Paarl, Cape Winelands
A mere hour’s drive from Cape Town brings one to a giant granite outcrop with three rounded domes, the prominent one of which was initially called Peerleberg or Pearl Mountain by Abraham Gabemma. Abraham stumbled on the rock in 1657 en route to find meat for the Cape of Good Hope settlement. This solid rock was to become the name of a town, which today is renowned for its very beautiful countryside, excellent wines and some incredible architecture.
The town of Paarl has a unique character, not least because vineyards still grow in between residential neighbourhoods maintaining a country feel to a town virtually the size of a small city, but also because it is here that the struggle to gain recognition for Afrikaans as a written language was achieved. Today the Afrikaans Language Museum bears testament to this accomplishment and there is a monument to this unique language on the slopes of Paarl Mountain.
Main Street Paarl is a colourful collection of beautifully restored Cape Dutch, Georgian and Victorian buildings and includes the oldest Dutch Reformed Church in the country – the Strooidak Church - and the Paarl Museum, housed in a u-shaped Cape Dutch house and home to an in-depth look at the town’s history, starting with early man and dealing with European colonisation and slavery.
A large variety of grapes are grown in Paarl, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinotage, Shiraz, Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc and the Paarl Wine Route is also known as the ‘Red Route’ because of this. Over 25 wine cellars include Backsberg Estate, KWV, Nederburg, Nelsons Creek, Simonsvlei and Avondale that make up the popular wine route.
The famous 11km long Main Street also features the Strooidak Church, Die Oude Pastorie Museum, the Patriot Building and the Gymnasium. Around the corner from the Gymnasium is the Afrikaans Language Museum. The beautiful homestead of Laborie, in Main Street, was purchased by KWV in 1972. The buildings were restored and the restaurant was built. The KWV cellar complex is the largest in the world, covering an area of 22 hectares.
The magnificent Cathedral Cellar, with its barrel-vaulted roof and large carved red wine vats, depicting the history of the Cape's wine industry, is spectacular. The Paarl Wine Route Office in Main Street will be able to supply visitors with a free brochure and map on the area.
Additional Reading
For more info about Paarl see our articles on the SA Travel News Blog: • 10 Popular Things To Do When Next In Paarl • Paarl - Overlooked Pearl Of The Western Cape • Tea Under The Trees - Best Place To Do Tea In Paarl • Paarl's Twin Obelisks - A Visit To The Taal Monument • What To Do When In Paarl
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
I can't believe nobody wrote a review about Paarl yet! Its such a stunning town with lots of places to explore, great restaurants and shops and of course the vineyards and wineries! Just go!
Candy (Claremont)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Adara Palmiet Valley Palace Suite
Adara Palmiet Valley Vineyard House is located in Paarl on the Palmiet Valley Estate. The area is in the heart of the winelands and the estate is...
Zomerlust Boutique Hotel
Established in 1856, Zomerlust Boutique Hotel in Paarl is a gem of old-world charm with the warm hospitality that the Cape Winelands are known fo...
Vrede en Lust The Residence
Vrede en Lust The Residence is an iconic villa located at Vrede & Lust Wine Estate in the popular area of Franschhoek. The villa enjoys picturesq...
Boerfontein Nocellara Cottage
Nocellara is a ground floor apartment which is perfectly suited to a couple. The large, open plan studio is furnished with a King-size bed. The a...
Paarl Self-catering @ Gim
Indulge in comfort at Paarl Self-catering @ Gim. Each unit offers unique features, from a fully equipped kitchen or kitchenette to private braai ...
Nantes-Vue Guest House
Nantes-vue is conveniently situated in the beautiful town of Paarl. This Guest House in Paarl offers spacious guest rooms and a loft room which h...
Pontac Manor
Pontac Manor Hotel & Restaurant is a celebrated establishment in the historic town of Paarl, at the heart of the Cape Winelands. Surrounded by ma...
Lemoenkloof Guest House
Lemoenkloof is centrally situated in Paarl on the wine route. The hotel offers easy access to the neighbouring towns Wellington, Stellenbosch, Fr...
Diamant Estate
Diamant Estate offers accommodation at the foot of Paarl Mountain, some 6km from the centre of Paarl. Diamant Estate offers peace and serenity, n...
Dawn Mountains One
Dawn Mountains One is an apartment offering self-catering accommodation located on the Dawn Mountains Farm in Klapmuts, in the heart of the Frans...
