Parys

Parys is a town situated on the banks of the Vaal River in the Free State province of South Africa.

Parys is the Afrikaans pronunciation of Paris, and legend has it that the name was given by a German surveyor named Schilbach who had participated in the Franco-Prussian War siege of Paris. With the town situated on the banks of the Vaal River, it's said to have reminded him of Paris on the banks of the River Seine, and that's how it got its name.

The area of Parys also includes the two townships, Tumahole and Schonkenville.

Parys is one of the South African towns with the highest per capita investment numbers and has become one of the most exclusive areas for property investments. Located approximately 100 km from Johannesburg and halfway between Sasolburg, Vereeniging, Vanderbijlpark, Potchefstroom, and Kroonstad, it is conveniently accessible for Parys residents to commute to other nearby towns.

Parys is located within the 5 km buffer zone of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, the oldest and largest meteorite impact crater on Earth. There is one High School and one Primary School, both of which are dual-medium schools, as well as Parys Christian Private School. There are numerous creches, day-care facilities, and early childhood development centres in town that cater to those pre-school years.

Parys has a municipal clinic and a local state hospital. Private hospitals can be found in Potchefstroom, Sasolburg and Vanderbijlpark. Numerous private doctors and dentists are available within the town.

There is also a mainstream shopping centre providing residents with all their favourite fashion stores and grocery shops.

There are many restaurants which cater to an exciting and diverse culinary experience. Parys residents indulge in typical South African delights such as "vetkoek", "boerekos", sausage rolls and "pap and wors". Some of the restaurants are O'S Restaurant Parys, Lekker Bistro, The Garden Boutique Eatery, Jimmy Jaggers Bar & Grill, De Vette Mossel, Cappello, Plum Tree, Chang Chang Chinese Restaurant, Eiland Restaurant, The Pickled Pig Ale House, Hoi Polloi Bistro, Café and Brewery, Angelo's, Cherry on Top, Die Koffiekan, Die Boere Plaas, Big Daddy's and Gon V Signature Bar and Restaurant.  

There are 10 coffee shops, some creatively disguised as a bookshop, a bus, Grandma's Kitchen and street cafés. Various spas in Parys will cater to your every need in tranquil surroundings, while you listen to the calming flow of the Vaal River.

Only in Parys will you find the largest indoor arena in the Southern Hemisphere. The S.A. Boerboel Championship, Horse shows, and cattle shows are a few events that are hosted here. 

The largest thatched structure in the Southern Hemisphere can be found at one of the popular Vaal River resorts, known as 'Stonehenge in Africa'. More than 100 guest houses, lodges, and resorts offer tranquil, mindful relaxation. Choose from romantic escapes, luxury vacations, getaways, pamper breaks, golf breaks, backpacker hotels, game lodges or just a family getaway.

There are 45 conference facilities, function rooms and wedding venues in and around the area.

A unique attraction in Parys, is the suspension bridge. It was built in 1918 to connect Golf Island to the town. The current Town Hall was built in the 1930s in the typical Art Deco Style, following the destruction of the original Town Hall by fire. 

Home to many artists and amateur 'antique hunters' who while away the hours in art galleries, bric-a-brac boutique shops, antique shops and coffee shops found on the high street of Parys.  

The Vaal River offers a range of water sports activities for residents and visitors who enjoy river rafting, kayaking, picnicking, and fishing.

Most homes in Parys are traditional 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom family homes with spacious living areas and expansive outdoor spaces, this segment makes up about 70% of the housing market. The balance is made up of sectional title town houses, estates and apartments.

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

To invest in this unique part of South Africa and make Parys your next home, contact a trusted property advisor at Harcourts Parys.