Parys was named after the city of love by a German surveyor called Schilbach who was present at the Siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War and was reminded of the River Seine when he first saw the Vaal.
Situated on the banks of the Vaal River in the Free State, Parys is no sleepy little town. With a wide range of activities and beautiful locations, it is a true gem that is conveniently close to Gauteng.
Little Paris
Parys’ European namesake is especially celebrated in the Le Petit Paris Secret Passage, a little courtyard off the main road that has a few lovely shops.
You can find everything, from handmade handbags to antiques, a gentlemen’s outfitter and a home industry shop. Buy a coffee and enjoy the atmosphere while pretending you’re in Paris.
Parys is a Fascinating World Heritage Site
If quaint shops aren’t exactly your thing, you can visit the Vredefort Dome, a World Heritage Site created by a meteorite impact about 2023 million years ago, resulting in a crater about 300 km wide (the distance from Johannesburg to Welkom).
Fun fact: Parys’ Leeukop Quarry is the only place on earth where you will find pink granite, which is a direct result of the meteorite.
The dome is South Africa’s 7th World Heritage Site and every year, on the first weekend of November, the Parys Dome Adventure Festival takes place. The fun outdoor festival offers craft stalls, adventure activities, sports and music.
You can’t see the crater that well from the ground, but you can still see interesting soil upheavals and rock formations, or even have a guide teach you more. If you’re brave and you really want to get a good look at the crater, you can also see it from up high while skydiving.
Fun Things to do in Parys
If you want a bit of adventure, but you’re not too fond of heights, you can also try rafting.
Parys is the only place along the Vaal where you can find rapids, which makes it great for water sports enthusiasts. Whitewater rafting and kayaking are firm favourites, and visitors come from far to join the fun.
If you’re a fruit fan, you’d also be interested to learn that South Africa’s only black raspberries are found on a berry farm 20 km from Parys.
You can enjoy picking berries straight off the bush between March and November. Seventeen kilometres from Parys, near Venterskroon, you can also find the largest wild olive forest in South Africa.
Animal lovers can’t miss the Dell Cheetah Centre between Parys and the N1. The breeding center is aimed at conservation, and you can learn about the animals while watching feeding time. If you are lucky, you could play with cubs as well as feed them.
Golf lovers should definitely bring a set of clubs along and visit Golf Island – a special 9-hole golf course built across a 1919 suspension bridge.
Other fun activities in the area include fishing, hiking, bird watching, horse riding, hot air ballooning, and 4×4 trails.
Have a look at these wonderful Parys deals:
A charming night away for 2 people at Mountain View Country Estate.
Take a break and acquaint yourself with the tranquility you deserve.
Sincerely,
Parys, with love.
Please note: deals were available and accurate at the time of publishing.
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