Paarl’s beauty compels visitors to explore the many cultural and historical attractions in the Drakenstein Valley together with some of the most beautiful nature reserves in the surrounding mountains. You can revel in beautiful fynbos-rich walks and hiking trails or cycle along superb mountain-biking trails. Paarl boasts true Winelands hospitality and award-winning wine farms on the Paarl Wine Route. You will also find just outside Paarl is the Drakenstein Prison, where Nelson Mandela spent his last years of captivity and from which he completed his “long walk to freedom”.