Painters and wine-tasting enthusiasts alike love this area for its sun-bathed slopes and the interesting valleys and dips with bright green and gold vineyards. Be sure to explore the town itself for the Dutch Colonial and French-inspired architecture. The friendliness and openness of the town's inhabitants make for an exciting and memorable holiday for all the family.

At only an hour from the centre of Cape Town and surrounded by big five game reserves, Paarl accommodation is an excellent base for your wine-tasting holiday. Accommodation in this rural farming community ranges from opulent wine estates to small and quaint guesthouses in the centre of the town. Vineyards swap places with the town's buildings, creating a country feel in a town which is actually the size of a small city!

Paarl's historical nature is echoed in the Afrikaans Language Monument, located on the slopes of the mountains. It is worth a trip even for a taste of the history of this area. The struggle by the Dutch to get Afrikaans recognised as a written language in the traditionally British colony is proved in this amazing monument. Controversial and highly protected by the locals, the monument should be a must-see on your trip to Paarl.

Top Choices

Grande Roche is, as the name suggests, a place of grandeur, history and Old World charm. Located in a beautiful setting and surrounded by vineyards, this 5-star hotel is superb hotel accommodation. Modern facilities abound at this luxury hotel and a stay here is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.

Mountain Shadows Guesthouse offers accommodation of a different kind, but in an equally tranquil and beautiful setting. This luxury guest dates back to 1823 and has recently been declared a national monument. With such attractive surrounds and luxurious accommodation, a stay here is a charming experience.