The bustling yet charming town of Paarl lies between the second largest granite rocky outcrop in the world and the Du Toit's Kloof Mountains, about 60km from Cape Town. Four spectacular drives connect Paarl to its neighbouring towns: Du Toit's Kloof Pass, Helshoogte Pass, Franschhoek Pass and Bainskloof Pass.

One of the three oldest settlements in the country, today it is home to some of the best-known wine estates, of which 28 have been incorporated into the prestigious Red Route.

Paarl is regarded as the home of Afrikaans, and the Monument to Afrikaans and the Language Museum can be seen on the slopes of Paarl Mountain. The Strooidak Church is one of the oldest and most historic churches in South Africa. Also of cultural interest is the distinctive style of the buildings in Main Street, where the history of the town is told through its changing architecture.