The little country town of Parys lies on the southern banks of the Vaal River. About an hour’s drive from Johannesburg in the Free State Province of South Africa. Disputably named after its European counterpart on the banks of the Seine. what makes Parys interesting to visit is that it is situated within the Vredefort Dome Area. The place of the oldest and largest meteorite impact site in the world.

Parys is essentially a farming community. Tobacco, corn, sorghum and cattle are all farmed in the vicinity. It has also become a popular town to visit, particularly because of its proximity to Johannesburg. Where the Vaal River meets the town. It stretches for about a kilometre. Its shores lined with weeping willows and an invitation to those fond of water sports. The country club, with its 9-hole golf course, lies on Golf Island. One of the islands that sprinkles the waters of the river close to Parys and accessible via a suspension bridge.

There are some lovely hiking trails in and around the town up in the hilly countryside that surrounds Parys; the town is scattered with art, antique and coffee shops, and you can do river rafting, abseiling as well as 4×4 routes as part of the line-up of activities available to you. But it’s the geological wonders of the Vredefort Dome that are without doubt the stars of the show.

This 2-Bedroom Town House is For Sale in Parys by Feel-at-Home Properties. The property offers the following: spacious 2 Bedrooms (main ensuite) as well as built in cupboards, 2 Bathrooms, Kitchen, Open Plan Living Area that leads out Garden. Lapa, Wendy-House and tandem Garage with Covered carport. Gas geyser, electrical fence, pre-paid electricity, Pet friendly and No Levy.

The Smilin Thru Resort is the best fishing spot on the Vaal River and is infamous for the Black Carp.

The Vaal Dam and river provide effortless water play time from riding the white waters in a raft or canoe, to leisurely sailing the waters of the dam on a yacht.

The Northern Free State is at once rural and far enough from the major tourist routes to offer a hint of true ‘platteland’ living to newcomers and locals alike. It is not only the most accessible part of the Free State to Gauteng. It lies not even an hour from OR Tambo International Airport. This rustic area is also rich in water, and manages to whirl together a rich collection of activities and weekend getaways. That make it attractive to both those travelling through, and others wanting a break from it all.