Historic
walk down Main Street See
'the tower' at Fairview Picnic
at Paarl Mountain Visit
the Museum Have
lunch at Seidelberg Play
golf at Boschenmeer Go
Hiking at Limietberg Do
the Paarl Wine Route
The Cape Winelands town of Paarl offers visitors a wonderful
blend of history, scenic beauty, cultural heritage and outdoor
activities. It's mild temperatures and good quality soils make
it one of the most successful wine growing regions in South
Africa.
In 1657 Abraham Gabemma, a trader from Cape Town, named the
giant granite rock to the west of the town, "Peerleberg" or
Pearl Mountain after seeing it glistening in the sun after
a rainstorm. Paarl's history has since been steeped in the
origins of the Afrikaans language and this can be explored
today at the Afrikaans Language Museum and the Monument
on the slopes of Paarl Mountain.
Visitors to Main Street in town can experience
an exciting blend of architecture that brings
Paarl's colourful history to life. Strooidak Church and Het
Gesticht Church are
two of the oldest
church buildings in South Africa, and Zeederberg Square is
surrounded by some fine examples of Cape Dutch, Victorian
and Georgian houses. The Paarl Museum houses some
superb antiques, artifacts, documents and photographs that
show the rich cultural diversity and development of the
town.
Wine lovers will not be disappointed in the excellent
collection of estates in the valley. Apart from their natural and historical
beauty, farms on the Paarl Wine Route like Laborie, Backsberg,
Landskroon, Nederburg and Rhebokskloof offer a superb collection
of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin
Blanc varietals. Be sure visit Boland Kelders and KWV Cellars
if you can. Good quality restaurants include De Leeuwen Jagt
at Seidelberg, and Simonsvlei Winery Restaurant.
If you're splashing out, enjoy one of the country's premier
culinary experiences by dining at the Grande Roche
Hotel gourmet restaurant. The sumptuous setting, rural
atmosphere and
grand appointment of this famous Paarl hotel will leave you
feeling like royalty.
If you still have energy after all that food and wine, outdoor
enthusiasts can explore the valley with a round of golf at
Boschenmeer Golf Estate - one of the finest in the country.
Hike or
enjoy a picnic lunch at
Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve or the Limietberg Reserve,
set against the towering Du Toitskloof Mountains.
However long you stay, this popular Cape destination with
it's magnificent countryside, superb wine and warm, friendly
people
is sure to remain in your heart for many years
to come.
Historic
walk down Main Street
Freestate 
