Visit Montagu, South Africa

Montagu is in the Breede River Valley, where some of the finest Winelands scenery can be found — it is in this area that many of the classic images of whitewashed farm houses against dramatic mountain backdrops are taken.

The mountains around Montagu draw serious mountaineers — sheer cliffs that frame the town pose a stern challenge for the most accomplished climbers.

The town itself is best known for its springs, and was a popular Victorian spa resort: as a result the pleasingly compact town is dotted with red-roofed Victorian houses and pretty white churches.

For those arriving from, or leaving toward the Garden Route, Montagu sits astride the R62, the scenic road that leads to Oudtshoorn and from there onto the Garden Route.