If you are looking for the best in Franschhoek accommodation, you are in the right place. The majestic Franschhoek wine valley has some of the best places to stay in the country. In this guide, we bring you our top pics for places to stay in the wineland town. If you are looking for somewhere magical to relax and recoup and still stay within your budget, then Franschhoek is the place to go.
Why Visit Franschhoek?
Ever seen a place that made you want to jump on a plane that very moment and head out there? Well, Franschhoek is that place, and it will most certainly give you an unforgettable experience.
Nestled between cascading mountains in the beautiful Cape Winelands lies the Franschhoek Valley. This picturesque village is just 45 minutes from Cape Town and about half an hour from Stellenbosch.
With a vibrant history that is more than 300 years in the making, this traditionally French village takes you back in time. You can enjoy spectacular vineyards that drape the mountain slopes, where splendid wines are grown and where you can indulge in the beautiful delicacies prepared by top rated chefs.
If you are more of an adrenaline fanatic, Franschhoek will also satisfy your cravings. There are many walking trails in the surrounding mountains, cycling and horse-riding. You can go abseiling, bungee jumping, kayaking or hot air ballooning. You can even try your hand at archery.
Let’s suppose you like the finer things in life; there are plenty of things to do in Franschhoek. You can go and visit the ceramics gallery or indulge your sweet tooth by trying out the ‘chocolate experience’ at Huguenot Fine Chocolates where the staff will show you the chocolate-making process.
If you are just there to enjoy the wine and the food, there are numerous wine tasting events and so many restaurants to choose from. All you have to do is sit back and take in the breath-taking scenery.
Sounds dreamy right? Let’s help you choose the best place to stay in Franschhoek so that you can truly experience just how magical this place is.
How to Choose your Franschhoek Accommodation
Whether you are on a business trip, or a vacation with your family or friends, choosing the right hotel can make the difference between a heavenly and a hellish trip.
These three things are the Holy Grail when it comes to looking for places to stay in Franschhoek.
Location
Of course, location is at the top of our list; it is all about convenience. You will want to choose a central location, near transportation, and that is close to essential services and facilities.
The last thing you need is to have to travel long distances just to get to activities in the region. Luckily Franschhoek is a tiny town, and you can quickly get from one end of the valley to the next within 30 minutes.
Comfort and Facilities
Your vacation accommodation should feel like a home away from home. Because of that, always check whether the facilities will make your stay convenient and enjoyable.
Cost
A holiday should not break the bank, and there are some self-catering accommodations in Franschhoek that will give you value for money. If you are looking to take a break from cooking but still not spend too much, there are some superb lodges in Franschhoek. However, if you are looking for a genuinely luxurious experience, then Franschhoek will not disappoint you.
We have compiled this all-inclusive list in three categories that will give you a diversity of options to choose from depending on your budget.
Best 5 Star Hotels in Franschhoek
The Last Word Franschhoek
For something extraordinary, we recommend the Last Word Franschhoek. We rank it at the top of our list because it has embraced the true heritage and ambience of Franschhoek. The decor is French Villa inspired without compromising on quality and elegance. With gorgeous mountain backdrops, it is the very best that Franschhoek has to offer.
Rooms
The hotel only has 10 suites, 8 of which have a private patio garden and 2 bigger rooms which have a private patio garden and a private pool courtyard. The hotel mainly caters for adults and is perfect for couples.
Location
The Last Word Franschhoek is located very close to the town centre. It offers you a great view of the Franschhoek Mountains, and boutique shops and restaurants are a stone’s throw away. Nearby attractions include the Huguenot Memorial Museum which is a 13 minutes’ walk away and 7.4 km from the Mont Rochelle Nature Reserve.
Amenities
The theme of the hotel is luxury. It has numerous facilities that include all standard services. You can expect to enjoy yourself at the resident’s bar or indulge in the complimentary breakfast that is offered.
Additionally, there is an outdoor pool that all visitors can access, secure off-street parking, laundry services, picnic baskets on request as well as transfers shuttle services on request.
Overall Thoughts
This quaint little hotel will steal your heart. It is part of a collection of 5-star intimate hotels whose focus is on providing quiet, elegant hotels for the traveller who is looking for nothing but luxury and comfort. You will find yourself wanting to come back.
