(Photos) Why Le Jardin Majorelle YSL Garden Is Worth Visiting – Review & History

My most favourite place I visited in Marrakech was Le Jardin Majorelle – it’s definitely worth visiting. The bright colours were a dream to photograph.

I found the streets of Marrakech a little too busy. I was constantly worried about being clipped by a scooter from behind. Le Jardin Majorelle offered a pleasant stroll away from the hustle and bustle (not that it wasn’t busy with visitors of course, but at least there were no scooters!).

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I wished I read the history of Le Jardin Majorelle before I visited as I would have appreciated the experience more. Read on and discover the origins of Le Jardin Majorelle, it’s creator and what it looks like today.

Le Jardin Majorelle history

Le Jardin Majorelle, located in Marrakech, Morocco, is a special place with a rich history. It’s a beautiful garden that combines art, nature, and culture. Let’s explore its story, starting with the person who created it, Jacques Majorelle.

Jacques Majorelle’s Inspiration

The history of Le Jardin Majorelle begins with a French painter named Jacques Majorelle. He loved both art and nature. After traveling to Morocco in the early 20th century, he was inspired by the vibrant colours and unique landscapes there. This inspiration would later shape the creation of Le Jardin Majorelle.

In 1923, Jacques decided to turn a piece of land into a beautiful garden. He wanted it to be a place where he could express his love for art and nature. The garden became a canvas where he painted with flowers and colours. His favourite colour, a bright blue now known as “Majorelle Blue,” became a key part of the garden’s identity.

Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé’s Touch

Fast forward to 1980 when famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé discovered the garden during a visit to Marrakech. They were so impressed that they decided to buy it. Yves Saint Laurent found inspiration for his designs in the garden’s beauty.

Together, Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé worked on making the garden even more special. They added new plants, maintained the original design, and restored the villa. The garden became a home for them in Marrakech, a place where art, nature, and culture converged.

Legacy and Cultural Richness

Le Jardin Majorelle is not just a garden; it’s a place with a story and a cultural legacy. Yves Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered in the rose garden after he passed away in 2008. To honour him, a memorial was built in the garden.

Inside the garden, there’s also a Berber Museum. It showcases the rich culture of the Berber people, adding another layer of cultural richness to the overall experience.

Tips for visiting Le Jardin Majorelle

• Book your ticket in advance as it sells out many weeks before
• The cafe offers traditional Moroccan cuisine such as tagines which I can recommend
• The Berber museum is small. I didn’t find it worth buying a ticket
• The shop has several mini postcards of old print posters which I loved
• According to Google, the busiest times are between 11am-1pm, so the best times to visit are the morning or evening.
• There is no dress code at Le Jardin Majorelle
• I recommend saving at least a couple of hours to visit Le Jardin Majorelle