| Page Views: 127 Last Visit to Paarl: - I Live Here | Paarl ( meaning pearl) by antonela - last update: Feb 22, 2009 |
Bit of history | Typical Cape Dutch Homestead and vineyard |
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. |
| Foggy morning from my window |
|  | Views, views, views 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. |
|  | http://www.flickr.com/photos/paarlwinecountry/sets 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. |
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| Pros: | "Very relaxing, stunning views, rewarding for wine lovers." | | Cons: | "No night life." | | In A Nutshell: | "Best kept secret, but not for long." |
antonela's Paarl Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do Tips: 3 - Photos: 6 | | | | Restaurants | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path Tips: 1 | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
Comments for antonela about Paarl | | | | |
cachaseiro Fri Jul 3, 2009 12:16 UTC this looks like an absolutely fantastic place. hope to be able to make that part of my south african tour next year. | kenHuocj Thu Jun 4, 2009 20:14 UTC beautiful photos, makes me relive the glorious Food and wines in years gone by. How are the newer wines from boutique wineries? ;-))) | lynnehamman Thu May 14, 2009 14:24 UTC 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. | calcaf38 Sat Jan 10, 2009 19:49 UTC 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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