Bloemfontein - When my parents announced that they would be retiring to the tiny Free State village of Paul Roux we thought they were crazy. But after a number of visits and a thorough exploration of the surrounding towns and villages, we discovered they might be on to something. It turns out there is more to the Free State than mealies and Clarens.
Paul Roux is 36km outside Bethlehem, which means you have the convenience of a town down the road while still being able to enjoy country life. And it really is country life. Paul Roux only has two tarred roads. Cows and sheep can be seen grazing along the verges.
We arrived in Paul Roux on a Sunday and after unpacking we headed for the hill that overlooks the village for a picnic with friends. We had a great time eating good food, chatting, enjoying the view and exploring the koppie.
The next couple of days were spent reading and relaxing. I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of a new craft shop in the village. I got to meet the local women and try some of their cooking which was a real treat. My husband spent his time riding his off-road motorbike. All the dirt roads are open to off-roaders and there are other places off the beaten track where riders can test their skills.
There is a dirt road to Rosendal that my father and husband enjoy riding. They end their ride at Rosa’s where they drink railway coffees (coffee and condensed milk) before jumping back on their bikes and heading home.
We had a lazy lunch at Rosa’s one day. My father said it was a little ridiculous to drive so far for lunch but the pasta I ordered was so good I would do it again anytime. Rosa’s is a restaurant and theatre that offers visitors good food and a great vibe.
You don’t have to leave Paul Roux if you don’t feel like cooking as the village has a number of places to grab a bite. The Pink Tricycle offers great breakfasts and is a gorgeous shop to wander around. It is linked to the Dunlin B&B which is a comfortable place to stay. You can also eat at Dino’s Antiques, the Snoep Stoep Deli and The Rock.
My husband and I went to watch the rugby at the local bar while my parents played bowls. The Rock is a friendly bar with well-priced drinks. One local was kind enough to buy us shooters because we were from out of town.
Paul Roux offers an authentic taste of country life for those visitors who are looking to get out of the city, but don’t want to get caught in a tourist trap.
If You Go...
Where to stay
Dunlin B&B
Rosenhof Country Lodge
How to get there
Take the N3 to Harrismith and then follow the signs for Bethlehem. You can either take the N5 to Bethlehem or you can take the alternative route through the Golden Gate National park. The N5 is quicker although the roads are under construction. The alternative route although longer is far more beautiful.
What to do
There is not a whole lot to do in Paul Roux and that is the point. It is a quiet place to relax. If you need to keep busy there are a number of options in the surrounding areas.
l Check out the dinosaur footprints just outside the town.
l Fish at Loch Athlone in Bethlehem.
l Visit the church in Senekal that is surrounded by petrified trees.
Michelle Nel-Creux, Sunday Tribune