Denneboom Vineyards and Wildlife
Accommodation is offered in a two bedroom cottage located in a private game reserve in the Voor-Paardeberg wine region, the cottage is in the vel...
Valley Golf Lodges
Valley Golf Lodges provides accommodation in a high-security estate, close to the golf course. Pearl Valley Golf Course is rated a must play golf...
Paarl Diamant Guest Farm
Situated in Paarl, Paarl Diamant Guest Farm accommodates a total of 17 guests in five units. Farm animals, such as chickens, guinea-pigs and dove...
Oak Tree Lodge
Oak Tree Lodge is centrally situated, in a large garden setting with mature trees and lovely views. Spacious bedrooms designed for comfort and pr...
Amberg Country Estate
Situated in a beautiful, peaceful environment with trees, flowers and a large swimming pool, Amberg Country Estate offers self catering cottages....
Alba House
Alba House is a luxury Bed & Breakfast in the Cape Winelands. The guest house is situated in a quiet, elevated residential area, with sweeping vi...
The Perch Winelands
The Perch Winelands is literally perched in the middle of the Cape Winelands, offering accommodation with the most spectacular views of the surro...
Alexander Heaven
Alexander Heaven is a self-catering holiday home in Paarl, in the Cape Winelands, and various top-class golf courses. It has three bedrooms and o...
Paddabult Self Catering Cottages
Situated on the historic Bloemendal farm, established by grant in 1692 by Governor Simon van der Stel and surrounded by lush vineyards with the i...
Dawn Mountains Two
Dawn Mountains Two is a downstairs holiday apartment in Klapmuts with two bedrooms furnished with twin beds that can convert to King-size beds. T...
Nuwerus Lodge
Situated in the heart of the Cape Winelands, just on the outskirts of the historic town of Paarl lies Nuwerus Lodge. Nestled between neighbouring...
Paarl Mountain Lodge
Paarl Mountain Lodge gives a warm welcome to international and local tourists, adventurers as well as corporate travellers from South Africa and ...
Pearl Valley Golf Safari SA
Pearl Valley Golf Safari SA offers accommodation in a self catering lodge and a hotel suite apartment. The estate has a swimming pool golf course...
Boerfontein Stables Cottage
Located in an old horse stable where the original horse boxes have been converted into bedrooms (accommodates 4), Boerfontein Stables Apartment h...
Retreat @ Waterfall Valley
Situated on 23 picturesque hectares amongst olive orchards, vineyards, and buchu land, Cascade Country Manor is an idyllic and luxurious private ...
Grande Roche Hotel
Grande Roche is a celebrated international hotel, famous for its exquisite location in the heart of the beautiful Cape Winelands as well as for i...
Angala Boutique Hotel
Featuring spacious suites and cottages, accommodating up to 4 people in the two bedroom Luxury Suite and Garden Suite. Special attention has been...
Zonnevanger B&B
Zonnevanger B&B offers accommodation on a privately owned farm between Paarl and Wellington close to Windmeul, situated 9 kilometers from central...
De Wingerd Wijnland Lodge
In the middle of the picturesque Cape Winelands, Andrew Rahn welcomes guests to "De Wingerd", bordering the vineyards on the slopes of Paarl Moun...
Spacious Art Deco Flat
The Spacious Art Deco Flat is a lovely apartment where light enters from the windows and in the winter you can enjoy natural sunlight. It has one...
Picardie Guest Farm
Picardie Guest Farm offers comfortable accommodation in Paarl. The farm permeates a rich heritage that contributes to its charm. Nestled below th...
Belmonte Guesthouse
Belmonte Guesthouse is situated against the slopes of Paarl Mountain and although in the centre of town, we are on eight hectares of land with ou...
Mon Reve Estate
Mon Ręve Estate offers Cape Winelands self catering accommodation in the northern foothills of the Simonsberg Mountain in the Paarl valley. From ...
Upper Room Boutique House
Nestled in the picturesque town of Paarl, Western Cape, Upper Room Boutique House offers a refined accommodation experience tailored to discernin...
Boerfontein Mountain View Cottage
Located in the beautiful region of Paardeberg, Boerfontein Mountain View Suite offers accommodation in a tranquil environment, close to wine esta...
d'Olyfboom Guest Rooms
d'Olyfboom Guest Rooms offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation in Paarl. There are five spacious, comfortable guest rooms sleeping two...
Le Bac Guesthouse
This stylish and enchanting estate is conveniently situated in the Winelands region of the picturesque Western Cape Province of South Africa. The...
