Par is a town located in St Austell Bay, on the South coast of Cornwall.
The town came about during the Victorian period, when a harbour was built to export minerals from the surrounding mines. As mining declined, china clay became Par's main exporter. Today, Par is still part of the china clay trade, with mineral company Imerys now owning the china clay workings and docks in the town.
Situated at the bottom of the town is Par Beach, a long sandy beach backed by sand dunes. It is among the largest beaches in the area.
Par stands within the parish of Tywardreath and Par.