La Residence
This 5 star hotel is truly a feast of the eyes. It will transport you into a world of luxurious Victorian palace style and oriental decor with dramatic chandeliers, paintings and bedposts. Surrounded by vineyards and orchards it offers magnificent views of the countryside; a perfect getaway for couples and families.
Rooms
The hotel has 16 rooms in total, 11 of which are located in the main hotel where only adult guests are welcome. The five vineyard suites located around the 30 acre private estate offer accommodation for families and large groups.
Each of the suites in the main hotel have a unique theme, inspired by different architecture and decor from around the world. Every suite in the main hotel has a view of the countryside and vineyards, and the bathrooms have large French doors that open up to a patio.
The family villas have a private pool, private garden and dining area as well as a lot of space to cater for large groups and children.
Location
A 20 minute walk into Franschhoek town, the hotel is close to a lot of services within the valley. The hotel also offers airport transfers and shuttles into the town or any destination of your liking so it is quite easily accessible.
Amenities
Spa treatments next to a wonderful peaceful garden with a pond where you can canoe is the selling point of the hotel. Every room has a patio and the usual complementary and concierge services are available.
The chefs are available to cater for your specific dining requirements should you choose to dine at the onsite restaurant.
Overall Thoughts
The hotel prides itself in offering elegance and luxury. Keeping with the French countryside history of the Franschhoek valley, this small hotel has made its mark. With peacocks strutting around the courtyard and manicured lawns, the hotel oozes tranquility. It offers the traveller a European inspired experience without leaving the African soil. Definitely worth a visit.
Leeu House
Leeu House is part of the Leeu Collection, which has three hotels. The hotel has a perfect mix of modern and French chateau style. The open air and spacious balcony architecture is a node to the dominant theme in Franschhoek. The focus is to give the traveller as much of a view of the countryside as possible. Nestled in a valley surrounded by green manicured lawns and vineyards it offers you a chance to enjoy luxury service in a quiet intimate space.
Rooms
Each of the 12 rooms have their own style, giving you a variety of wide and spacious bedrooms, some overlooking the mountains and others overlooking the garden. The rooms all have a subdued palette that blends in with the environment and magnifies the greenery of the gardens and the countryside. The bathrooms are spacious and cater to everyone, whether you are a shower or a bath person. Children can be accommodated in the classic terrace and deluxe terrace rooms.
Location
Located in the town centre, the hotel is very accessible and is surrounded by restaurants, art galleries, wine shops and boutique stores additionally the Huguenot memorial museum is 350 m away. There are so many wonderful sites that are in close proximity so transportation is not an issue.
Amenities
Each room comes equipped with an espresso machine and the standard hotel services. The luxury en-suite bathrooms have marble floors and are fitted with underfloor heating, double vanity tops and heated towel rails.
While there is no onsite restaurant, the hotel serves a fabulous breakfast at the Conservatory. Although you do not have to go very far if you want to dine at a restaurant. The hotel has several chain restaurants to offer, namely Marigold, Tuk-tuk and Le Petite Colombe.
The hotel comes with a spa that is open every day from 10h00 to 19h00. There is also a gym and free parking.
Overall Thoughts
The hotel offers exceptional service that is worth the price. We would recommend it for those that love wine tasting, and walks in an intimate and quiet environment.
Akademie Street Boutique Hotel
This hotel boasts deep hues throughout the entire hotel with brass and gold coloured accessories that have an immediate cooling effect the moment you step foot into the foyer. The outside is a coloured bright white making the contrast very intriguing.
Steeped in history the hotel dates back to the first settlers in 1862 and was converted into the modern world-class establishment that it is today. There are four swimming pools and shady gardens where you can lie in privacy and relax.
Rooms
The 9 rooms all have a different style. The Gelatenheid is the largest guesthouse with a double story suited for two. The living room area opens onto an upstairs veranda with special views over the mountains and vineyards. The wow factor is the romantic bath under the trees with a heated towel rail. Downstairs there is a kitchen and a dining area overlooking a large pool and private garden.
The second cottage the Oortuiging is an 1860’s inspired cottage near a magnificent white stinkwood tree. It has two en-suite bedrooms, a lounge, kitchen and private pool and garden. It can sleep three.
The other cottages the Vreugde, the Uitsig and the Twyfeling all accommodate more than two and they offer a pool and gardens too.
