A guided tour through the Babylonstoren gardens

Shannon Hanbidge
Jun 17, 2021
3 min read

When prepping for our Franschhoek trip back in April, as one does, I asked travellers that have explored the area for any suggestions. A dear friend of mine absolutely exploded with excitement, it was then I knew we just had to visit Babylonstoren.

This was such a special place I decided it needed a special feature, separate from the Franschhoek post!

Babylonstoren is set at the foot of Simonsberg in the Franschhoek wine valley. Being one of the oldest Cape Dutch farms, it has a strong connection to the French. After experiencing the brilliance of French architect Patrice Taravella, Babylonstoren owner Karen Roos commissioned him to plan out the layout of the garden. The magical aspect being every part of these gardens are part of a greater story.

Being a garden lover and having a partner with a Master’s degree in Botany naturally, we were almost physically drawn to the garden tour. Commencing at 10 am daily, we met at the farm store for this free tour. Our tour guide heads this garden and has expanded it, adding her own touches of creativity – like peach pip pathways! It was such a privilege to meet her and her young son as they guided us around, sharing their vast knowledge.

Inspired by the historic Company’s Garden in Cape Town and the mythological hanging gardens of Babylon, the Babylonstoren garden is set within 3,5 hectares (8 acres). The main garden, that we toured, comprises 15 clusters and is the heart of the farm. Spanning to vegetable areas, stone and pome fruits, nuts, citrus, berries, bees, herbs, ducks and chickens, a prickly pear maze, and more.

It’s fair to say this garden is wonderfully extensive. There are over 300 varieties of plants here that are either edible or have medicinal value. Visitors are encouraged to pick and eat as many ripe fruits as they please – so ensure you visit in season as not to miss out!

We were treated to a quick pop in through the spice house. Already set for an event to take place, we were lucky to catch a glimpse of the set-up. This was one of the most beautiful parts of the tour. I could’ve spent hours here alone. This tranquil green space houses various aromatic plants, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, greater galangal, ginger, and turmeric. Sharing the tale of the ancient spice trade with the East.

It’s honestly so refreshing to explore a garden of this scale that’s grown as organically as possible and in a biologically sustainable manner. Babylonstoren has a farm-to-fork philosophy. Meaning they only serve food that is seasonal, reflecting their “pick, clean and serve” approach. Hence, the restaurant menus are always guided by what is available in the garden.

Things to note:

Although the tour is free, entry to the wine farm itself costs R10 on weekdays and R20 on weekends and holidays.
Check the weather and dress accordingly - you will be walking quite a bit.
Schedule in a good amount of time here as there is so much to offer, including:
- Cellar Tour.
- Olive Oil & Balsamic Tour.
- The Farm Shop.
- The Scented Room.
- The Bakery.
- Meat and Cheese Shop.
- Garden Tour Guides.
- Workshops.
- World-class restaurants – Babel Restaurant & the Greenhouse Restaurant.
- Stunning accommodation - Hotel; Farmhouse; Garden Cottages; Fynbos Cottages; and Family Houses.
- A tranquil Spa.
- There’s even garden intern and volunteer programs.