A picturesque valley nestling in a remote corner of the Cape winelands lets its French spirit show with brimming pride come July 14 every year – all in celebration of the French revolution which swept that nation on a day that has become known as Bastille Day since 1789.

This year, the annual Bastille Day festivities were filled with the usual fanfare as the valley of Franschhoek – known as South Africa’s French corner – marked it by connecting with its French roots.

Founded by the French Huguenots who settled in the Cape from 1688, the town celebrates its French heritage by proudly draping itself with the national white, blue and red colours of France.

The festivities culminate in a feasting at Bastille Festival on food and wine produced by the cream of the valley’s wine estates, cementing the valley as the home of the country’s gourmet food and wine culture.

The Bastille Festival, held on July 16 and 17, sets a carnival tone for both locals and tourists seduced by the majestic beauty of the valley and its world-famous wines and gourmet restaurants.

Franschhoek is home to iconic wine labels such as Rupert & Rothschild, L’Omarins, La Motte, Haute Cabriere and Leopard’s Leap.