Paarl (Pearl in Afrikaans) is a large town in the winelands region, 1255 km southwest of Pretoria and 60 km northeast of Cape Town. The Berg River cuts the town in half and the surrounding area is dominated by mountains and vineyards. South Africa's dominating KWV wine co-operative is based in Paarl and tours include wine tasting. The weird shaped sculpture that dominates the town is the Afrikaanse Taalmonument (the monument for the Afrikaans language). You can also visit the famous Paarl Rock on Paarl Mountain. It is set among ancient wild olives, rock candle woods and wagon trees and the views over the area are fantastic.
There are several hotels and restaurants in Paarl.