Parys is a quaint little village with lots of interesting shops. Enjoyed browsing in the shops but wished there was a nice sweet shop as there is in Dullstroom.

Parys is a very small town and what a lovely town Great tourist attraction and a lot of art and antique shops. Parys needs to attend to the roads it is very bad.

We always enjoy shopping in Parys. We attended a wedding at Kiepersol, which is a great wedding venue. Some of the wedding quests were from the UK and unfortunately it was embarrassing to drive on roads with so many potholes in it.

Parys is an excelent weekend destination.

Close enough from JHB and far enough to make you feel that you are going away for the weekend. The town is small and well looked after. the roads need a little work but they are not as bad as the roads in Sandton. The town has everything you need and the people are friendly and always willing to help and offer advice.

Close to the city and excellent for a quick weekend get-away.

Parys used to be a quiet and well kept town but everything has changed. The roads are poor and the shops are so much the same. The town has become somewhat deserted with very basic infrastructure and poor service at the restaurants..

Parys is a nice small and quiet town. But did not like the roads and the garbage that was lying in and around the river.

Nice little town. Very artistic.

Their roads are terrible.

This was my first visit to Parys. It is a quaint town and, although small, had all I could possibly need. Their local coffee shop was superb and we even found some exceptional christmas gifts for loved ones there. We had a flat tyre while there and had no problems at all finding a replacement. The service was excellent and the staff well-versed and friendly. At only two hours from Johannesburg it is also convenient and with the Vaal River on it's doorstep, there are lots of activities to keep the family and adrenalin junkie alike occupied.

There are two beautiful golf courses. Great experience.

great

Hierdie rivieroewer dorpie het baie potensiaal vir toerisme, maar daar sal daadwerklik aan die volgende aandag gegee MOET word, anders gaan dié potensiaal ten gronde:- 1) Padtoestande uiters SWAK 2) Straatligte brand nie in die aand nie. VEILIGHEID!!! 3) Meeste toeriste beweeg te voet tussen al die winkels, maar toiletgeriewe ONTBREEK!

Beutiful Town lost in time. Lots of sites to see and adventure to keep you occupied. People are freindly. Will deff go back for a longer stay.

Parys het baie uitgebrei en fokus meesal op toerisme. Antieke winkels en eetplekke is volop. Baie interessante geskenkwinkeltjies met snuisterye. Defnitief vir die shopaholics.

I was last in Parys as a child and was surprised at the change. Beautiful little coffee shops and antique/art/gift stores the streets. We loved it and will return.

Cute little town, friendly people and nice views on the Vaal. Loved the art and Antiques shoppes! Will return!

The best food ever, nice and friendly atmosphere

stunning relaxing

I was absolutely delighted to see so many friendly waiters and waitresses at various venues. They were all very well groomed and there service was warm and proffessional. We felt SPECIAL in there presence. I think Parys as a whole is very under rated and I intend to get to know the place better, especially the wildlife and game ranches side of it, of whom I had good reports. Ruby's restaurant is a must. It transfers one right into Paris, France.

Was 2 jaar terug daar, al wat bietjie pla is dat geen nuwe eet/kuier plekkies is nie. Baie om te doen en te sien. Mense baie vriendelik en diens baie goed( behalwe by Spur!). O's se kos uitstekkend( net jammer spyskaart nog die selfde)! 'die plek' lekkerste coaktails en Pickled Pig se vriendelik personeel en groot verskeideheid ingevoerde bier is n moet!!

Parys is a pensioner's paradise... What? We thought so... BUT - Parys is a town full of surprises. The main street (Bree Street) is packed with beautiful shops competing who looks the most stunning.. The restaurants are full of atmosphere, the people relaxed and friendly and the food is good (and much cheaper than anywhere else). You will find gift shops, art galleries and lovely gardens everywhere. It's only 15 mins drive from Vredefort where you can book a guide around the Dome. The river is beautiful and offers a wide range of pretty spots for photographers. In short: Parys is THE place to be!

1. Small quiet town
2. The resturants appear to be closing early on Saturday afternoon
3. Appears to be a ok place to get away from the Joburg rush
4. There can be language barries with Afrikaans appears to be dominating

If you want to rest, relax and just spend time in nature, away from all the city hassle, you must go to Parys. If you ask the people about the history, they can talk for hours on. This is a little place with alot of kindness, laughter and fun. People are friendly. The senery is beautiful and there so much to do, sometimes in so little time. Outdoor events and sites to die for. For us as family we like to get away from the "city life " feeling, and along the river we found peace and quiet. We could spent time with our childern and have well deserved family time. We would recommend this to our friends. Ilze and Frans van Niekerk from Potchefstroom

As you see the miniature “Eiffel Tower” of Parys, you know that you have come to a very special place. The locals know and care about each other and can tell you a tale or two about their town or the people there. If you stay in the town, you can leave your car parked for the weekend and walk from one side of town to the other having lots of snack and drink breaks. We love to go into all the quaint shops and we have found many bargains from furniture, paintings and sculptures to some good retail therapy for the lady. If you choose to stay on the outside of town there is some good and friendly accommodation to be found next to the Vaal River. We have tried all the eating joints and find the atmosphere so relaxing with such a variety to choose from, even to having sundowners next to the river. It is a bargain, a treat, a pleasure to go to Parys for our long weekends and we have sent friends and family there too.

