Sign in with Facebook"Paarl ( meaning pearl)" Top 5 Page for this destination Paarl by antonela
Paarl Travel Guide: 30 reviews and 87 photos
The Khoikhoi and San people were the first people to live here. San rock art can still be seen around Paarl.
Paarl is the third oldest European settlement in South Africa.
People of Paarl are descendants from the Khoisan, African and Eastern slaves, Dutch, French Huguenots, Jewish immigrants from Eastern Europe, Italian prisoners of war and Xhosa migrant workers. A real diverse community, approx 108 ,000 , largest town in the winelands.
In 1657 the public treasurer of the Cape of Good Hope settlement ,Abraham Gabemma, after seeing the huge granite rock in Paarl glistening in the sun after rainfall, named it t the "Diamond and Pearl " mountain, and Paarl retained the name (from its Dutch history).
Because of our mediterranean-like climate, and the fertile soil, the settlers planted orchids, vegetables and vines.
Thanks to the French Huguenots, and their skills and knowledge of winegrowing, they planted vines, today some of the best red wines in the world are produced in Paarl. Paarl has the commercial structure of a small city, without sacrificing its country atmosphere.
Paarl has a Main road of about 11 km, lined with old oak trees, many vineyards in and around the residential neighbourhoods ,attractive Cape Dutch Houses, many historical homes. Paarl is the only town to have an Afrikaans language monument, as the language originated here.
Many attractions, scenic drives, hiking trails, about 100 winetasting estates, and excellent restaurants.
Paarl ironically has not really been discovered by tourists, maybe being overshadowed by neighbouring towns like Franschhoek and Stellenbosch, so it is still rather affordable to spend a holiday here.
- Pros:Very relaxing, stunning views, rewarding for wine lovers.
- Cons:No night life.
- In a nutshell:Best kept secret, but not for long.
Reviews (4)
Golf
Things to Do
(3)
Paarl has two very good golf courses Boschenmeer 27 hole Pearl Valley 19 hole (Jack Niklaus Design) more travel advice
When in Paarl..
Things to Do
(3)
One of the things to visit is obviously a striking monument in Paarl . Albeit also controversial. The The design of the... more travel advice
still to be discovered.
Off The Beaten Path
(1)
Paarl is situated in the winelands of South Africa. Its a bustling town which lies cradled in the picturesque Berg River... more travel advice
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Comments (5)
Hello, this picture with clouds over the city and the mountains higher above is special. Have a nice day.
this looks like an absolutely fantastic place. hope to be able to make that part of my south african tour next year.
beautiful photos, makes me relive the glorious Food and wines in years gone by. How are the newer wines from boutique wineries? ;-)))
Great page and tips about Paarl. As an ex- Capetonian, I am very familier with the area. It is so beautiful, and I miss the scenery.
What a beautiful page, Antonella. Your inn looks wonderful. I wish I could be there now, instead than here with the ice and the snow. Thank you for noticing my page. Best wishes for 2009.
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