Recently, we went on a Harties adventure and rediscovered the hidden gem that always seems to have us coming back for more – the French Toast Koffie Kafee. Not only is this the perfect romantic spot to grab a decadent and scrumptious bite with your sweetheart, but it also boasts a mini Eiffel Tower, a Love Bridge adorned with thousands of engraved locks placed there from couples who previously visited, and plenty of selfie opportunities. Here's 6 reasons why you need to visit this Harties bucket-list must-visit!
1. There's A Little Paris In The Middle Of Harties!
One of the main reasons everyone flocks to this beautiful destination is to catch a glimpse of and take selfies with the 12.5m Eiffel Tower. This feature was used on the movie set for the local film, French Toast (2015), and is now accessible to the public for some cool photos and even a little bit of romantic flair.
Also, the tower and the bridge to the tower is adorned thousands of locks, where couples have sealed their love forever. The bridge is known as the Love Bridge, and all we can say is you'll be absolutely amazing at how many locks had been left here by lovebirds who have previously visited this location. Click here to find out more about these attractions.
2. Beautiful Setting Perfect For Selfies
As you guessed it, the mini Eiffel Tower and the Love Bridge offers a great spot to take cute selfies with your love to capture your visit to French Toast and Little Paris.
What we loved about the open-air seating area is the many colourful umbrellas attached to the ceiling, as well as the various wall murals throughout the space. Also, the Eiffel Tower is located at the end of the Love Bridge which extends over a beautiful dam with built in water feature.
3. Delicious Cuisine at French Toast
The day we visited, it was rather packed due to the fact that is was the Women's Day long weekend. But, we were seated within 20-minutes for a bite to eat. The menu boasts Petit Déjeuner (breakfast, served until 12:00); Salades (you guessed it, salads); Sucré (sweet treats); Sarriette (savoury dishes); and even a Les Enfants menu (kiddies menu) for little guests. And if you're a cheese lover, the Plateau à Fromage (Cheese Platter) is the perfect sharing portion, offering Blue Cheese, Camembert, Cheddar and cream cheese, drizzled with sweet chili sauce served with baguette slices, SaltyCrax, biltong, mixed nuts, preserves, pesto, olives and hickory ham. Yum!
4. Bottomless Bubbly on Fridays!
Love yourself a glass of bubbly after a long week at the office? Or just to celebrate the arrival of the much-anticipated weekend Then be sure to join them every Friday between 13:00 and 16:30 for Bottomless Champagne! This is a lovely way to say goodbye to the week and hello to the weekend! And if bubbly isn't your vibe, then be sure to choose something refreshing from their cocktail menu (not bottomless).
5. Gifts & Décor at ButterflyBlu
There are a variety of shops and stops within the French Toast premises, including an onsite aquarium and animal park, a deli, a vintage photo booth and more. But the place that stood out to us was ButterflyBlu, a quaint gift and décor shop offering a selection of resin inlay serving platters, bath bomb gift sets, woven hanging planters, all-natural body wash and so much more. Also, there is a small art gallery within the shop, where you can take a look at beautiful art and paintings created by local artists.
6. Sweet Treats From The Bake Away
Only a tad peckish, have a craving for something sweet, or in the mood for a caffeine fix? The stop by The Bake Away! You'll find this spot on the right of the entrance into French Toast, offering a variety of drinks; sweet treats ranging from Cake of the Day, macarons, chocolate croissants, meringue and more; as well as some savoury options including freshly baked breads and a selection of sandwiches. You can also order non-alcoholic beers if you're looking for something a little bit more refreshing.
A Few Tips & Pointers
Planning a visit? We have a few pointers from our recent visit to this beautiful gem in Harties.
- If you don't feel like grabbing a bite to eat at French Toast Koffie Kafee or a cuppa java from Bake Away, but really want to see the mini Eiffel Tower and Love Bridge, head to Bake Away and purchase your tickets for R20 per person. Sit-down guests and Bake Away customers get free entry to Little Paris. This is only applicable over weekends, public holidays and school holidays.
- Also, if you purchase a lock, engraved or not, to attach to the Love Bridge, you'll gain free entry. Purchasing a lock on the premises will grant free entry to Little Paris.
- This popular hot spot gets extremely busy over the weekends and public holidays, so expect a queue to get into the restaurant. As well as a waiting time. Either book in advance or arrive early.
- Beware the ducks, chickens, peacocks and peahens! The free-roaming feathery residents walk through the outside area of the restaurant. So, mind your step as they're extremely familiar and comfortable with people. And may attempt to grab a bite of your meal.
- Just a short distance away from this lovely must-visit, you'll also find Pretville, the Upside Down House, and Jasmyn Crafters Flea Market (which has three eateries onsite: The Windmill; Die Wafelhuis; and the Opstal Eathuis).
For More Information
Visit their website at frenchtoastharties.co.za.
You can also contact them via email on [email protected] or by calling 078 592 6953.
Follow French Toast Koffie Kafee on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, offers, specials, events and more.
Trading hours: Monday to Sunday: 08:00 – 17:00 | Kitchen is open from 08:00 – 16:00
Address: R511, Hartbeespoort
Please note: Images by either the writer of the article or from the social media pages of the venues mentioned in the article. We do not own the images.