Location
The Akademie hotel is close to all the main attractions with a two-minute walk from the Huguenot Memorial Museum and 600 meters from the Franschhoek Church in the centre of town, so access is not an issue.
Amenities
Breakfast is served each morning and there is a game room where travellers can mingle and relax playing some games. It features a library, gym, spa and of course the staple services. There is free Wi-Fi for all guests and transfers to the airport are offered at an additional fee.
Overall Thoughts
Akademie Street offers five luxurious, private and peaceful houses of which three have their own enchanting garden and pool. The communal areas give the traveller a unique home-like feeling with roaring fires and a pianist that plays every evening. We highly recommend it for travellers that are extremely big on privacy and space.
Best All-Round Accommodation in Franschhoek
Val d’Or Estate
Nestled in the foothills of the Western Cape’s Franschhoek Mountains is the wonderful Val d’Or Estate boutique guest house. Val d’Or Estate is situated on eleven hectares in the heart of the Franschhoek Valley. Only a few minutes away from the town centre this warm and tranquil hotel will offer you the utmost comfort.
Rooms
The rooms are divided into self-catering cottages and non-self-catering guest houses. Each room is styled with traditional wooden furniture and neutral colours. All rooms have DSTV, complimentary toiletries and coffee facilities, mini bar and air-conditioners.
There are luxury 1 bed rooms and big 3 bed family rooms so the hotel is perfect for large and small groups of people. Some rooms like the Champagne suit offer an open plan style that comes with a kitchenette.
Location
The hotel is within reach of most of Franschhoek’s many attractions including golfing estates, wine farms, restaurants and art galleries. You will have access to transfer shuttles from the hotel to view these wonderful attractions.
Amenities
The Estate offers two unique dams where you can spot a variety of birds and wildlife. You will find board games, puzzles and a library for entertainment. The hotel offers fantastic facilities, including outdoor pool and garden, to help you unwind. Also included on site is a separate conference room for business travellers
Complimentary baby-sitting facilities that are available and there is a wonderful braai/ barbeque area, a restaurant and two bars to cater for your dining needs.
Overall Thoughts
This country style hotel offers amazing service for the traveller who does not want to over extend their budget. You can still get access to luxury facilities without having to pay an arm and a leg. A major bonus of the hotel is the two dams, where you can sit and relax with nature right at your doorstep.
Maison Cabrière
Offering a contemporary home away from home this self-catering hotel is for the traveller that wants to experience some luxury on a limited budget. Starting from as little as R2, 750 per person per night, this small hotel will take you by surprise.
It has modern furnishings with open French doors and windows everywhere that will give you a great view of the surrounding gardens and mountains.
Rooms
The garden suite rooms are based on the ground floor with a private terrace and garden view. Neutral tones with pops of colour here and there adorn the all rooms and they have a free-standing bath tub, walk-in shower and Nespresso coffee machine.
Location
The hotel is set very close to Franschhoek’s town centre. It is 5 minutes’ walk from the vibrant main road with its restaurants, shops and art galleries. The Huguenot Fine Chocolates is only 3 minutes away making it very accessible.
Amenities
Some rooms come fully equipped with a fireplace and a semi-equipped kitchenette. Netflix is available and there are quality Bluetooth speakers and toiletries. The garden is perfectly manicured and offers a quiet place to relax. The pool and deck are a perfect escape for hot days.
Though there is no restaurant onsite the hotel makes up for it by being conveniently located near many wonderful restaurants. It also offers bikes that you can hire for a trip around the village.
Overall Thoughts
The addition of Netflix is definitely a bonus, most hotels in the region have not modified enough yet to include online streaming platforms. The hotel has enjoyed quite a good amount of great reviews. If you are looking for a great hotel that is affordable and central to a lot of things this hotel comes highly recommended.
Franschhoek Boutique Hotel
Surrounded by views of the mountains and the blooming purple Jacaranda (when in season) this hotel has so much to offer. The modern contemporary decor blends in wonderfully with the surroundings, and still gives you the French villa/chateau ambiance. It is perfect for the traveller who wants luxury without overspending.
