeous purple Agapanthus in the flower beds (we loved the comfy sofas and homely atmosphere), soaking in the views of the neighbouring vineyards and mountains.
Liizelle & Johan made us feel very welcome and gave us so many recommendations for our stay.
Beautiful Rooms with Thoughtful Details
The rooms at La Petite Ferme are named after one of their wines – a charming nod to their winemaking heritage. We stayed in the Baboon Rock suite, which was as elegant as it was comfortable.
The complimentary minibar was stocked with:
Local wine
Craft beer
Soft drinks
Sparkling and still water
South African treats (we loved the Rusks; we are a sucker for a snack)
A Nespresso machine with pods
An Array of tea flavours
A fruit bowl and some other inclusive snacks
The spacious layout included a plush bed, which was ideally situated, looking out onto the balcony with expansive views of the surrounding mountains and greenery. With blackout blinds, you could easily lie in if you so wish.
The balcony looks over the pool where we enjoyed a bottle of wine whilst the sun set one night. A perfect place to enjoy it.
The bathroom was open and airy, complete with his and her sinks, luxurious bath with sea salts, locally inspired toiletries (including a Chardonnay/ Merlot and Sauvignon-scented shower products from TheraVine), and fluffy robes and slippers which added a pampering touch.
Other thoughtful conveniences were included like international plugs (no need for adapters – thank you!), and the evening turndown service made our stay feel extra special.
Oh, and did we mention the little bedside treat we came back from dinner to? As foodies, we always have room for a little sweet treat before bed.
Food & Drink: A Culinary Delight
Dining at La Petite Ferme was one of the highlights of our stay. The on-site restaurant is renowned for its “long lazy lunches” – and for good reason. We enjoyed generous portions of fresh, seasonal dishes while soaking up sweeping views of the vineyards and mountains through the open windows. Each table is positioned in such a way that you won’t miss out on that stunning view.
Breakfast
Breakfast was an indulgent affair, featuring a buffet of freshly baked pastries, breads, fruits, and cheeses alongside a menu of hot options; including bubbles and Bloody Mary if you so wish. The poached eggs on brioche with hollandaise sauce were our personal favourite! Nicole always greeted us with a smile and remembered our coffee order every morning; a lovely touch.
Afternoon Tea
Every afternoon, complimentary tea, coffee, and cake were served – a lovely tradition that we looked forward to after a morning of exploring. They had 2 offerings - cake and tart, and as a couple, it meant we got to taste both. We had to split them 50/50 they were so good!
Wine Tasting
La Petite Ferme is a working vineyard, and their complimentary wine tasting on the lawn is not to be missed. Surrounded by panoramic views of the estate, we sipped on their exceptional wines making the experience feel truly special. Valentine talked through the different notes of the wines, and as we love cooking at home, she was able to suggest dishes which would pair perfectly with them.
You can choose 3 different time slots in the afternoon to do the wine tasting so that it fits into your schedule in the wine region.
Dinner
La Petite Ferme’s dinner is very popular in Franschhoek and is open to non-guests as well as those staying at the Estate. As a resident, you get priority over tables but must let the team know in the morning before you plan to dine there.
We chose an 8 pm table to watch the sunset over the mountains, and we had:
Brioche-style bread with butter and biltong (A complimentary amuse bouche)
Tuna mosaic
Smoked Standford Biltong pannacotta
Passion fruit sorbet (Palate cleanser)
Kapokbos Rolled lamb
Venison Mignon with a great romesco sauce and creamy polenta
Banana & date cheesecake
Cheese selection
Of course, we enjoyed dinner with a bottle of their Cabernet Sauvignon.
If you fancy something a bit more chilled, you can order dinner to your room. We couldn’t resist a burger in bed after a lovely day or wine tasting in the sun. Followed by a bath.
You can read our complete review of the dinner here.
Other Facilities
The Pool
The pool was the perfect spot to cool off in the summer heat, with sun loungers and fluffy towels waiting for you; make sure you enjoy a poolside tipple. While the pool was on the colder side, we found it refreshing after the midday sun.
The Grounds
La Petite Ferme feels incredibly private and intimate, thanks to its boutique nature and beautifully landscaped gardens. Whether you're relaxing on your room’s terrace or wandering through the grounds, you’re surrounded by natural beauty at every turn. You can hear birdsongs as you wake up and you’ll no doubt see butterflies gracefully flying about the beautiful gardens.
Members Lounge and Bar
For a lighter bite, the members’ lounge offered a selection of snacks, board games like Scrabble are available, and a cosy upstairs bar serving classic cocktails – ideal for unwinding in the evening.
In-Room Spa
If the weather turns bad or you just want to relax, you can order spa treatments to your room including massages, facials and other beauty treatments.
Things to Consider
While La Petite Ferme offers an exceptional experience, there are a few small things to keep in mind:
Bathroom Privacy: The open-plan bathroom in our suite had a sliding door with a hollowed-out design, so it wasn’t entirely soundproof. For those seeking more privacy, you may prefer to use the restaurant or reception facilities. This didn’t bother us but we know some couples that may not appreciate this so much.
The lighting of the bedside lamps felt slightly bright and white, but it’s a minor detail in an otherwise cosy space.
Windy Weather: Franschhoek is known for its occasional breezes, and the property’s location on the pass means it can get quite windy at certain times of the year. That said, between November and March, the warm weather balances this out. This is just the climate and completely out of anyone’s control but just worth considering when it comes to packing.
Cold Pool: While refreshing in the summer, the pool may be on the cooler side for some. We love a cold plunge so this was very welcome in the summer heat.
Final Thoughts
We didn’t want to leave.
A lovely final touch was a little goodie bag to help us on our road trip, including water and little biscuits, which were devoured quickly on the road to our next stop.
Our stay at La Petite Ferme felt like a dream. It’s the kind of place where time slows down, allowing you to truly relax and connect with the beauty around you. The combination of luxury, privacy, and exceptional food makes it one of the best boutique stays in Franschhoek. We will 100% be back.
It's left a real impression on us, and we feel we couldn’t nor wouldn’t want to hunt out anywhere else now when we return to Franschhoek.
La Petite Ferme is more than just a boutique hotel – it’s an experience. From the personalised service to the breathtaking views, every detail is designed to make you feel relaxed and pampered.
It’s an ideal choice for:
Honeymooners: The intimate setting, luxurious rooms, and romantic views make it a perfect choice for couples.
Wine Lovers: With its own vineyard, complimentary tastings, and access to the Franschhoek Wine Tram in the nearby town, it’s a haven for oenophiles.
Foodies: The fantastic and generous cuisine and indulgent breakfasts are worth the stay alone. We came home with a few bottles of the Baboon Rock white wine (Chardonnay).
