jardin majorelle marrakech

When I first entered Jardin Majorelle, I gasped in amazement. It was like a sensory reset after Marrakech’s busy streets. The garden’s electric blue and terracotta walls, the towering cacti, and the soft fountains were a welcome change.

I thought, “This can’t be real.” But it is. If you’re going to Morocco, make sure to visit this paradise.

A Personal Oasis in the Red City

Jardin Majorelle is more than a tourist spot. It’s a place of artistic passion, cultural preservation, and unexpected connections. I’ve been three times and each visit reveals something new.

Let’s explore what makes this garden special. I’ll share tips for your visit in 2024-2025.

The Colorful History Behind Jardin Majorelle

Jacques Majorelle, a French painter, fell in love with Marrakech’s colors. In 1923, he bought this land and spent 40 years creating his “living work of art.” Majorelle introduced his famous blue, now known as “Majorelle Blue.” He filled the garden with plants from around the world, including cacti from Mexico and water lilies from the Amazon. By the 1950s, Majorelle opened the garden to the public but struggled financially. After his death in 1962, the garden faced destruction for development.

Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé saved the garden in 1980. They were so enchanted during their first Morocco trip in 1966. They restored the garden after learning of the destruction plans. “When we bought the Jardin Majorelle in 1980, we never thought we’d live here one day,” Saint Laurent said. “We saved a beautiful garden and I found peace and inspiration here.” After Saint Laurent’s death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the rose garden. A memorial was erected in his honor. The designer’s connection to the garden is deep, with motifs from the garden in his collections.

What Makes Jardin Majorelle So Special?

What will you find in this two-and-a-half-acre paradise? Here’s what captivated me:

The Colors That Defy Explanation

Photos can’t capture the vibrant colors of Jardin Majorelle. The cobalt blue, inspired by Moroccan tiles, contrasts beautifully with the garden’s yellows, oranges, and greens. I spent time just staring at the walls.

The buildings, fountains, and pots painted in this shade glow during the golden hour. It’s why Instagram influencers love it here.

The Plant Collection That Boggled My Mind

I’m no botanist, but the garden’s plant diversity impressed me. It has about 300 plant species from five continents. The cacti collection is striking, with some towering over visitors.

In early spring, I saw plants in bloom, adding colors to the garden. The bamboo forest offers shade and a soothing sound as the breeze rustles through.

The Berber Museum: A Hidden Gem

Many people focus on the gardens at Jardin Majorelle. But the Berber Museum in Jacques Majorelle’s former studio is truly special. It’s in that stunning blue building and shows the rich heritage of Morocco’s Berber people.

Inside, you’ll see beautiful silver jewelry and learn about Berber customs. The museum’s dramatic lighting and careful display make it worth the extra cost (about 30 dirhams).

The Yves Saint Laurent Connection

The garden also has a connection to YSL. In 2017, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent opened next to the garden. It shows YSL’s work and his ties to Morocco.

Visiting both places in one day is a lot to do. But the combined ticket is a good deal. It lets you see the beauty of nature and the world of fashion in Marrakech.

Planning Your Visit to Jardin Majorelle

If you’re thinking about visiting Marrakech, here’s what you need to know for Jardin Majorelle:

Best Time to Visit

When to visit Jardin Majorelle is key. Arriving at midday in peak season is a bad start. You’ll face long queues and the sun.

The garden opens at 8:00 AM, the best time to go. In April 2024, I arrived at 7:45 AM and was among the first twenty. By 10:00 AM, it was crowded, and by noon, it was hard to take photos without people in them.

If you can’t make it early, try late afternoon (after 4:00 PM). Many tour groups leave then. The light is beautiful, but nothing beats the morning calm.

The best seasons to visit are Morocco’s shoulder seasons (April-May or September-October). The weather is nice, and there are fewer tourists. I visited in July and almost melted—the garden offers some shade, but Marrakech summers are very hot.

Tickets and Practical Information

As of early 2025, the garden costs about 200 dirhams (about $20 USD) to enter. The Berber Museum costs 250 dirhams. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum has a separate fee, but you can get a combined ticket.

You can buy tickets online or at the entrance. But book ahead in peak season. The garden is open daily, but hours change with the seasons, so check before you go.

One tip: there’s now a shorter queue for those with online tickets. It saved me 30 minutes of waiting!

Getting There and Getting Around

Jardin Majorelle is in the Guéliz district, outside the old medina walls. From Jemaa el-Fna square, it’s a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride (30-40 dirhams, agree on the price first).

If you like walking, exploring the newer part of Marrakech is interesting. The area around the garden is trendy, with shops and cafés for tourists.

The garden isn’t huge—you can see it in an hour if you rush. But I recommend two hours to enjoy the atmosphere and visit the museum.

Photography Tips

You’ll want to take photos here. The colors and scenes are stunning. But, the garden’s popularity makes it hard to get clear shots.

My strategy? Head straight for the most iconic spots first thing in the morning. Visit the bamboo forest, the blue fountain, and the studio building’s reflection in the water. Save the less famous corners for later when crowds have dispersed throughout the space.

While selfies are inevitable, take time to notice smaller details too. Look for water droplets on lily pads, interesting plant textures, or the play of light through bamboo leaves. Some of my favorite photos from Jardin Majorelle capture these intimate moments.

Beyond the Garden: Exploring Marrakech

After your Jardin Majorelle visit, you’ll find yourself in a city brimming with other attractions. If you’re putting together a Morocco travel itinerary, consider these nearby experiences:

The Koutoubia Mosque with its iconic minaret dominates Marrakech’s skyline. It’s worth visiting—though non-Muslims can only admire it from outside.

For nature lovers, a day trip to the Ourika Valley offers a refreshing escape. Explore waterfalls and Berber villages in the Atlas Mountains.

And of course, no visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the sensory overload of the medina’s souks. Also, the nightly transformation of Jemaa el-Fna square into an open-air theater is a must-see.

My Lasting Impressions of Jardin Majorelle

On my last morning in Marrakech, I found myself drawn back to Jardin Majorelle. I’d already visited earlier that week, but something about the place kept calling me back. I slipped in shortly after opening and found a bench near a small fountain.

For almost an hour, I just sat there watching the light change, listening to birds, and observing other visitors. An older Moroccan gentleman who worked in the garden passed by, nodded at me, and said something that roughly translated to “The garden speaks differently to everyone.”

And I think that’s what makes Jardin Majorelle so special. Beyond its obvious beauty and historical significance, it offers a deeply personal experience. For some, it’s a photographer’s dream; for others, a horticultural marvel. For Yves Saint Laurent, it was a creative sanctuary. For me, it became a reminder that even in our most bustling tourist destinations, pockets of tranquility exist if we know where to look.

So when you visit Morocco and you absolutely should make time for this blue-hued paradise. But don’t just rush through with your camera. Find your own quiet corner, and listen to what the garden has to say to you. I promise it’ll be worth it.

Before planning your trip, be sure to check out these essential Morocco travel tips and information about safety in Morocco to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.