Just a 20 minute walk or a 5 minute taxi ride from the Marrakesh Medina are the Majorelle Gardens (Le Jardin Majorelle). The garden’s were created as a project by the French artist Jacques Majorelle between the 1920’s and 30’s and have grown to become one of Marrakech’s most popular tourist attractions.
As I travel down to the garden’s I discover why it is that the gardens have continued to retain their reputation for being such an alluring destination here in Marrakech.
As I enter the gardens it seems difficult to believe that only half an hour ago I was wading through the bustling crowds of Jemaa El Fnaa square in the heart of the Medina. Inside the walls of the Majorelle gardens the atmosphere is completely tranquil and the complex arrangement of cacti and flora has left myself and other visitors quite speechless.
As well as a huge botanical collection (which I learn has been gathered from all four corners of the globe) one of the many other striking features of the Majorelle are the bold shades of blue, green and yellow which have been chosen to decorate this floral oasis. In fact the shade of blue in the image above has become so iconic that it’s now known universally as ‘Majorelle Blue’.
As a site that proudly showcases a mix of French and Moroccan artistic influence, it’s perhaps no surprise that the French designer Yves Saint-Laurent bought the gardens in the 1980’s and extensively renovated them after they fell into a deteriorated state some years before.
Saint-Laurent became so attached to the site that after his passing in 2008 his ashes were scattered in the gardens which led to a memorial and a museum being opened for the public in his memory.
The gardens are a short taxi ride from centre of the Medina and any of our Riads. For only 50 Dirhams (£3.87) entrance fee this is one of the attractions you can’t afford to miss during your stay in Marrakech. For lovers of art, nature and for those are just looking for an afternoon of tranquility, the Majorelle gardens have something to offer to all.
Opening Times:
1st oct to 30th apr from 8h00 to 17h30
1st May to 30th Sept from 9h00 to 17h00