Daniele Pascal, singer and owner of Pascal’s Bistro

‘Not much can rival the elation of driving through a valley stretching far into the distance, held by the long range of the Caledon mountains with their soft, purple haze. It’s a marvellous place for taking your mind off the real world, and enjoying good food and wine.

‘Seven years ago, I felt a connection with Napier when I passed through on my way to Bredasdorp. It reminded me of the village where I grew up in the south of France. Then I saw a house for sale on the main road. I bought it, and two friends and I decided to start the bistro. I love being here and performing at the bistro, which is why I launched my new CD of bistro-café songs, Parisette, right here — over Sunday lunch. I don’t live here permanently but, for me, Napier is the perfect place.’

Max du Preez, author, investigative journalist and Napier resident

‘We moved to Napier in early 2005. It’s a bit of paradise. For one, there’s no traffic. You can walk everywhere, and it’s gentle and slow. We have a vegetable garden, fruit trees and a herb garden, and now we’re establishing an olive orchard. And the bird life in the area is amazing. I like to count blue cranes on my trips to Cape Town: my record so far, from Napier to the Houw Hoek Pass, is 74.

‘Napier is changing. We’re experiencing the kind of changes that saw Stanford, Greyton and McGregor becoming what they are. This is the “next” town, especially because it’s only 165km from Cape Town. But it isn’t cute. There are new shops and restaurants, but the locals are still here: they were born here and their families were born here. That’s what makes Napier authentic.’

Travel notes:

• Best time to visit: The Overberg enjoys a mild climate so any time of year is good, although summer can be quite hot and winter is rainy. The best time is early autumn.
• Sleep here: The Suntouched Inn (028-423-3131) is a funky B&B with mountain bikes for hire, an awesome pizza restaurant, a bar with a fireplace and a live music every third Friday.
  Sunbird Lodge and Fynbos Reserve (028-423-3049) has lovely self-catering or B&B mountainside chalets with gorgeous views. You can also go on guided hikes or bird-watching tours.
  Alternatively, stay in an authentic ox wagon up in the mountains at Oom Attie’s Ossewa Camp (028-423-3630).
• What to do: The Dutch Reformed church, with its unusual architecture and a teak interior, and the Feeshuis next to it, one of Napier’s oldest buildings, are worth a visit. The Feeshuis been used as slave headquarters and as a wine cellar.
  Drive or mountain bike up to the radio tower on the Soetmuisberg mountain just above town. From there you can walk or simply sit and survey the panoramic views of ocean and valley.
  At Vindigo Wine and Decor Company (028-423-3069) you can also taste and buy wines from the area and feast your eyes on art and objets d’art.
  Finally, take a drive out to Cape Agulhas, the southernmost tip of Africa and the (now official) meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans. While you’re there, check out the Cape Agulhas Lighthouse Museum (028-435-6078).
• Eat and drink: Napier Farm Stall and Restaurant (028-423-3440) serves fabulous breakfasts and confectioneries, but their real secret weapon is their best-ever health bread.
  French songstress Daniele Pascal’s luscious establishment, Pascal’s Bistro (028-423-3146), offers simple, French-style wining and dining with local flair. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch Daniele performing.
  Gunner’s Mess (028-423-3890) serves hearty pub meals with a lovely view of the valley, while Moerse Padstal (028-423-3334) is renowned for its fresh local fare and a permanently merry vibe.
• getting there: From Cape Town, take the N2 to Caledon. At Caledon, take the R316 towards Bredasdorp (the turnoff is not well marked, so be alert).