Paarl is one of the oldest towns in South Africa and particularly known for its mountain or "Paarl Rock".

The huge granite rock is formed by three rounded outcrops that make up Paarl Mountain and is the second largest granite outcrop in the world.

Paarl boasts a unique attraction in the fact that the foundations of a new language, Afrikaans, combined heritage of Africa and the European mother countries, were laid here.

The Monument to the Afrikaans language on the slopes of Paarl Mountain, the Language Museum and the Afrikaans Language Route through Dal Josaphat are living memorials to this achievement.

Paarl's scenic splendour, with five mountain passes and magnificent surroundings, the Berg River majestically winding its way through and bringing life to deciduous fruit orchards and vineyards right up to the heart of the town, and luxuriant vegetation, provide sufficient incentive to pay Paarl a visit.

Add to this the rich heritage of well preserved historic buildings scattered through the town, the large number of top-quality restaurants offering traditional Cape cuisine, accommodation for tourists in hotels and on farming estates, and the inevitable wine industry - and you no longer have an argument in favour of visiting Paarl but an obligation to do so.

As far as the Wine industry is concerned, Paarl boasts the headquarters of the industry in South Africa, the co-operative Wine Growers' Association (KWV) and the Paarl wine Route.

The KWV is a South African institution that over the years has acquired an international reputation because of its unique achievements and its imprint of quality on the industry.

Other attactions include the Paarl Wine Route, Ostrich Farm, Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm, Butterfly World and much much more.

Activities

• Paarl Mountain Nature Reserve, especially noted for the enormous 500 million year-old granite rock (Paarl, Bretagne & Gordon) that gives Paarl its name.
  
• The Afrikaans Language Monument, on the slopes of Paarl Mountain and the Afrikaans Language Museum situated in the town.
  
• Treasure house of South African architecture along a 2 km stretch of the Main Street.
  
• The Paarl Museum is a must for its Cape Antiques and contemporary exhibitions of Paarl.
  
• The Ikhwezi Centre is the home to Bhabhathane weavers and artists from Mbekweni.
  
• In the Arboretum there are 700 indigenous and exotic species of trees. A footbridge across the Berg River gives access to paved walkways on the river bank.
  
• The Bird Sanctuary along the banks of the Berg River features 136 species of birds. Species include the beautiful Malachite Kingfisher, Maccoa Duck, African Marsh Harrier & African Fish eagle.
  
• Le Bonheur Crocodile Farm
  
• Butterfly World
  
• Lion Park