Once again, Franschhoek, South Africa's Gourmet Capital, will be commemorating its centuries-old French Huguenot heritage at its annual Bastille Festival over the weekend of the 11th and 12th of July.

The Franschhoek Wine Valley is inextricably linked with the pursuit of freedom as the destination where the French Huguenots sought refuge from persecution.

Bastille marries the collective themes of French emancipation and South African freedom. So, come along and paint the town red, white and blue and join in 'A Celebration of Freedom'.

Friday, 10th boasts a comprehensive sporting element which ushers in festivities, with interfarm sporting competitions. The evening follows with the event most socialites have set their heart on: the illustrious Masked Ball at Le Franschhoek, where patrons, for R500 a head, can swan around in glittering glamour and exquisite elegance and sample delectable cuisine.

The Food and Wine Marquee, open from 12 noon until 6pm, is always the focal point which draws people to the hub of activity and fervour, where visitors can sample fine wines from Franschhoek's well-loved wineries and indulge in delicious dishes created by the Valley's highly acclaimed chefs.

Sample a wide array of cuisine, ranging from: oysters, sushi, local and French cheeses to charcuterie, handmade chocolates and salmon trout from the Valley.

There will be the usual, popular traditions and activities of: boules, floats, kiddies' soccer, a barrel-rolling contest, French movies screened at Le Quartier Français' Screening Room, craft market stalls, musicians (don’t miss the Franschhoek Minstrel’s March) and children's activities. The Local Flavour Marquee is a new feature which will showcase the Valley's fresh produce and highlight the eclectic variety of local trends.

Franschhoek's award-winning restaurants will also be compiliing special menus exclusively prepared for this annual Festival.

If you are a fitness fanatic, there will be a half-marathon which is not to be missed! The Long Walk (sponsored by Delta Trust) has become a salient feature of this well-attended Festival with the inaugural Walk two years ago precipitating escalating popularity last year and this year’s promises to be more so. The Walk is so named in order to pay homage to freedom-fighter and peacemaker, Nelson Mandela.

So, with something for everyone, make a weekend of your visit, taking full advantage of the many Bastille accommodation packages on offer. Come celebrate the universal triumph of freedom. C'est la vie!

For further information, please contact: Franschhoek Wine Valley Tourist Association on +27 21 876 2861. Or visit the website for additional information or to pre-book your tickets to the festival or Masked Ball: www.franschhoek.org.za.