It’s easy to see why Le Jardin Majorelle is one of the most popular destinations for visitors to Marrakech. Not only is it a cool and quiet oasis providing a definite step-change from the madness of the Souk (Old Town), but for those who love fashion, it’s also known as the Yves Saint Laurent Garden, having been purchased and greatly enhanced in the 1980s by the French designer. A short 15-minute taxi ride from the Souk, Le Jardin Majorelle draws crowds, so it’s best to visit first thing in the morning before the queues start to form. We booked ahead (also recommended and easily done online) and were given an allotted time slot – but don’t let this put you off, once inside you can spend as long or as little as you like exploring these beautiful gardens.
We lost ourselves as we explored Le Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech
(Image: Getty Images)
Originally designed by the French Artist, Jacques Majorelle, the gardens took over 40 years to develop and time and effort were spent to gather and include many exotic flowers and plants from across the globe. But it’s not just the planting that makes this garden unique in Marrakesh. Both Art Deco and Moorish influences have been used in the brightly coloured buildings, pots and walkways that are dotted through the meandering gardens. Everything you associate with Morocco in terms of brilliant colour is to be found here, and the structured planting is brilliantly set off by the introduction of cobalt blues, vibrant yellows and soft turquoise into the landscaping.
A short 15-minute taxi ride from the Souk you’ll find Le Jardin Majorelle
(Image: Getty Images/Axiom RM)
In 1980 Yves St Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge saved the gardens from developers and continued to develop and nurture them from their home in Jacques Majorelle’s villa which they renamed Villa Oasis. The gardens inspired many of Yves St Laurent’s collections and he adored being there. After his death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in his beloved gardens and there is a memorial under the shady palm trees. It will take you a couple of hours to explore the gardens and Berber Museum.
A maze-like tangle of narrow alleyways that are shared by tourists/shoppers, bikes, donkeys and carts, lined with souks (markets) in Marrakech
(Image: Getty Images)
There is a small coffee shop and Musee Yves Saint Laurent is next door so it’s easy to combine the two. The garden is open 7 days a week from 8am-5pm with last entry at 4.30pm. We travelled to Marrakesh with Tui.Story SavedYou can find this story in My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterMore OnTravel