Rooms
The hotel offers 12 spacious and modern boudoir- style luxury suites and all rooms are individually decorated and offer under floor heating, a fireplace and a flat-screen TV. The rooms are very spacious with mountain views all around. Continuing with the French countryside theme, all rooms have doors that lead outside to a patio.
Location
The selling point of this hotel is that it is so close to everything like the Franschhoek Wine Tram which is 0.1km away from the hotel, the Huguenot Memorial Monument, Art de vivre Gallery, The Franschhoek Market and so much more. There is also a restaurant that is nearby.
Amenities
Guests can enjoy breakfast in the breakfast room. The lounge area is cosy with a fireplace and you can sit down and relax before heading out or going back to your room. Restaurants and shops are within walking distance. The hotel also offers a beauty shop and a spacious shared lounge area.
Standard services like parking, complimentary room toiletries, Wi-Fi, mini bar fridge and TV are offered.
Overall Thoughts
It is a wonderful place to experience the best of both worlds. Modern contemporary living in a historic and dated village all within a reasonable price range. The hotel is a true bargain. There is a youthful ambiance about the place making it perfect for young honeymooners.
Topiary Winery & Cottages
For a truly unique experience Topiary Winery and Cottages is the place to stay. Located on a wine farm, the cottage has exquisite decor with wide open French style doors that lead outside to the garden. It is the best display of a cottage farm lifestyle in the Franschhoek valley. The focus is on simplicity with a bit of elegance making it the best choice for a minimalist traveller.
Rooms
Each cottage has a king size bed, en-suite bathroom with bath and shower, kitchenette with Nespresso machine and DSTV. Rooms can accommodate bicycles. For added convenience, the hotel can provide towels and bed linen at an extra fee.
Location
The landscape surrounding this boutique winery is dominated by the dramatic Klein Drakenstein Mountains. The best part about these cottages is that they are located right at a wine farm so you can taste as much wine as you can without having to travel off the premises.
Amenities and facilities
It has amazing garden views all around, a restaurant, a seasonal outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a garden and barbecue facilities. The farm stay features both Wi-Fi and private parking free of charge.
It has a swimming pool, a bar and a beautiful sun terrace where you can sit and watch the beautiful sun rise or sun set. Bike storage and bicycle wash facilities are available.
Overall Thoughts
The exclusion of extras gives this hotel its appeal. From as littles as R 1,260 travellers can get to experience the true beauty of the Franschhoek farm lifestyle in relative comfort and luxury. The best part about the hotel is the farm style large living room with bold mahogany furniture and a fireplace.
Le Petit Manoir
This quaint and luxurious boutique hotel only has 4 suites on offer but makes up for it by providing the best service. Situated 5 km from Maison Estate this small hotel proves that luxury has got nothing to do with numbers and in fact that small and compact is great.
Rooms
The hotel offers four guest suites, each of which can accommodate two adults. They are individually styled and furnished with each room having an extra length King-size bed, an en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, a fireplace, safe, bar fridge and a Nespresso machine.
The balcony offers views overlooking the Franschhoek Mountains and the street below. Deep muted colours and monogrammed pillows are offset by sleek neutral furnishings, open bathroom. It’s an effortless balance between comfort and sophistication.
Location
The hotel is perfectly positioned right on the main street of Franschhoek town and within walking distance of many of the town’s attractions including Franschhoek Art House, The Franschhoek Market and Heritage Square.
Amenities
Guests have full access to the pool which is bordered by the charming kitchen garden, and breakfast comes as a complementary package. Le Petit Manoir restaurant offers delectable dishes a few steps away from your bed.
In the evenings the restaurant transforms into an elegant fine dining experience with beautifully crafted meals. The trendy bar offers a relaxed atmosphere where guests are able to socialise and indulge in wine tasting after a delicious meal. The on-site deli offers a variety of meats, cheeses and freshly baked pastries including personalized picnic baskets and platters served on wooden boards.
Overall Thoughts
There is a charming ambience that envelopes this hotel. It is small and child friendly, allowing the traveller a chance to enjoy luxury as a family. It is also suitable for busy business travellers who are constantly on the go and need a place that is central to everything. Convenience is king and that is what Le Petit Manoir offers in spades.
Protea Hotel Franschhoek
Protea Hotel Franschhoek overlooks the mountains and vineyards of this historic village. This 4-star property has a rich history, with one section dating back to the 1880s when the town was first developed.