Paarl Views
Paarl Views offers three self-catering units, which can accommodate between two and three persons. The units are beautifully decorated and furnis...
Kimi's Self Catering Cottage
Kimi's Self Catering Cottage is situated on the R45 in Simondium, 8km from Paarl, 18km from Franschhoek. The cottage sleeps four guests in two ro...
Pearl Valley Hotel
Pearl Valley Hotel is a luxury establishment offering accommodation on the award-winning Val de Vie Estate, internationally recognised for its po...
The Orange Bowl
The Orange Bowl offers accommodation in Paarl in the Cape Winelands, strategically positioned at the entrance to one of the most prominent educat...
Lu's Guest House
Lu's Guest House offers comfortable accommodation in a warm, modern guest house situated in the Paarl Winelands. This historical town is popular ...
Skinkikofi Manor
Securely nestled on a foothill under the ever-watchful eye of the Paarl Rock, you will find Skinkikofi Manor guest house, a welcome pit stop to t...
Du Kloof Lodge
Du Kloof Lodge offers a great choice of accommodation options on Du Toitskloof Pass, between Paarl and Rawsonville. While here guests can make us...
Aan de Paarlberg
Aan de Paarlberg is a lifestyle guest house in Paarl situated close to Paarl Gymnasium high school. It offers a relaxing home away from home with...
Boschenmeer House
Incredible views over the winelands, a relaxed atmosphere and a tranquil riverside setting are combined with luxurious self catering units which ...
The Rock Lodge
The Rock Lodge is a gorgeous lodge with a patio, braai area and a wood-fired hot tub. It is air-conditioned, furnished with a Queen-size bed and ...
Middelplaas Paarl Guesthouse
Middelplaas Paarl Guesthouse offers comfortable, affordable and quality accommodation in Paarl. Paarl, a picturesque town in the Cape Winelands, ...
Kalamata Cottage
Boerfontein Kalamata Apartment is a ground floor studio apartment which is ideally suited to a couple. The spacious, open plan studio is furnishe...
Agathos B&B
Agathos B&B offers accommodation for ten guests in a warm, welcoming atmosphere in Paarl, Cape Winelands. The nearest airport is Cape Town Inter...
The Paarl Grand
Located on the lower level of a shared property, The Paarl Grand is a spacious self-catering apartment that is ideal for a corporate traveller or...
Boerfontein Garden Cottage
Perfectly suited to accommodate a couple, Boerfontein Garden Suite is surrounded by race horse breeding farms and within close driving distance t...
Madeliefie
Madeliefie offers bed & breakfast accommodation in Paarl close to many wine farms, great attractions and a number of things to do. Choose from t...
Modderkloof Farm Accommodation
Modderkloof Farm offers accommodation in two units on Modderkloof Farm. This is a working fruit and wine farm found near the Klein Drakenstein Mo...
The Light House Boutique Suites
The Light House Boutique Suites, offering the best in luxury accommodation, is situated in Paarl, a beautiful valley with ancient soils and a div...
Brookdale Manor House
Brookdale Manor House offers guest house accommodation, a haven of peace and wellness amongst the vines where every season brings different moods...
Under Oaks The Vineyard Suites
The Vineyard Suites on Under Oaks is nestled in the middle of the vineyards with magnificent lawns leading down to a farm dam. The accommodation ...
Bakenhof Winelands Lodge
Bakenhof offers comfortable bed only accommodation on the Bakenhof Winelands farm in the Wellington / Paarl area. All rooms have Wi-Fi, a private...
5 Konings Accommodation
5 Konings Accommodation in Paarl invites you to stay in one of our 4 stylishly decorated, en-suite rooms catering for your comfort and enjoyment....
De Leeuwenhof Guest House
De Leeuwenhof Guest House is family driven and is a true romantic holiday destination, providing accommodation surrounded by vineyards and mounta...
Dome Glamping SA
Welcome to Dome Glamping SA, located in the Berg River Resort on the banks of the Berg River in the Western Cape, surrounded by the Stellenbosch,...
The Olive Lodge
The Olive Lodge at the foot of the Klein Drakenstein Mountain in Paarl is on a working Wagyu cattle farm in the beautiful Cape Winelands. Enjoy t...
Mount Vernon Manor
Mount Vernon Manor has five bedrooms with four bathrooms. The large modern kitchen is fully equipped with high-end amenities and the dining room ...
Goedemoed Farm Guest House
Goedemoed Farm Guest House offers accommodation on a working grape farm. Choose from our two guest rooms, each equipped with a TV, DStv, Wi-Fi, a...
