Parys is a small country town that is perched on the banks of the Vaal River River. It has become a popular little town thanks to the diversity of activities offered in the area and its close proximity to Johannesburg. Water sports, hiking, 4x4ing, abseiling and river rafting are some of the more adventurous options but not the only ones. The town is peppered with art galleries, antique stores and coffee shops as well as some fine restaurants. Perhaps the most important feature is that of the Vredefort Dome- a world heritage site that is the largest and oldest meteor impact site in the world.
The Vredefort Dome is the world’s largest and oldest impact crater site in the whole world which has earned it the title of a World Heritage Site. The meteor is estimated to have been between 15 and 20 km wide, that when colliding with the earth’s surface about 2 billion years ago, resulted in a crater with a diameter stretching over 300km. Although majority of this has disappeared owing to erosion, the result can still be seen in the form of a partial ring of hills surrounding the impact site as well as the remnants of the dome, created by the rebound rock.
Scientists believe that its impact had a profound effect on the evolution of life on earth as well as that of South Africa’s mineral wealth. So South Africans can literally thank the stars.
The dome, in all its glory, has its very own radio station. Koepel Stereo (Dome Stereo), no surprises there, caters to the Afrikaans and English member of the area and broadcasts on 94.9 MHz FM. So look out for KSFM, next time you find yourself in and around the dome.
Earth Adventures offers a variety of thrilling activities for you to attempt in and around the Vredefort Dome area. Abseiling, paintballing and fly fishing are just a taste of what is on offer. They safe experiences that are guaranteed to get the blood pumping and the heart rate right up.
Address: Kopjeskraal Road, Parys, Free State
Tel: +27 82 443 3265
Restaurants
Oppie Plaas lies in the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site, the oldest and largest crater impact site in the world. This little eatery has been passed down through four generations resulting in an atmosphere of warmth and care that comes from the love the family has for their little gem.
It is found hidden in an old sheep and tobacco shed, hence the name- Oppie Plaas means ‘on the farm’ in English. They serve up generous breakfasts, café meals, cakes and desserts. Please don’t leave without trying their chocolate brownies and gingerbeer, for which they are becoming quite popular. Many of the ingredients used are home grown on the farm.
Surrounding the restaurant is a luscious nursery as well as fun filled played ground that that will entertain the kids while you get your coffee on. If that wasn’t enough, they also have an Animal Farm for kids to pet and play with friendly animals.
Address: 10 km outside Parys on R53 Potch road, Parys
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Saturday: 08h30 - 16h00.
Tel: +27 82 633 6685
Ruby’s Restaurant is hidden treasure serving up delectable meals that will exceed your expectations. It has been featured on some of South Africa’s favourite lifestyles shows such as Pasella and Top Billing as well as gracing the pages of Eat Out Magazine and Country Life Magazine. It certainly is a special place. They have regular live entertainment and theme nights that are very popular. Book ahead.
Address: 37C Breë Street, Parys
Operating Hours: Friday, Saturdays and Sunday: 12h00 to 16h00
Tuesday to Saturday: 18h00 - Late
Closed on Mondays.
Tel: +27 56 811 5080 or +27 82 824 5480
Parys was established for the reason that the Dutch Reformed Church parish in Kroonstad decided that it was time for a new parish to be established north of the Renoster (rhinocerous) River. The site chosen was Klipspruit farm, situated on the Vaal River. The town was proclaimed in 1882 and received municipal status in 1887.
The name Parys is, as you’d expect a twist on the Paris of France. It was given to the town by a German surveyor named Schilbach who had participated in the siege of Paris during the Franco- Prussian War f 1870-1. Apparently, the site of the town reminded him of France’s capital city on the Seine. Whether it was wishful thinking or not, the town planner pictured Parys developing int city split in half by a powerful river, exactly like Paris. He went as far as naming two nearby farms Issy and Versailles after a fortress and suburb of Paris.
The Parys museum shows off the history and heritage of this interesting little town.It is found in the old magistrate’s office which itself a National Monument built in the Orange River Colony architectural style. For those wanting to dig deeper than the town’s picturesque appearances, the museum will help you to delve deeper into its past though exhibits flaunting hundreds of old photographs, documents and other memorabilia.
