Towns and suburbs

Paarl

Paarl is a historic town in the Cape Winelands of the Western Cape, located in the Berg River Valley about 60 km northeast of Cape Town.

Paarl

Paarl is a major town in the Cape Winelands of the Western Cape, located about 60 km northeast of Cape Town along the N1 highway. It lies in the Berg River Valley and is surrounded by mountains including Paarl Mountain and the Drakenstein range. The town forms part of the Drakenstein Local Municipality and is one of the oldest European settlements in South Africa, established in 1687. Paarl developed as an important agricultural and wine-producing centre, with vineyards, fruit farms and agro-processing industries forming a significant part of the local economy. The town is also known for its cultural and language heritage, particularly its association with the development of Afrikaans.

History of Paarl

The area now known as Paarl was inhabited by the Khoekhoe, Khoikhoi people and the Cochoquapeople lived in this area, divided by the Berg River Valley. The Cochaqua were cattle-herding people and among the richest of the Khoi tribes. They had between 16,000 and 18,000 members and were originally called Paarl Mountain and Tortoise Mountain. They were cattle herders. The early settlers traded for meat with these indigenous tribes. While searching for trading opportunities, Abraham Gabemma came across the large monolith now called Paarl Rock, glistening in the sunshine after rain. He called it De Diamond en De Peerlberg (Diamond and Pearl Mountain. Later, the name was shortened to Pearl Rock or Pearl Mountain.  In 1687, Simon Van Der Stel gave farms to “Free Burgers”. When the Huguenots arrived, many settled in this area. The fertile soil and the climate, which was similar to that in the Mediterranean, were ideal for planting fruit trees and grapevines.

The most significant conflict the settlers had with the indigenous people was about property ownership. The Khoikhoi had no concept of this. Sadly, many of the Khoikhoi people died from European diseases such as Smallpox.

The railway from Cape Town reached the area in the 1860s. The town had earned an industry reputation and had a reputation as a place where the best wagons and carts were made.

The town has a 10 km long Main road lined with oak trees.  The town also has excellent schools and colleges.

The KWV cellars at Paarl (Koöperatiewe Wijnbouwers Vereniging),cover an area of 22 ha (54 acres) and have a capacity of 121 million litres (27 million gal).

The license plate prefix  is CJ, and the postcodes  are 7646 (Streets) and 7620 (Boxes)

Transport

Paarl is served by  Golden Arrow Bus Services, and minibus taxis. See linked pages for details. Other options for getting around the Western Cape.

local Weather today

Browse businesses and places to visit in Paarl

 

Things to do and see around Paarl

Resources

Practical information for the Western Cape, Regulations, permits and helpful tips. See the Colourdots coastal and nature use guide

Useful Numbers

Residents and visitors can find important local contact numbers below, including police, medical services, utilities, and community facilities

  • Emergency Services

  • Police: 021 807 4000
  • Fire: 021 872 2323
  • .Ambulance: 10177

  • Medical

  • Closest hospital;  Provincial Hospital 021 860 2500

  • Municipal & Utilities

  • Water: 021 807 4715
  • Electricity: 021 807 4665

  • Transport & Roads

  • Traffic department: 021 807 6284
  • Road Emergencies / SANRAL: 0800 204 204

  • Community & Safety

  • Childline-116
  • 24 hour Poisons Information Helpline of the Western Cape:  0861 555 777
  • NSRI 087 094 9774
  • SPCA: 021 863 2720

  • Local Contacts and Community Resources 

  • Library: Public Library 021 807 2215
  • Groot Drakenstein Cultural Centre: 021 874 1408
  • Town hall Main Street (073) 065 1257/(021) 807 6436​
  • Huguenot Community Hall​   Jan Van Riebeeck and Abbatoir Street (061) 518 5320
  • BIEN DONNÉ MANOR HOUSE:
  • Home affairs; 021 870 4400 / 4401 / 4419
  • Museum: 021 872 2651
  • Tourism 021 872 4842
  • Winelands Regional Tourism 023 348 2795
  • Post office; 021 872 5791

  • Schools in Paarl

  • Paarl Girls High 021 872 1730
  • Paarl Boys High 021 872 2875
  • La Rochelle Girls Primary School 021 872 4371
  • Paarl Boys Primary School 021 872 4651
  • Courtrai Primary School 021 863 3220

Other towns and suburbs in the Helderberg district include Gordon’s Bay, Macassar, Nomzamo, Sir Lowry’s Pass village, and Somerset West and Strand

  • Colourdots is an independent regional information resource for the Western Cape.
    Learn more about the project HERE

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