It seems that the answer to the Cape winter blues is to have a festival. Hot on the heels of the news of the ‘Fees van die Ganse’ in Gansbaai this weekend, the locals are gearing up for another flurry of weekend activity. This time in the French corner of the Cape, Franschhoek, at the Bastille Festival,  also on the weekend of July 11 and 12.

220 years ago, the French people celebrated their liberation after the storming of the Bastille the previous year. This great party went on for four days in the Champs de Mars at the festival called the ‘Journee des brouettes’ - day of the wheelbarrows.

Today, the local festival celebrates Franschhoek’s centuries-old French Huguenot heritage with a wonderful feast of food, wine and entertainment. The “Long Walk” has become a feature of the festival, and pays homage to Nelson Mandela, and his own unique vision of “Liberte, egalite, fraternite”. 

This Gourmet Capital of the Cape is just a pleasant drive away from our own village and Gourmet Centre, along a wonderfully scenic route which takes you past the impressive Theewaterskloof Dam and over the Franschhoek Pass.  The organisers are promising lots to see and do, and lots of yummy things to eat and drink, with the focal point in the Bastille Food and Wine Marquee.

 Apart from the gastronomic indulgences, there is a lot more on offer for the whole family. The  galleries, boutiques, crafts shops and food emporiums will be dressed up to the nines and draped in French apparel. Entertainment ranges from a French Film Festival at Le Quartier’s Screening Room, to boules (Petanque), a chefs and waiters race, street soccer, a barrel-rolling contest and fly-fishing competitions. 

 C’est la vie!

“Fees van die Ganse” will be held in Gansbaai next weekend 10 - 12 July.

The festival is held in the harbour commemorating the origins of Gansbaai as a fishing village. The fountain frequented by Egyptian geese, which gave the town its name, is also to be found there.
The Festival caters for the whole family – a variety of interesting stalls for purchasing early Christmas presents; golf competition and 4×4 challenge; children’s activities; boat rides; plenty of entertainment and mouth watering food stalls. The FynbosShow needs special mention as each year the ladies in the community create a spectacular Fynbos scene depicting the winter Fynbos of the area.

There will be a mountain bike fun-ride on the 11th of July. The long route has some difficult sections and requires a fair level of fitness and riding skill.
Local businesses have donated fantastic prizes (shark dives and guest house stays for a family of 4, as well as smaller fun prizes). An entry fee of R50 (long route) and R30 (shorter route) will be levied. The kiddies ride will be free. The fee will go towards employing locals to clear the route as well as being marshals.