Parys, Free State

Parys at a glance

Parys is a picturesque town located along the banks of the Vaal River in South Africa's Free State province.

The town's name, Parys, is the Afrikaans pronunciation of Paris. According to legend, it was named by a German surveyor named Schilbach, who had participated in the Franco-Prussian War siege of Paris. The town's riverside setting reminded him of Paris on the Seine, leading to the town's name.

Parys also encompasses the two townships of Tumahole and Schonkenville.

Parys stands out as one of South Africa's top towns for per capita investment, becoming an exclusive hotspot for property investors. Located about 100 kilometres from Johannesburg and centrally positioned between Sasolburg, Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Potchefstroom, and Kroonstad, Parys offers residents convenient access to surrounding towns.

The town is situated within the 5 km buffer zone of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, the oldest and largest meteorite impact crater on earth. Educational facilities in Parys include one high school and one primary school, both offering dual-medium instruction, as well as the Parys Christian Private School. Numerous crèches, day-care centers, and early childhood development facilities cater to younger children.

Healthcare in Parys is well-supported by a municipal clinic and a local state hospital, with private hospitals available in nearby Potchefstroom, Sasolburg, and Vanderbijlpark. The town also has several private doctors and dentists.

Residents enjoy a well-equipped shopping center with popular fashion and grocery stores, as well as a vibrant dining scene. Parys is known for its diverse culinary offerings, ranging from traditional South African dishes like "vetkoek," "boerekos," sausage rolls, and "pap and wors" to a variety of international cuisines. Notable restaurants include O'S Restaurant Parys, Lekker Bistro, The Garden Boutique Eatery, and many more.

Parys also boasts around 10 coffee shops, some with unique themes like bookshops, buses, Grandma's Kitchen, and street cafés. Spas in the area provide tranquil environments for relaxation, often set against the soothing backdrop of the Vaal River.

Parys is home to the largest indoor arena in the Southern Hemisphere, which hosts events such as the S.A. Boerboel Championship, horse shows, and cattle shows. The town also features the largest thatched structure in the Southern Hemisphere at a popular Vaal River resort known as 'Stonehenge in Africa.'

With over 100 guest houses, lodges, and resorts, Parys offers a range of accommodations from romantic getaways to luxury vacations and family retreats. There are also 45 conference facilities, function rooms, and wedding venues in the area.

A unique attraction in Parys is the suspension bridge, built in 1918 to connect Golf Island to the town. The current Town Hall, constructed in the 1930s in the Art Deco style, replaced the original Town Hall that was destroyed by fire.

Parys is a haven for artists and antique enthusiasts, with numerous art galleries, boutique shops, and antique stores lining the high street. The Vaal River provides ample opportunities for water sports, including river rafting, kayaking, picnicking, and fishing.

The majority of homes in Parys are traditional 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom family residences with spacious living areas and large outdoor spaces, making up about 70% of the housing market. The remaining housing options include sectional title townhouses, estates, and apartments.

Parys also offers two exclusive lifestyle residential golf estates: Parys Golf & Country Estate and Vaal-de-Grace Golf Estate, designed by Nick Price.