Founded in 1679 by Governor Simon van der Stel. Originally established as a farming community to provide fruit and vegetables for company ships on their way to and from the East. Stellenbosch is the second oldest town in South Africa. It is also known as "Die Eikestad" - Town of Oaks - as oak trees line the streets. It is rich in historical buildings, even the oak trees are protected by the National Monuments Council. Of the 3 wine routes, The university town of Stellenbosch is the best known.

Franschhoek or "French Corner" was settled by French Huguenots in 1688 and is surrounded by souring mountains. The streets are lined with antique and craft shops as well as art galleries. Restaurants specialise in French Cuisine. The Franschhoek wine route includes vineyards such as Bellingham and Boschendal.

This monument was erected to commemorate the freedom from religious persecution of the French Huguenots by French King Louis XIV. The monument took 10 years to build and was finally opened in 1948.
The three arches of the monument symbolise the Holy Trinity and is the focal point of this attractive town.

Two massive granite boulders 500 million years old and the second largest in the world, on the mountain overlooking the town gleam like pearls when wet providing Paarl or "Pearl" with its name. It was established in 1720 when a church was built and residential areas laid out. As in Stellenbosch giant oak trees line the Main Street.

The Afrikaans Language Monument was built to honour the Afrikaans language and stands on the slopes of Paarl mountain. An Afrikaans language museum is in the centre of the town of Paarl.