Parys – a town situated in the crater basin of the Vredefort Dome on the Banks of the Vaal River in the Free State province of South Africa was established in 1881. It was given its name by the surveyor named Schilbach who had taken part in the siege of Paris during the Franco-German war of 1870-1871.
When he saw this beautiful area it reminded Schilbach of the Seine and it is said that he predicted a city would grow on both sides of the river. For a short while during the South African War, Parys was the seat of the Orange Free State Government.. Today this attractive country town is a popular holiday resort with an overabundance of accommodation, a variety of restaurants and activites to please all tastes.
The Vaal river at this point of the Free State is wide with many small wooded islands, making boating and fishing ideal pastimes, and some have even been developed into resorts. The Bank of the river is shaded by many beautiful Willow trees. Parys in the Free State is conveniently located close to the Unesco World Heritage site of the Vredefort Dome and as it is located close to some of the larger Urban areas of 2 other provinces it is an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.
The only golf course in South Africa built on an Island is the Vaal De Grace Golf Estate and Golfers can play their Game in two provinces. Seeing this facility while visiting Parys should not be missed.
For those interested in History, there are wonderful Bushman paintings to be seen, interesting Archelogical digs, the Parys museum and buildings of architectural importance. Adventure lovers will not be disappointed when visiting Parys in the Free State, try hot air ballooning, white water rafting etc., and then relax at one of the many restaurants that are available according to individual tastes.