Information on Parys, Free State, South Africa

Parys is a town situated on the banks of the Vaal River in the Free State province of South Africa. The name of the town is the Afrikaans translation of Paris. The name was given by a German surveyor who had participated in the Siege of Paris during the Franco-Prussian War and the location next to the Vaal reminded him of Paris on the River Seine.

Parys is in the 5 km buffer zone of the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site. Parys is situated on the banks of the Vaal River in the Free State Province of South Africa. Parys is close to the Vredefort Dome World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination with many watersports activities available. This picturesque town on the Vaal River reminds you of the French city on the banks of the Seine. Today Parys offers a happy medium between old world country charm and exciting outdoor activities.

Parys offers natural beauty and adventurous activities such as river rafting, abseiling, adventure racing, mountain biking, etc. Because the Vaal River is so wide at Parys the rapids just increase in wildness as the water levels rise. Parys is one of the few places in South Africa where you will find a 900m long continuous rapid with water flowing at more than 300 cubic meters/second.