Rooms
The rooms have a chic contemporary clean style that features neutral palettes with the occasional burst of bold colours unique in every room. Each room at the Protea Hotel is fully air-conditioned with en suite bathrooms, and some even offer fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.
Location
Its convenient central location makes it possible for guests to explore the village’s culinary establishments, art galleries, cheese factories and wine estates. Nearby attractions include the Heritage square and the Franschhoek Monument.
Amenities
The hotel has a beautiful courtyard overlooking the pool with a view of the mountains. There is a deck area where guests can relax by the pool and the New York styled restaurant the Hussar Grill takes the experience to a new level.
The hotel has a full bouquet of facilities for the convenience of the visitor. It offers a guide of activities to do in the village, such as hiking, horse riding, fishing, pub crawling and live music performances all organised at an additional charge.
Protea Hotel Franschhoek also features conferencing facilities fitted with the latest audio-visual equipment for the business traveller.
Overall Thoughts
For a classic hotel experience, this hotel has it all. The well-known Protea Hotel franchise always offers excellent services. This charming 4-star elegance, with spacious en suite rooms that mirror the personality of the historical village of Franschhoek, is a constant reminder of the magical location that the hotel is set in. We highly recommend this hotel for a classic, comfortable stay as you explore the valley.
Best Affordable Accommodation In Franschhoek
Lavender Farm
When it comes to finding an exclusive accommodation in Franschhoek, that is like no other with amazing world class comforts surrounded by a 3 hectare purple Lavender field and mountains that extend as far as the eye can see, look no further than Lavender Farm.
Rooms
The hotel can accommodate 28 guests at a time and all the rooms are tastefully decorated with neutral palettes and hints of lavender. It has a honeymoon suite with a private patio that overlooks the beautiful lavender fields. The Luxury View suites are spacious and elegant with en-suite bathrooms and large walk-in showers. Guests can request either twin or king size beds.
Location
Situated only 1,3km from the village centre, Lavender Boutique Farm Guest House is easily accessible making it an ideal place to stay.
Amenities and facilities
Facilities and services include, a swimming pool and room servicing available every day. The concierge service is there to help and assist you with any onsite or offsite activities. For your dining pleasure, the hotel has complimentary bread and breakfast in a wonderfully decorated eating area and for other forms of culinary indulgence, it is a few minutes’ walk away from the village’s numerous restaurants.
Overall Thoughts
One of the best value for money places to stay in Franschhoek is the Lavender Farm. It is unique and coupled with the many amenities available it is the ideal place for a traveller that enjoys the finer things in life but doesn’t necessarily have the budget for a very expensive hotel. This hotel offers a great balance between affordability and elegance.
L’ermitage
Nestled on the slopes of the Franschhoek Pass is L’ermitage Chateau and Villas. It is a village within a village. Styled with French-Victorian style chandeliers and drapes it will definitely take you back through time. There is an old-fashioned slow paced ambiance about the place as soon as you step foot inside. But in the midst of all that it surprises you once again by the modern amenities and world-class food and wine.
Rooms
All the rooms have a recurrent theme and that is luxurious Victorian style elegance. There is a sense of royalty that guests can expect when staying at the L’ermitage. The hotel has 55 rooms split between the Chateau DuPre and the Villas.
The Villas are spacious and luxuriously furnished. Guests are welcome to choose from 16 one-bedroom and 16 two-bedroom villas. Each is fitted with a fully equipped kitchen especially designed for those who love to cook even whilst on vacation.
The glorious chateau is a boutique hotel consisting of five superior bedrooms, each furnished with the highest quality of linen and furniture. Guests can expect to enjoy the breath taking views of the majestic Franschhoek mountain range. Rooms are equipped with King size beds, air conditioning, satellite TV and a small kitchenette.
All rooms have baths and showers, many also have private balconies. No expense was spared in preparing these rooms.
Location
The hotel has a prime location that is within walking distance of many attractions and restaurants but as a village within a village there are so many onsite activities that you might not even find a reason to leave and explore the town much.
Amenities
The chateau has so many state of the art facilities and amenities. The L’ermitage restaurant serves South African and European style cuisine with room service menus and drinks that can be enjoyed at the bar.