Parys was n wonderlike belewenis! Ons akkommodasie in "Kondensmelk" was aangenaam en dit maak nie saak in watter winkel of eetplek ons gekom het nie, die mense was vriendelik en hulpvaardig. Die fietsies voor die winkels was baie oulik. Ons sal definitief weer in Parys gaan kuier en dan neem ons vriende saam sodat hulle ook die gasvryheid van die dorp kan ervaar. Suzette Gräbe

Your review...We were in Parys in December 2011 for 4 days. I found it very restful and pleasant. The people were very friendly and prepaired to just stop and have a chat, this is very refreshing when you come from a big City where people just don't have the time. The last time I spent time in Parys was many years ago, and on my return I knew why I enjoyed it then Just sitting on the bank of the Vaal River and daydreaming is medicine for the soul. We will definitely be back to soak up the atmosphere Parys has to offer. Not forgetting the strreet restaurants which offer superb cuisine.. Wendy Baxter, my views on Parys which you need to visit.

My man is 'n fotograaf en ons het fotos vir 'n troue gedoen naby Parys. Ons het in een van die hotelle oornag en die hele Sondag in Parys deurgebring. Die diens was puik en almal baie behulpsaam. Dit was wonderlik om Sondag deur al die winkeltjies te snuffel, ietsie lekkers te eet en die mooi besienswaardighede te besoek. Verseker 'n dorpie wat ons weer gaan besoek. Retha Bezuidenhout - Henry B Photography

We stayed on the beautiful banks of the Vaal river. With our self catering accommodation at Misty Waters facing the river we had an amazing tranquil experience! The cutest antique shops and restaurants makes Parys a true gem. Visit River spa for amazing treatments. Rhone Roos, Irene

On entering the quaint Free State town of Parys, one could immediately see that here you will find peace and tranquility for your artistic soul. We wondered through countless antique shops and arty exhibitions and on returning to our accomodation for the night, the rat-race-feeling of living in the city has disappeared like dust in the wind. In Parys you can rekindle lost energy waisted on traffic congestions and the daily hustle and bustle of Johannesburg and find your true self - nestled between lushes bushy hills and calm mountain streams. What a pleasure going there...

Parys is almost within spitting distance of Gauteng (120 km), making it a GREAT place to visit even for a day trip. Several wonderful restaurants, some of which overlook the beautiful Vaal River, give a wide choice of food, and if you do stay overnight, the variety of B & B establishments in the town and environs makes personal preferences easy to appease. Rediscover window-shopping, not always possible in big cities these days, with the many art, craft and antique shops where admirers and browsers are welcome. Visit the air strip and watch the local air-borne activities, and even enjoy a short ride in a 60 year old small plane which will take you over the mighty Vaal river and the Vredefort dome - a World Heritage Site. It is more than 2 000 million years of age, the oldest astrobleme on earth. And if you don't know what an astrobleme is, this is your opportunity to find out! Wendy Watson, Wakkerstroom

Parys is ideally situated close to JHB. Went to Vrdevortkoepel last week for hunting expedition. I Parys we could stock up on all supplies etc. People so friendly and helpfull. Lots of nice antique shops to visit and good places to eat. Worth a visit!!

We only stayed over for one night, but enjoyed Parys very much. It is a quaint rural town with great shopping if you want to browse and are interested in antiques, art and crafts. The quality of the restaurants are also far above what you would except of such a small town.

My family and I have spent a week as well as a weekend in Parys...both occasions were very pleasant. The atmosphere is relaxed and the people are friendly. I would and did recommend Parys to family and friends...and will definitely be back for more visits!

Your review...I think Parys is one of the most exciting places to visit. In one street you have arts culture accommodation night life flee markets people and more people and do not forget the lovely peace you get indulge next to the river Excellent!!!

Quiet lovely calming town, with a Heritage of note. The museum boasts real bushman paintings, the first soft drink machine and much more. Adorable restaurants, the likes of Ruby's to The Feast, in beautiful settings of yester year! The White Giraffe self catering accomodation close to the River made our stay even more pleasurable. Horse shows and lovely antique shops were a delight for myself, hubby and the kids. Parys, you will see us again :)

A small town with a lot, has everything you need, good shops, fantastic antique and coffee shops,

Ons het ongelukkig net 1 nag oorgeslaap, die volgende dag 'n veiling by die Afridome bygewoon en dadelik daarna gery. Die bietjie wat ons van Parys ervaar het was 'n aangename ondervinding.

Lovely little shops with wonderful treasures.

Great little town with a lot of nice little shops. Too bad the road in town is in such a state.

Parys is a great destination for browsing the interesting antique shops and galleries, as well as dining out.

Celebrated our wedding anniversary in Parys. The River Spa was awesome.

