The Huguenots went into agriculture and introduced wine production in South Africa. The Huguenot Monument in Franschhoek is a reminder of these immigrants. Many places and families in this area keep their original French names, such as du Toit, Marais, Malherbe, De Villiers or Le Roux, which also spread over the whole of South Africa.The Huguenot monument, constructed from granite, was inaugurated on the 250th anniversary of the Huguenots' arrival. The three arches simbolise the Holy Trinity. The woman in front holds a bible in her hand and the torn chain symbolises the liberation from religious oppression. In the Huguenot Memorial Museum next to the monument the history of the Huguenots is documented.
Due to the tourism-induced emphasis on specialities, Franschhoek has nowadays more French flair than ever, especially along the Main Road which is lined with chic street cafés, French restaurants, bistros, boutiques and galleries.In and around Franschhoek are many renowned wine estates situated like Boschendal, La Motte, L'Ormarins, Dieu Donné, Mouton-Excelsior and Haute Provence. Most of the wine farms on the sign-posted Franschhoek Wine Route can be visited for wine tasting.