Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle)

A stroll through the Majorelle Garden is a highlight of sightseeing tours and a welcome change from the busy medina. Visit as part of a full-day tour that includes the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs, followed by lunch in Jemaa el-Fna square and shopping in the souks. Alternatively, combine a visit with a camel ride through the Marrakech Palmeraie, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the medina, or a tour of Menara Gardens.

• There is an admission charge for both the garden and museum.

• Visitor facilities include a café, museum bookshop, and gift shop.

• The garden and museum are wheelchair accessible.

The Majorelle Garden is in the Nouvelle Ville (New Town) and can be reached in less than 10 minutes by taxi from Jemaa el-Fna.

Majorelle Garden is open daily. October through April, the hours are 8am to 5:30pm; May through September, the gardens are open 8am to 6pm. The shady gardens offer a chance to escape the midday heat, but the narrow walkways can get crowded by 11am. To avoid the crowds, visit first thing—the softer morning light is also best for photos.

The Majorelle Garden was founded by French painter Jacques Majorelle during the early 20th century, and it opened to the public in 1947. After Majorelle’s death, the garden fell into disrepair until 1980, when it was purchased and restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered in the garden after his death in 2008.

The Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle) is located in Marrakech’s Nouvelle Ville (New Town) outside of the walled Medina (Old Town). It’s possible to walk from the Bab Doukkala gate to the garden in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, hop in a taxi.

The Majorelle Garden is open daily year-round, even during Ramadan and other holidays. Opening hours are typically 8am-6.30pm for the gardens, while the on-site Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts closes 30 minutes earlier at 6pm. Last entry to both attractions is 30 minutes prior to closing.

The Majorelle Garden was first owned by French artist Jacques Majorelle, who bought the palm grove in 1923, built the art deco-style villa and studio (now a museum), and created the magnificent gardens. The property and gardens were later bought and renovated by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.

The Majorelle Garden owes its existence to Jacques Majorelle, who originally bought the land and designed the magnificent gardens. In 1980, it was acquired by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé—the joint founders of the designer’s namesake fashion house—who saved the site from being demolished by developers. French architect Paul Sinoir designed the art deco-style villa.

The gardens feature more than 300 plant species collected by Jacques Majorelle on his travels over five continents. Stroll through beautiful bamboo groves, towering cacti, colorful bougainvillea, and ponds filled with water lilies. Equally striking are the bright blue and yellow buildings, which mix art deco and Moorish designs.

Yes, admission to the Majorelle Garden also includes access to the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts. Housed in Jacques Majorelle’s former art studio, the museum houses more than 600 items belonging to the Amazigh or Berber people of North Africa, including traditional artworks, handicrafts, clothing, jewelry, and other artifacts.