Grab your wallets...we're going shopping in Franschhoek!

Handcrafted African-themed pottery on display in a Franschhoek Curio and Gift Shop.

It pleases me no end, knowing so many of you have been enjoying this series on Franschhoek. I thought I'd give you a change of scene this time around and show you inside one of the gift shops, in case any of you feel the impulse to buy a souvenir before we go for lunch.

The pretty rose gardens and fountain outside the Franschhoek City Hall which fronts on to the many quaint shops lining the main road through the village centre.

The roses were very healthy and covered in buds. When we visit again at the end of October to view the Open Gardens, these many rose bushes will be covered in blooms.

The shops are arranged in little courtyards up and down the length and breadth of the main road. This is one such courtyard.

Little cobbled alleyways between the shops are attractively designed and maintained, in keeping with the general charm of the village.

I thought this shop would hold some appeal for my international readers who may not get to see African artefacts very often...

These wooden carvings are sourced all over Africa...

Tourists obviously go for items such as these in a big way, since they feature several of the wild animals endemic to this continent.

The beadwork on display is typical of Africa. I was personally rather drawn to these quirky clay pots decorated with touches of gold paint, which completed the African designs rather well.

These little warthogs were ever so cute!

More pottery and lots of jewellery!

So many little displays throughout the shop...

One needed to take care not to bump into anything!

I hope all this shopping has worked up a hearty appetite for lunch? Oh, good, because we're going to La Petite Dauphine, a beautiful, boutique wine farm. We'll be having lunch at their wonderful restaurant, Cafe Bob Bon. Being such a perfect day, we'll opt to sit outdoors. They have plenty of seating on the patio out front, in addition to a charming courtyard at the back.

Cafe Bon Bon at La Petite Dauphine, Franschhoek

When we arrived, there were several guests already enjoying lunch on the patio out front, so we sat in the courtyard at the back and had it all to ourselves (almost!)

This is The Studio, a very attractive venue for private gatherings.

The building to the left is the indoor dining area of Cafe Bon Bon.

You will recognise the ladder and potted lavender to the right of the doorway as the scene with which I "tempted" you in my last post.

Let's take a peek inside The Studio before we make our way out to the courtyard behind to enjoy our al fresco meal.

The wine tasting room is directly ahead and to the back of the dining area of The Studio

All of the paintings and several of the decor items in this dining area are for sale. Here, we are standing in the dining area looking back out towards the entrance.

The courtyard where we had lunch is directly ahead, beyond the open doorway.

What's that on the carpet? A jolly good imitation of a rooster?

Oh, my goodness, no! It's the genuine article!

Oh, hi! Hendrik's the name...pleased to bid you welcome!

A comfortable seating area in the dining room.

One of the lovely original artworks for sale.

Closer look at one of the tableaux in this lovely dining room.

A closer look at another of the paintings. My picture does not do justice to the artist at all!

The Smiling Man is reflected in the mirror. I'd asked him to use his camera to photograph the interior of The Studio.

Another eye-catching corner.

OK, enough griping about being so hungry! Here we are...in the Courtyard. Please do seat yourselves.

If you don't mind, I'm going to continue taking pictures while we wait for our first order to arrive...I do love this wooden carving!

A pretty spot beneath a window overlooking the courtyard invites one to take a seat...

And look who's come to join us for lunch beneath the huge shady tree where we are comfortably seated...it's Hendrik, the resident rooster, again! I did mention we were only "almost alone!"

Isn't he beautiful? 

Oh, here's my salad first course. It looks so fresh and tasted even better! I completely forgot to photograph the rest of the meal, as I was mesmerised by the beauty of my surroundings and allowed myself to succumb entirely to the moment, savouring each delicious mouthful and each sip of chilled wine. The whole experience was very restful and absolutely repeatable!

Walking back to the car a couple of hours later, we enjoyed a final look around the well-maintained yard...

One of the decorative features outdoors...

A row of wine barrels marks the boundary wall...

Such a pretty view beyond the boundary wall!

Thank you for visiting. Please do call again!

 We certainly intend to, thank you, Hendrik!