The Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech are one of Morocco’s most visited and photographed sites. Created by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, these exotic gardens are a perfect blend of botany, art and architecture. Made world-famous by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who made them his haven of peace, the Majorelle Gardens today offer visitors an oasis of tranquillity, ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the red city.
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History of Majorelle Gardens
The Majorelle Gardens owe their name to Jacques Majorelle, a French painter with a passion for Morocco. Arriving in Marrakech in 1917, Majorelle acquired a large plot of land in 1923, where he decided to create a botanical garden inspired by his travels and studies of flora from around the world. Passionate about exotic plants, he devoted almost 40 years to the design and development of this unique space, blending rare plants, water basins and architectural elements.
But what makes the gardens truly remarkable is their bold use of color. Majorelle blue, an intense shade of cobalt blue, has become the garden’s visual signature. This vibrant blue covers the walls, flower pots and even some architectural elements, creating a striking contrast with the lush green of the plants.
After Jacques Majorelle’s death in 1962, the gardens fell into decline, but were saved in the 1980s by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his companion Pierre Bergé, who painstakingly restored them. Today, the Majorelle Gardens are not only a public space, but also a memorial site, with a section dedicated to the life and work of Yves Saint Laurent.
Discover Majorelle Gardens
The Majorelle Gardens are an invitation to discovery and contemplation. Every corner of the garden is carefully designed to offer visitors an exceptional visual and sensory experience. Here’s what you can discover :
1. Lush vegetation
The gardens are home to an incredible collection of exotic plants from five continents. Giant cacti, majestic palms, bamboo and succulents form a diverse and harmonious ecosystem. Strolling along the shady paths, you’ll also discover water basins with water lilies and lotus, creating a peaceful, serene atmosphere.
2. Majorelle Blue
The brilliant blue that covers the walls, flower pots and some of the garden buildings is what makes Jardins Majorelle so famous. This cobalt blue, known as Majorelle blue, was created by Jacques Majorelle himself and perfectly embodies the symbiosis between art and nature.
3. The Berber Museum
Inside the garden is a fascinating Berber museum, housed in Jacques Majorelle’s former workshop. This museum showcases the rich culture and history of Morocco’s Berbers through a collection of handicrafts, jewelry, textiles and traditional costumes. The museum offers valuable insight into one of the country’s oldest cultures, and is an essential cultural complement to a visit to the gardens.
4. The Yves Saint Laurent Memorial
The Majorelle Gardens are also home to a memorial dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent, who found inspiration and serenity here. A bronze bust of the couturier has been erected in the garden, next to an obelisk, as a tribute to the man who made it possible to preserve this exceptional site. The Musée Yves Saint Laurent, just a stone’s throw from the garden, exhibits much of the famous couturier’s work.
Why visit the Majorelle Gardens?
The Majorelle Gardens are a must-see for any traveler to Marrakech, not only for their unique beauty, but also for their rich history and intimate connection with legendary figures such as Jacques Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent. Here’s why a visit is a must :
- A haven of peace : Located in the heart of the bustling city of Marrakech, the gardens offer a peaceful, shady setting, ideal for recharging your batteries and escaping the hustle and bustle of the souks and crowded streets.
- A botanical treasure trove : With rare plants from all over the world, the Majorelle Gardens are a veritable open-air museum for botany enthusiasts.
- An artistic experience : the marriage of Majorelle blue with lush greenery creates a unique color palette, turning every corner of the gardens into a living work of art.
- A tribute to Yves Saint Laurent : For fashion and art enthusiasts, the Yves Saint Laurent memorial and the Berber museum add an extra cultural dimension to the visit.
Practical informations
- Opening times : Les Jardins Majorelle are open every day, generally from 8am to 6pm, but times may vary according to the season.
- Admission : Admission is around 150 dirhams for adults (about 13 euros), with reduced rates for students and children.
- How to get there : Located in the Guéliz district, the gardens are accessible by cab or on foot from the center of Marrakech. They are about a 20-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna square.
Tips for a pleasant visit
- Prefer a morning visit : The Majorelle Gardens can be very busy, especially in the middle of the day. To take full advantage of the tranquility of the site, we recommend arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Respect the rules : To preserve the beauty of the site, it is forbidden to touch the plants or walk on areas not intended for visitors. Signs are there to guide you through the rule