Waterside at Le Bonheur
Le Bonheur Waterside Stays offers tranquil accommodation in Paarl and is a convenient base from which to explore the splendour of the Winelands. ...
Tempel Wines Guesthouse
Tempel Wines Guesthouse is located on a wine farm situated in Northern Paarl, and offers comfortable bed and breakfast accommodation in guest roo...
La Maison On Main
La Maison On Main is a two storey villa offering self catering accommodation in Paarl, Cape Winelands. A true pioneer in boutique luxury, offerin...
Adara Palmiet Valley Farm Hotel
Adara Palmiet Valley Farm Hotel is located on the Palmiet Valley Estate in the heart of the South African Winelands. Guests can enjoy staying on ...
In-A-Tree Studio Apartment
This elegant studio apartment includes a bedroom with a king-size bed and an en-suite bathroom. With Wi-Fi, DStv, a cosy fireplace, and a kitchen...
Vrede en Lust
Comprising of two manor houses perfectly located for the wine lover, Vrede en Lust is 15 minutes from Paarl, Franschhoek and Stellenbosch. Up to ...
Druk-My-Niet Wine Estate
Situated at the top of the farm Druk-My-Niet Wine Estate offers accommodation with gorgeous views of the Paarl Valley. The estate has a swimming ...
Things to do in the area
Wine Valley Horse Trails
Wine Valley Adventures is your gateway to unforgettable equestrian experiences in the heart of Franschhoek! Discover our range of meticulously cr...
Cycle Tours with Cape Active Tours
Make the most of your time in South Africa by booking your accommodation in Cape Town to experience the unique and undeniable beauty of this part...
Kikka Coffee Shop
Kikka is a restaurant, coffee shop and florist that serves some extraordinary breakfasts, lunches, pastries and desserts.The shredded duck with b...
Balloon over the Vineyards
Up, up and away... Float cloudward in a musical silence across the peace of the Cape Winelands. Calm landscapes carry you with care over the Berg...
De Leuwen Jagt Restaurant
The De Leuwen Jagt Restaurant creates a perfect winelands memory in a unique setting. Chef Maggi Sekapane offers apart from it’s typical Cape Mal...
Do a Tour of the Cape Winelands
Join Gary Flynn of Cape Discovery Tours for a full day of Wine tasting and touring the beatiful Cape Winelands. Cape Town Discovery is an owner m...
Rhebokskloof Wine Estate
Petrus van der Merwe first settled on Rhebokskloof farm in 1797, when visiting the farm you can still see his initials on the distinctive Cape Du...
Hout Street Gallery
The Hout Street Gallery was established in 1975. From small beginnings, it has grown to be the foremost of its kind in the Western Cape, showcasi...
Play or watch Polo at Val de Vie
Experience the thrill of polo, fine wines, world-class facilities and warm hospitality - all in a breathtaking setting, just 40 minutes from Cape...
Noteworthy attractions
Huguenot Memorial Museum
The story of the Huguenot Memorial Museum is quite fascinating, and lends the building and its contents a certain charm and intrigue. In the 1700...
Hottentots Holland Nature Reserve
The 42,000 ha Reserve stretches from Elgin in the south to beyond Villiersdorp in the north, and from the Stellenbosch mountains in the west, eas...
Stellenbosch Wine Route
Just 45 minutes from Cape Town, the Stellenbosch wine route is the oldest in the country and represents over 300 wineries. Because of this it is ...
Wijnland Auto Museum
There are those who live in Cape Town and its surrounds who have not even heard of the Wijnland Auto Museum, one of the most interesting places t...
Paarl Vintners Wine Route
Paarl Vintners has earned its place as the world’s first ‘red route’ because of its focus on wines such as Roodeberg, Cabernet Sauvignon, port an...
Huguenot Monument
The Huguenot Monument is dedicated to the cultural influences that French Huguenots have brought to the Cape Colony after their immigration durin...
Limietberg Nature Reserve
Lying in the Du Toitskloof Mountains close to Paarl, Limietberg Nature Reserve is a beautiful space in which to spend time, particularly if you a...
Jonkershoek Nature Reserve
The beautiful Jonkershoek Nature Reserve lies in the Jonkershoek Valley just above Stellenbosch. Surrounded by the magnificent Jonkershoek Mounta...
Paarl Golf Club
The course is laid out over an indulgent 140 hectares and the 27 holes have been grouped into the Berg River, Paarl and Boschenmeer “Nines.” The ...
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