Out and About in Paarl

A bustling town that lies cradled in the picturesque Berg River valley, flanked by the second largest granite outcrop in the world and the towering scenic Du Toits Kloot Mountains. Enjoy the magnificent natural scenic beauty - mountains, rivers, the rich floral kingdom, views and open spaces. This is enhanced with a unique architectural heritage, which fascinates architects and tourists around the world.

A choice of accommodation awaits the discerning visitor from five star luxury accommodation to guests houses and Bed & Breakfast establishment, treating the visitor to world renowned Boland hospitality, Two holiday resorts offer chalets with a country atmosphere, whilst wonderful restaurants delight the gourmet and traditionalists alike. Try ostrich or crocodile! A charming array of coffee shops tempts visitors with mouth-watering homemade fare.

Visitors can see the Ikhwezi Community Centre on Vlakkeland Farm where the Bhabhathane weavers create ethnic rugs and tapestries made from handspun mohair and karakul wool. The exclusive ceramics of Clementina van der Walt are not to be missed, pop in to Nic Taylor's Nut Farm where you can view and, at a nominal price, purchase art, which reflects the lifestyles in the local communities. The Paarl Fleamarket is open every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. The variety of entertainment is endless- learn all about 4x4 driving, go mountain biking or enjoy a hot air balloon ride, climb Bretagne Rock or dangle tired city feet into rejuvenating sparkling streams after a hike in toe mountains.

Paarl is the home to many award-winning wines and to the KWV: the largest exporter of local wines, famous for the acoustical Cathedral Cellar and the five largest vats in the world under one roof. Nederburg hosts the Nederburg Wine Auction in April, whilst the Nouveau Wine Festival on Paarl Mountain is hosted by the Paarl Vintners - a group of 30 wine farmers in the district who have formed an impressive organisation to improve quality and marketing of Paarl wines. Paarl boasts two brandy producers: Paarl Rock Brandy Cellar and Backsberg, who have been incorporated on the Brandy route.

A treasure house of architecture is found along a 2km (1.2 miles) stretch of the Main Street, starting at the Strooidakkerk, the oldest Dutch Reformed Church in the country that is still in use. Zeederberg Square is surrounded by picturesque Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian houses, The Paarl Museum is not to be missed - view Cape antiques, artefacts, documents and photographs which reflect the rich cultural diversity and development of the town. The Taal Museum is a must - one of the first Afrikaans newspapers, Die Afrikaanse Patriot was printed here. The Museum should be viewed in conjunction with the Taal Monument, dedicated to the constantly developing and vibrant modern language of Afrikaans.