Parys is a bit like that gorgeous cousin you haven't seen in a very long time. Her beauty may be a little faded, but she makes up for it with lots of quaint little surprises and a distinct sense of familiarity and a feeling of "going back to one's roots". For lovers of all things Vintage, this little town is an absolute jewel, with more than 20 wonderful antique shops operating at any given time. Craft centres, art galleries, decor shops...it's all there, waiting to be explored. But do come hungry, as you'll also find an abundance of culinary delights, from the humblest of home-made vetkoek served by a friendly Free State tannie to world-class creme brulee made by a Master Chef. Because of its close proximity to the Vredefort Dome (now officially declared a World Heritage Site), the town and its environs have become extremely popular with geologists and adventurers alike. The meteor that struck the earth at this spot millions of years ago, created an environment so breathtakingly beautiful, undulating and fertile, that guests find it hard to believe that this is part of the Free State. (A province known for its monochromatic flatness). The area's varied relief makes it perfect for hiking, mountain biking (the Crater Cruise has become a must-do event on the Mountain Biking calendar), river rafting on the Vaal, photographers, artists and hobbyists. And with two world-class golf courses flanking the town, it attracts golf enthusiasts from all over the country. Situated just over an hour's drive from Johannesburg, and with so many quality guest houses, B&B's and self-catering homes, there is simply no better or more affordable mini-break for city folk than charming "Paris on the Vaal".

Interesting Historical Dorpie in the Dome Heritage site.

Escape to a destination where historical attractions, luxurious settings and breathtaking activities come together to create an unforgettable experience in the Dome World Heritage Site. If you are looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, Parys offers visitors an opportunity to relax along the Vaal River in fresh country air and experience nature at its best. Adventurous guests can appreciate the beautiful Vaal River and its surroundings whilst rafting through the adrenalin filled rapids, quad biking up a mountain to a beautiful scenic view, hot air ballooning over the largest meteorite impact site in the world or, for thrill seeking clients, sky diving over the picturesque quaint little town of Parys. Conservative guests are equally well catered for. The ever increasing decor and antique shops offer visitors the opportunity to view and revel in memorabilia both old and new whilst the fine art available in the various art galleries are awe inspiring. Animal lovers are spoilt for choice with the opportunity to view wildlife such as lions, crocodiles and hyenas as well as interacting with cheetahs. Golfers have a chance to test their skills on the two golf courses available and enjoy a “19th” hole drink on a deck overlooking the River. For those looking to relax and unwind, an afternoon at one of the modern spas is available, as well as indulging in a mouth watering meal at one of the elegant restaurants or charming coffee shops. Enjoying cocktails or sundowners on a deck overlooking the Vaal River during sunset is the ultimate soul soothing experience. Find a taste of luxury and comfort in Parys, Free State with your next visit to this beautiful town.

The decor in the restaurants are exquisite! The info centre serves one well. Next time we will head out to the country to see all that has to offer. The scenery is beautiful!

While staying at Otters Haunt, we came in for a Saturday evening meal at Feast in Bree Street, Parys. The meals were excellent (wonderful chicken pie; also Asian prawns on noodles), the service was prompt and the prices reasonable. Definitely recommend the place.

Good as a getaway weekend place. It was good to see that there was a choice in terms of accommodation and restuarants.

Pratige dorp en baie nice plekke.

Loved the shops and restaurants.

Enjoyed the time shopping and lingering around.

Best restaurants, antique shops and great outdoors activities. Awesome wedding venues too.

A interesting relaxing town, in terms of curio shops and river activities. Quite a few potholes around though.

I completely changed my opinion of Parys, where I once thought it was a one-road town, is actually filled with quaint little antique shops, wonderful arty restaurants to keep the eyes and palate busy for hours, and aroma-filled spice shops. We loved it!

Lovely town. TERRIBLE roads! More potholes than tar.

Best experience. This was a first-time visit in Parys for my husband and I. I loved the antique shops, restaurants and gift shops. Each shop has something special about it. The outdoors are the best.

I had not been to Parys for 10 years and it was lovely to see all the new shops and restaurants. The antique shops are very impressive and the service from the shops and take-aways is awesome. KFC in Parys could teach the other KFCs how to run their shops, along with the preparation of the food. I liked Parys very much.

We had not been to Parys for a while and were pleasantly surprised on entering the town. We were impressed by the cleanliness of the streets and surroundings. We had breakfast at Coffee and More, a delightful place, and the owner and staff were very friendly and professional. What a delightful menu and presentation of the food.

There are so many places to check out, so many friendly people, and the feeling you get from being there is one of relaxation. The hurried city life is left behind and forgotten.

It looks like many residents and shop owners are doing their best to maintain a peaceful, friendly and quaint looking town. However, some roads within the town need urgent attention. It is a lovely gateway to many river destinations.

Parys is a great find. There are lots of interesting speciality shops and tea and coffee rooms. The area has pleasant surroundings. Unfortunately the road maintenance is shocking.

Parys was a wonderful surprise. The main street is just full of hidden treasures. Wonderful for a day trip or, even better, a long weekend.