Guests seeking a more active lifestyle can explore the village on horseback or try to improve their golfing skills on the nearby golf course or choose to spend many leisurely hours next to the heated swimming pool.
There is a spa, baby-sitting services, a chapel, an outdoor picnic area and terrace.
Overall Thoughts
This hotel is the definition of luxury at your fingertips. Rooms start from as little as R2, 850 for a Villa booking. Guests are guaranteed to leave the hotel feeling like royalty.
Bo La Motte Farm Cottages
Bo La Motte Guest Cottages is a wonderful guest house with a self-catering option located on a wine farm. Surrounded by scenic gardens it is a beautiful place to stay.
Rooms
The cottages consist of self-catering rooms that have a view of the vineyards overlooking the dams. They offer quality furnishings with kitchens fully equipped for self-catering. The lounges have large comfy sofas, TV with satellite channels and log burners for the cooler winter evenings.
The bedrooms come with a twin or double bed configuration. Each cottage has both bath and shower facilities and all towels and linen are provided. All cottages have sufficient room for children.
Location
Nestled at the foot of the Middagkrans Mountain and only a ten-minute walk from the beautiful village of Franschhoek, the cottages are very accessible and near all the other wonderful locations in the valley.
Amenities
The cottages feature a private outdoor area with barbecue facilities, a wood-burning stove and electric blankets for cooler months. Laundry and babysitting services are available on request. Restaurants, bars and cafes can be found along Franschhoek’s main road, 1 km away.
The cottages also come with a children’s playground, a gated swimming pool, fishing dams and lots of seating areas around the farm to enjoy a picnic. One wonderful feature is the onsite Wine Farm where visitors are fully welcome to stroll around the cellar and sample some of the wines produced.
Overall Thoughts
These cottages are one of the few accommodations in Franschhoek that can be deemed as fully family friendly. The playground is a wonderful addition and the onsite activities are great for large groups that might not want to move around a lot. We recommend the hotel for family travellers.
Holden Manz Country House
This Country House provides accommodation in 5 guest rooms for a maximum of 10 guests. Located on a small estate at the edge of the Franschhoek valley it was transformed into a working wine estate in 1999.
Rooms
Holden Manz has modern suites that have a constant farm-house style throughout the rooms, and the exposed thatch accentuates that theme. Each of the air-conditioned suites has a flat-screen TV, and an iPod docking station. Some of the rooms come with a private terrace and garden.
Location
The hotel boasts uninterrupted views of the countryside and it is only a few minutes away from the town centre.
Amenities
A beautiful swimming pool is situated close to the guest rooms where the Franschhoek and Stony Brook Rivers meet. The Spa is fully equipped with three treatment rooms overlooking the vineyard and there is a large yoga and Pilates studio next to the Spa.
Also located on the property is a wine cellar where guests can enjoy onsite wine tasting. The onsite restaurant the Franschhoek Kitchen serves international home-made dishes, inspired by South Africa and prepared with local products.
Overall Thoughts
The Country House is a very popular destination, due to its quality services and affordable prices. We recommend it for couples that just want a little down time away from the noise.
Le Franschhoek Hotel & Spa
With towering Franschhoek Mountains surrounding it and with the famous Wine lands just distance away, this hotel and spa offers guests a luxury experience that blends classical design with clean modern aesthetic. Wide spacious rooms and even wider passages give off an atmosphere of fresh air and relaxation.
Rooms
The hotel features 79 en-suite, elegantly finished rooms and suites, two villas and 16 stunning double and single villas. The rooms all have the staples complementary services and some rooms come with a private patio.
Location
This upscale hotel is 4.1 km from the Hottentots-Holland Mountain Catchment Area and 4.7 km from the town centre. Transfer shuttles are available for guests to any destination of their choosing.
Amenities
he two onsite restaurants serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and even host events like High Teas. The rooms have air-conditioning and all the other standard services for a hotel. Childcare or babysitting services are available so that couples can get some time to themselves. Additional facilities include an outdoor pool with views of the countryside, spa facilities and an ATM. There is a bar and lounge where guests get to relax and mingle with each other.
Overall Thoughts
The hotel is great for travellers of different sizes, whether as a large group or just a couple. The location is central to all that is to be enjoyed in Franschhoek and you can look forward to enjoying the hotel at a price that will not break the bank. We highly recommend it for money conscious travellers.
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