Paarl
Paarl is the third-oldest town in South Africa (after Cape Town and Stellenbosch).
The name was derived from Parel, meaning Pearl in Dutch and refers to the huge granite boulders to the west of the town. In 1688, the French Huguenots arrived in the Cape and some were given property in this area also known as the Drackenstein area. One of their most important influences was their knowledge of the wine industry.
Today the headquarters of the South African wine industry, the KWV, is to be found on one of the earliest farms (La Concorde) to be granted by Governor Simon van der Stel. The Berg River that flows through the Valley is its life artery. It is also the starting point of the annual Berg River canoe marathon. Standing tall on the mountain is the Afrikaans Language Monument, a monument for the Afrikaans language.
Just outside the town is Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela spent his last years of captivity and started his walk to freedom. The town's main road is 12 km long and has many interesting coffee shops, restaurants, stores and beautiful houses.
 |  | | KWV Head Office | Pontac Manor Hotel |
What to do- Visit Millwater Wild Flower Garden where 15 species of protea may be viewed.
- Visit the crocodile breeding farm.
- Go wine tasting at one of the excellent wineries.
- See the oldest church building in SA still in use (built in 1805), the Strooidak Church.
- Visit the Afrikaans Language Monument
- Visit Pearl Valley Signature Golf Estate & Spa
- Take a tractor ride through the vineyards.
Paarl accommodation
More Cape Town attractions in the vicinity |
Back to Cape Town Attractions page
|
