Franschhoek ([fransˈɦuk]; Afrikaans for "French Corner", Dutch spelling before 1947 Fransche Hoek) is a small town in the Western Cape Province and one of the oldest towns in South Africa. Formerly known as Oliphants hoek (as there were vast groups of elephants roaming the valley). It is situated about 75 kilometres from Cape Town a 45 minute drive away. The whole area including townships such as Groendal and suburbs such as Wemmershoek has a population of slightly over 20,000 people while the town proper, known as Hugenote, has a population of around 1,000. Since 2000, it has been incorporated into Stellenbosch Municipality. Mentioned in Time (magazine) top 50 places in the world to visit for 2022.