Erik Borja's Zen Garden

The man behind the Garden : Erik Borja

The artist Erik Borja was born in 1941, in Alger. After passing his degree from the school art (Beaux Art), he decides to move to Paris. He realises his first drawing exhibition. In 1973, he creates his Garden around his home. That’s how the adventure begins ! This masterpiece is unique !

In 1977, he goes to Japan in order to be inspire by the gardens of Nara and Kyoto. He also studies the Zen Garden into Buddhist monastery. When he comes back to the department of Drôme, he extends his garden step by step, theme by theme (meditation space, stroll area, tea, dragon … ). After few go and go back from Japan, some exchanges with Christian Courea and other works in France, his garden is classified Jardin Remarquable in 2005. It’s a true consecration for his nature lover.

Jardin Remarquable : what is that ?

Since 2004, Jardin remarquable rewards gardens which present some points of interests like beauty, cultural heritage, history, for private or public space. This label is given by the French Ministère de la Culture, for 5 years.

This label gives the obligation for the owners to care about the preservation of their gardens, to open its to the public at least 40 days per year and to be a part of a national presentation like the Journées Européennes du Patrimoine (Open House).

The Garden : a true curiosity

At the heart of the Crozes Hermitage vineyards, the Zen Garden of Eric Borja is a unique place, like a peaceful and quiet place. Created with passion, you can fell the good vibrations from the Garden. Thanks to a walk, discover different theme : it invites you to learn more about the “Zen Attitude”.

At the gate, you discover the “welcome garden”. The aim : purify every guest thanks to the tsukubai (small basin supplies with water bamboo tube ) according to the Feng Shui rules. Go for a walk, you are boarding to the meditation garden. Every morning, the garden is prepared to give harmony and weel-being. Following your loop, you discover the tea garden : traditionally, it’s where the owners offer you a cup of tea.

At the heart of the Garden, you find a totally different mood… Meet Erik Borja’s origins : Algeria with the Mediterranean garden. By following the path, you can admire the waterfall and the basins. It’s invited you to the Dragon Garden, a representation of the Herbasse river.

A garden of a thousand colors where all the seasons find their places and embellish the park. A special note all the same for the fall colors of the maple trees that illuminate this unique and inspiring garden.

The Cuvée Zen Garden

The Garden is a peaceful place, next to the vineyards. Erik Borja is the brother of the founding father of the Cave de Clairmont and today, a cuvée is named Zen Garden. This one is the link between the gardener and the wine-grower looking for the harmony. The Zen Garden, white and red, are both organic wine with the designation Crozes Hermitage.

The white one reveals intense poached pear taste with vanilla. You can drink it with sushis, makis and sashimis.

The red one is a gourmet wine, perfect to match with chiken yakitori.

You can find those cuvées to the shop.

Practical information 

Located at 530, chemin du Jardin Zen in Beaumont-Monteux, you can come all along the year. One hour and half for the visit.

From Spring to Autumn, April 1^st to November 11^th, come during the week : 9am to noon and 1:30pm to 5:30pm . During the weekend 10am to 6pm.

Price : 10€/person and 7.50€ per child (9 years old to 18).

Our booklet Our Great Deals gives you 1€ discount ! You can take it for free at our tourist office : Tournon-sur-Rhône, Tain l’Hermitage, Saint-Donat-sur-l’Herbasse and Saint-Félicien.

You can upload the booklet on our website.

Good to know : you can enjoy this Garden even during lunch time ! Take your picnic with you : the Zen Garden prepares lunch box !

In Ardèche Hermitage, take the time to contemplate this beautiful area and have a break to an other Garden in Tournon sur Rhône : the botanical garden Garden of Eden.