Paarl Area Profile

Paarl at a glance

Marveling residents with its scenic beauty, cultural and historical attractions, and bountiful nature reserves, Paarl also entices tourists to make the town a top location for the holidays. 

Property in Paarl still comprises of the many styles of Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Cape Dutch buildings. Some remain as residential homes while others have been turned into fine restaurants and coffee shops spread out along the twelve kilometre-long Main Street.

The Drakenstein Prison is also located nearby Paarl - this is where Nelson Mandela spent his last years of captivity.

A brief history of the area
Paarl takes its name from the huge granite outcrop that stands on the crest of Paarl Mountain. The town was founded in 1687 and is the third oldest settlement in South Africa.

With a rich cultural and historical heritage, the people of Paarl are descendants of the Khoisan, slaves from Africa and Asia, Dutch Settlers, French Huguenots, Jewish immigrants, Italian Prisoners of War, and Xhosa migrant labourers.

The Khoikhoi and San were the first people in Paarl and original San rock art can still be seen at the nearby Wemmershoek and Bainskloof. The Paarl Mountain was called "Tortoise Mountain" by the Khoikhoi. 

In later years the Dutch and the French made Paarl their home.

Climate
Paarl has a warm and temperate climate with February being the warmest month of the year with an average temperature of 23.0 °C. The lowest average temperatures in the year occur in July when it is around 12.0 °C. The average temperature in Paarl is 17.6 °C. In a year, the average rainfall is 770 mm. January is the driest month with 16mm of rain, while June averages 132mm. 

Distance from key points (Airport/CBD)
Cape Town International Airport is about 59km away from Paarl. This journey will take 51-minutes via the N1 with an average driving speed of 80km/h. 

Schools in the area
Schooling facilities in Paarl comprise of Noord-Eind Primary School, Courtrai Primary School, Paarl Boys High School, La Rochelle Girls' Primary School, Dalweide Primary School, Mary Help of Christians Primary School, La Rochelle Girls High School, William Lloyd Primary School, as well as Nederburg Primary School.

The Paarl Gymnasium High School has produced significant sporting achievements and some of South Africa's top Rugby players, including Schalk Burger, Jean De Villiers, Marius Joubert, Handré Pollard and De Wet Barry.  

Medical facilities
For top-notch medical services in Paarl, residents can visit Mediclinic Paarl, Sereno Clinic, Medicross Paarl, Cure Day Hospitals Paarl, Klein-Drakenstein Clinic, Paarl Family Health, St Stephen Health Care, Dalvale Clinic, or the Nieuwedrift Clinic. 

Shopping Malls
Shopping facilities in Paarl include the Paarl Mall, Rembrandt Mall, Frater Square, and the Paarl Foodworld Centre. Paarl also has a host of convenience stores such as Woolworths, Spar, Checkers and Shoprite where residents can shop for their essentials. 

Restaurants
Paarl is home to some delightful eateries, namely Damas Restaurant & Guesthouse, Noop, The Red Table Restaurant, Blacksmith's Kitchen, The Goatshed Restaurant, Wilderer Distillery & La Grapperia Bistro, Back's, Bean In Love, Pearl Rock Terrace, Moksh Indian Restaurant, along with Luigi's Mediterranean.

Special Attractions
For the outdoor enthusiast, there are towering mountains, vineyards, orchards, rivers and streams in Paarl to explore. There are hiking trails and mountain bike trails around Paarl which include the Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, Jan Philips mountain road, Agter-Paarl road and selected wine farms. Some wine farms on the outskirts of Paarl also offer horse-riding facilities and hold regular polo matches.

The Berg River in Paarl is the starting point for the internationally renowned 4-day Berg River Canoe Marathon. Residents also enjoy bass fishing and fly-fishing at the river. 

Other attractions in Paarl include Drakenstein Lion Park and Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm.

Make Paarl your home today!
Paarl is a lovely area for both business and family life. Contact one of our friendly agents at RealNet Paarl & Surrounds today to secure your next investment in this vibrant area.