The French Cottage
491 Villiers Street
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Why people book this hotel
“Delightful cottage - ideal location, very well equipped & so comfortable, beauti…”
“Great location- close to the town but also some great hiking trails straight fro…”
“The location, the accommodation the beautiful waterfall and cave gives you a fee…”
“Everything we needed was provided, making our experience comfortable and enjoyab…”
“Garden is neat and very quiet”
“Very clean and everything we needed”
“Hosted by the lovely Julia & Josh”
“Friendly, attentive host in Julia”
Overview
Set in Clarens in the Free State Region, The French Cottage is a short drive from Clarens Golf Estate and town centre. The French Cottage offers 3 bedrooms. The kitchen and living area are upstairs and accessed by an external staircase. Towels and bed linen are provided at The French Cottage. Other facilities at The French Cottage include a barbecue. The bathroom is fitted with a corner bath. Guests can enjoy various activities in the surroundings, including golfing and hiking. Golden Gate Highlands National Park is 22 km away.
Traveller reviews
Tamer
family_with_children
January 18, 2026
“Clarens heaven”
Everything actually it’s like a heaven on earth
Kriek
couple
December 29, 2025
Very peaceful.
Terrence
extended_group
October 30, 2025
“The cottage and the gardens leading up to the cliff face with a waterfall are all magical.”
Thunicia
family_with_children
October 26, 2025
“A most splendid short break in Clarens”
Delightful cottage - ideal location, very well equipped & so comfortable, beautiful gardens to relax in, extensive birdlife, & a treat to meet Millie & Goose & Poppy-Cat. Hosted by the lovely Julia & Josh. A luxurious time - will be back.
Willem Carel
family_with_children
October 12, 2025
“Fantastic stay. Hidden gem.”
Bronwyn
family_with_children
October 7, 2025
“Magical place to stay with incredible views and lots to do in the area - we will definitely be back!”
Great location- close to the town but also some great hiking trails straight from the accommodation The cottage was neat and comfortable with everything you needed from fully kitted kitchen to extra blankets and indoor fire to keep you warm and cozy. Plenty of wood provided for indoor and outdoor fires which is great.
Richard
family_with_children
October 5, 2025
“Very Comfortable”
Evi
extended_group
July 18, 2025
“Want to keep this gem a secret”
What a beautiful place. Out of this world. Felt like I was in France.
Wynand
family_with_children
July 6, 2025
“Excellent”
Wonderful
NICOLA
family_with_children
June 1, 2025
“Amazing”
The location, the accommodation the beautiful waterfall and cave gives you a feeling that you could be anywhere in the world The attention to detail as I am a linen snob , the beds were super comfortable warm and the linen exceptional, the owners have thought of everything to ensure you enjoy yourselves and unplug from with world. Our stay was too short but will be back to really recharge our batteries Thank you Jules
Trish Gibbon
extended_group
April 12, 2025
“Wonderful setting and a thoroughly charming cottage. We had everything we needed.”
It was very muddy and wet when we arrived and we had difficulty getting into the property
Karlien
family_with_children
April 6, 2025
“Wonderful stay at the French Cottage”
We had a wonderful stay at the French Cottages. Everything we needed was provided, making our experience comfortable and enjoyable. The small fireplace added a charming touch, and we loved the ground coffee left for us. The cottage was well-equipped for the cold nights, with warm blankets that kept us cozy. We also took advantage of the nearby attractions, enjoying the short walk to the cave and the river walk. The spacious and cozy setup of the cottage made our stay even more delightful. Thank you, Julia, for providing such a fantastic retreat.
Angela
extended_group
February 28, 2025
“Delightful. Friendly owners. Beautiful setting. Lovely 5 minute walk from town.”
Pretty little cottage nestling against the sandstone crags and Clarens Nature Reserve. Sweet bedrooms. Delightful grounds. A very happy little spot to call home for the night.
Lynne' du Plessis
family_with_children
February 10, 2025
Beautiful cottage and close to nature.
Asanda
family_with_children
January 5, 2025
“A beautiful experience. You have to be bold person to stay there though.”
The best place to go if you want to be out of everything noisy. I could easily be with my family while still having time to self. You don’t even need to go anywhere really, especially if you come prepared.
Des
family_with_children
December 22, 2024
“Beautiful, peaceful location very well located”
Beautiful, peaceful location very well located. Friendly, attentive host in Julia.
Janette
family_with_children
December 18, 2024
“Delightful accommodation in a perfect setting”
Set against the mountain, The French Cottage had a perfect location. It was quiet and secluded- the only noise coming from the rich bird life. One of the Clarens Conservancy Trails started and ended right outside the property. The kitchen was well equipped and the beds comfortable. The Cottage had a lovely atmosphere!
Natalie
extended_group
November 25, 2024
“Magical Getaway”
just loved the ambience and setting 😍 beautiful historical building set against the backdrop of the sandstone cliffs and stunning walkways. A magical stay.
Elmarie
couple
November 21, 2024
“Amazing and I will definately visit again.”
The French Cottage is the most beautiful cottage. The location is absolutely amazing and the surroundings very nice. Garden is neat and very quiet. A must to visit.
Botha
family_with_children
October 29, 2024
Very comfortable beds and beautiful linen. Very clean and everything we needed. Superb surroundings. We walked every day to the mountain and into town. Very good experience. Julia, our host, was always friendly and offered her assistance and help if needed. We could braai every evening. Rooms are big and bathrooms have a bath and a shower. We can recommend the French Cottage for excellent accommodation.
Facilities
Activities
Tennis court, Golf course (within 3 km), Fishing, Hiking, Horse riding, Mini golf
Cleanliness & disinfecting
Use of cleaning chemicals that are effective against Coronavirus, Linens, towels and laundry washed in accordance with local authority guidelines, Guest accommodation is disinfected between stays, Guest accommodation sealed after cleaning, Guests have the option to cancel any cleaning services for their accommodation during their stay
Food & Drink
Breakfast options
Food & drink safety
All plates, cutlery, glasses and other tableware have been sanitized
General
Non-smoking throughout, Non-smoking rooms, Heating
Internet
Internet services, Free WiFi, WiFi
Outdoors
Outdoor furniture, Outdoor fireplace, Garden, BBQ facilities
Physical distancing
Cashless payment available, Physical distancing rules followed
Safety features
Thermometers for guests provided by property, Staff follow all safety protocols as directed by local authorities, Shared stationery such as printed menus, magazines, pens, and paper removed, Hand sanitizer in guest accommodation and key areas, Process in place to check health of guests, First aid kit available
Services
Shared lounge/TV area
Hotel Policies
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