Location: South Africa » Free State » ParysParysParys is a resort town, northern Free State province, South Parys is situated on the southern bank of the Vaal River. Parys was founded in 1873 and most likely named by a German surveyor named Schilbach, who had fought in the siege of Paris in 1870. Parys officially became a town in 1887. Tobacco, corn (maize), sorghum, and cattle are raised in the surrounding area. Established in 1876 by the Van Coller brothers on the farm Klipspruit. Situated only 120 km from Gauteng, Parys is one of the most popular holiday venues in the Free State. The town was reputedly so named by a land surveyor because the site of the town, on the banks of the Vaal River, reminded him of Paris (France). The Vaal River is stubbed with tree covered islands, several of which have been developed into beautiful pleasure resorts, offering endless opportunities for relaxation. Whether enjoying a picnic under the shady trees or ripping through the wake of a powerful motorboat on a pair of skis, you’re sure of a relaxing holiday in Parys. GENERAL INFORMATION How to get there N1 18 km, Sasolburg 37 km, Vanderbijlpark 50 km, Potchefstroom 48 km Altitude: 1694 m above sea level Average Rainfall: 650 mm per year Average Temperatures - Summer 15,6°c – 28,45°c; Winter 0,25°c – 18,15°c Banks – Absa (ATM’s 2), Fnb (ATM’s 2), Saambou, Standard (ATM’s 2) Rivers – Vaal River HISTORICAL VIEW Anglican Church This church was built with blue granite from relief camp of the British in the Anglo Boer War. Parys Monument - Dedicated to the town itself. National Monument Parys Museum Cultural and historical displays. Information on the geological features of the area. National Monument War Memorial ATTRACTIONS Game Farms – Thabella Thabong, Buffelskloof Golf Island One of the unique attractions of Parys is Golf Island, only accessible via a suspension bridge. Built in 1919, the bridge is high enough to allow access to the island even when the river is in flood. Steyns Island – Beautiful island offering picnic spots Adventure and Recreation Centre Vredefort Dome Woody Island – Island Resort ACTIVITIES Hiking Boot & Paddle Hiking Trail, Buffelskloof Hiking Trail, Emfuleni Hiking Trail, Kruin Hiking Trail Likkewaan A 20 km hiking trail in the Vredefort Dome. Prolific birdlife, game, historical battle sites and the remains of diamond diggings along the river. Shorter options available. Rooihans Trail, Stap and Delf Trail River Rafting Dimalachite, Hadeda Creek, Hakuna Matata Adventures, Smilin Thru, Sunwa Outdoors Abseiling, Angling, Bird Watching, Boating, Canoeing, Game Viewing, Gliding, Swimming, Water skiing.
  
Accommodation in and around Parys Klein Paradys Caravan Park accommodation in Parys
This quiet and delightfully clean 4-star resort is situated in the Brits area, about an hour-and-a-halfs drive from Johannesburg, and an hours drive from P... More
 Otters' Haunt accommodation in Parys
Otters's Haunt is so called because several families of otters live in the nearby pools. You could hardly find a more private venue on the Vaal, sheltered as we are by a profusion of wild islands and channels filled with fish and birdlife.The acc... More
Directory of accommodation in Parys | 
