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Paarl
1657 Abraham Gabbema and his party were camped in a beautiful, fertile valley.
It had rained during the night and as the sun rose, the huge granite rocks high above them glistened in the sunlight like two huge pearls. He named the area "Peerlbergh" (Pearl Mountain).
Welcome to Paarl (Pearl), a bustling town cradled in the picturesque Berg River Valley between the second largest granite outcrop in the world and the towering Du Toit's Kloof Mountains. Mountains, rivers, rich flora, magnificent panoramic views and a rich cultural and architectural heritage, contribute to making Paarl a unique tourist destination.
With wonderful warm summers and cool, mild winters that contribute to the production of internationally-renowned wines, export fruit and fresh produce, Paarl offers a unique "tasting experience" in every sense of the word.
Should you wish to sip a glass of fine wine as the sun turns the mountains into a soft purple, sample fresh farm produce at one of the many farm stalls, enjoy a light meal under the leafy oaks, indulge in traditional Cape cuisine or dine at a superb a la carte restaurant – Paarl offers it all, wrapped in its own unique brand of Cape hospitality.
Though country in every way, Paarl is a mere 30-minute drive to Cape Town, Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront, and within easy reach of all the other major attractions that this, the "Fairest Cape in All the World", has to offer.
The history and prosperity of the town is depicted in the many examples of fine architecture in the town and surrounding region.
Paarl is the largest municipality outside the Cape Metropole, and houses the headquarters of a number of large agricultural, manufacturing and financial institutions. Paarl is also home to some of the oldest schools in the Cape and to Boland Cricket Park, which hosts international events.
Paarl made headlines when President Mandela was released from the Victor Verster (now Drakenstein) Prison, on the outskirts of the town, to freedom and to the start of the new South Africa.
For More Information Contact:
Paarl Tourism
Tel.: +27 (0)21-872-4842/6737
Email: paarl@mweb.co.za
Website: www.paarlonline.com
Open 7 Days a Week
Wellington
Wellington, steeped in history and tradition, has a magical atmosphere that will captivate you once you discover the town, its people and its myriad of attractions. Originally known as Limiet Vallei (border or frontier valley), the area became known as Val du Charron or Wagenmakersvallei (Valley of the Wagon Maker) towards the end of the 17th century when the French Huguenots settled here.
After the eventual establishment of the town in 1840, the name was changed to Wellington in honour of the renowned soldier and conqueror of Napoleon at the battle of Waterloo. Nestling at the foot of the Groenberg, the town lies in a picturesque valley on the banks of the Kromme River with the majestic Hawequa mountains, silent sentinels on its eastern border. The town is a mere 45 minutes' drive from Cape Town and within easy reach of all the other Boland towns.
Wellington is, of course, known for its educational institutions. Huguenot College, an institution of the Dutch Reformed Church, offers training to students in social, youth and missionary work. The Wellington Campus of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) is the only one in the Western Cape Province to offer teacher training in the medium of Afrikaans.
Apart from fine cuisine and pleasant accommodation, visitors to the town can discover a magnificent legacy of historic buildings, may venture into breathtaking hikes or visit one of the cellars on the wine route for a relaxed wine tasting. Just a few of the reasons why a visit to Wellington should not be missed!
The Wellington Information Centre is housed in the Old Market Building which dates back to 1847. The bell in the adjoining clock tower dating from the same year, used to announce to the town's inhabitants that the day's marketing activities were about to start.
In later years the building was used by the first town council and eventually it served as a court room. After the Red Cross had used it as a storage depot for many years, the building was restored in 1993 and, once again, as in days gone by, town dwellers and visitors alike, gather to share in its warm and hospitable atmosphere.
Accommodation
To stay over in Wellington is to experience true hospitality. A wide variety of accommodation is available from double space elegant guest houses to self-catering flats and intimate little farm cottages where personal attention ensures a memorable stay.
There are a number of restaurants in the area, which are worth trying out.
The fact that the majority of South Africa's vine cutting nurseries are found in the Wellington area, is due to the excellent soils and climate of the region. Of course the town is also the home of the Wellington Wine Route and the wineries are all open for wine-tasting and sales.
Wellington also has a few hiking trails and scenic drives to be enjoyed. You get the Patatskloof Trail: A choice of several walking trails with some of the most spectacular scenery imaginable, the Bain's Klooi Hiking Trails: There are a number of hiking trails and picnic places in the mountain and some of the most exquisite species of wild flowers can be seen at certain times of the year. Bain's Kloof Pass offers an unsurpassed kaleidoscopic view. The Horseshoe, a favourite route with joggers and bikers, takes one past many of the old Huguenot farms with their magnificent Cape Dutch homesteads.
Wellington offers ample sporting facilities. Apart from the Boland Stadium, administrative headquarters of the Boland Rugby Union, there is also an excellent golf course and swimming pool.
Wellington Info: (021) 873-4604
www.visitwellington.co.za
Franschhoek
General Information
More than three centuries ago about 200 French Huguenots, having escaped religious persecution, settled in the Berg River Valley and founded the community of Franschhoek.
With its fine balmy summers and the majority of its rainfall in winter, the French Huguenots recognised the potential of the region for wine production and fruit growing.
Wine and Other Routes
The French established vast wine estates throughout the valley. Today you will not only find many of these estates but also numerous small family vineyards. These vineyards form part of the Vignerons de Franschhoek which was formed to promote the valley and its wines. The wine route is open for tastings and cellar tours.
Attractions and Other Places of Interest
At the foot of the pass you will find the Huguenot Memorial and Museum which commemorate the arrival of the Huguenots in 1688. The museum serves as an information and research centre on the Huguenots and their descendants. The Jan Joubert's Gat bridge is one of the oldest bridges in South Africa still in use and is in the Franschhoek pass. The Dutch Reformed Church is a National Monument and is open to the public on request.
Arts and Crafts
Not only did the French bring their viticulture, they also left behind a rich heritage of arts, architecture and hospitality, all of which survives to this day. The main street is lined with galleries displaying local arts, craft shops and antique shops.
Accommodation and Conference Facilities
Accommodation is of a high standard with personal service to cater for every need. A variety of packages are available, ranging from self catering cottages, through bed and breakfast guesthouses, to one of the most popular country hotels in South Africa. Conference facilities are also available.
Walks and Trails
Being almost surrounded by mountains there are some breathtaking scenic hikes in the nature reserve, Mont Rochelle. Permits are available from the municipality, museum and the information office.
The Boland Hiking Trail is a two or three day hike and permits are obtainable from Jonkershoek.
Restaurants
Franschhoek is often referred to as "the gourmet capital of the Cape" and this title is justly deserved as it has some of the finest restaurants in the country. With meals ranging from French cuisine, to typical Cape cooking, to simple country fare, there is a menu for every taste and for every pocket.
Linked Interest Between Towns
Situated 83km from Cape Town, along the N1, in less than an hour one can be in Franschhoek. This makes it perfect for a day trip and its proximity to Stellenbosch, 30km; Paarl 30km; Wellington 45km and 45km to Somerset West makes it ideal to explore the Winelands.
Franschhoek Info: (021) 876-3603/2861