Discovering enchanting Paarl
Category Lifestyle
Mesmerising residents and tourists with its scenic beauty, cultural and historical attractions, and bountiful nature reserves, Paarl gets its name from the huge granite outcrop that stands on the crest of the Paarl Mountain.
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.
Officially founded in 1687, the town was is the third oldest settlement in South Africa and owes its rich cultural and historical heritage to descendants of the Khoisan, slaves from African and Asia, Dutch settlers, French Huguenots, Jewish immigrants, Italian Prisoners of War, and Xhosa migrant labourer's.
The wine farms
In 1688, the French Huguenots arrived in the Western Cape. The farms in Paarl embraced them with fertile soil while the Mediterranean-like climate proved as the perfect conditions for farming practices. They planted orchards, vegetable gardens, and vineyards. This started Paarl's long and continuing history as a major wine and fruit producing region of South Africa.
Paarl Gymnasium School
Founded as a Dutch Christian primary school for boys in the centre of town in 1858 by Rev. van Lingen, the Paarl Gymnasium School is one of the most prominent schools in Paarl, if not the country. In the mid-1930s a high school section was introduced and once completed, the school enrolled its first female student.
The school prides itself with great academic facilities and a large sporting program. Students are encouraged to participate in the inter-school's tournament against Paarl Boys' High School, an event which attracts tens of thousands of spectators every year.
The school has boastfully produced significant sporting achievements as well as South Africa's top Rugby players such as Schalk Burger, Jean De Villiers, Marius Joubert, Handré Pollard and De Wet Barry. Other alumni include the theologian Stephanus Jacobus du Toit.
Top tourist attractions
The Afrikaans Language Monument is located on a hill overlooking Paarl. Officially opened on 10 October 1975, it commemorates the semi-centenary of Afrikaans being declared an official language of South Africa separate from Dutch.
Drakenstein Lion Park was established in 1998 and comprises of 50 acres of sprawling lion habitat with the aim to provide lions in distress with sanctuary, where they could live in safety, free from abuse and persecution. The park is open daily to the public from 09h30 to 17h00.
The Animal Sanctuary on Route 44 is a secure and safe sanctuary that is home to a variety of exotic animals. Fun for the whole family, there are a wide range of insects, reptiles, small mammals, as well as birds, most of whom were previously kept as exotic pets.
The Berg River in Paarl is the starting point for the internationally renowned 4-day Berg River Canoe Marathon. Visitors can also enjoy bass fishing and fly-fishing at the river.
At the Alpaca Loom visitors can interact with the alpacas in the petting zoo and watch as weavers process the soft alpaca yarn into luxurious products. There are decadent cakes and cups of freshly brewed coffee to be enjoyed. Alpaca Barn Tours take place at 11:00, 13:00 and 15:00 daily and last about 45 minutes.
Paarl also has exquisite Cape Dutch buildings, scenic drives, hiking trails, excellent restaurants, and a famous wine route with its many wine tasting opportunities which visitors can explore to their heart's content.
Property in Paarl still comprises of elegant Georgian, Victorian, Edwardian and Cape Dutch buildings. Some remain as residential homes while others have been turned into businesses such as restaurants and coffee shops. Contact one of our friendly agents at RealNet Paarl & Surrounds today to secure your next property investment.
Author: RealNet
