Majorelle Garden: when a painter invented his own color
A specific blue. Not just any blue. An intense, slightly violet ultramarine that hits your eyes the moment you walk through the gate. Jacques Majorelle created this pigment in 1937 to paint his villa and studio, and the choice is intentionally jarring. In the light of Marrakech, the contrast against the green bamboo and the ochre sand of the city feels almost surreal.
Why visit the Majorelle Garden?
The story begins in 1923, when this French Orientalist painter, son of the famous Nancy-based cabinetmaker Louis Majorelle, bought a plot of land on the edge of the palm grove. He spent four decades gardening, traveling to bring back rare species from Brazil, Madagascar, North Africa, and China, and building a Moorish-style villa studio with Art Deco touches. The garden opened to the public in 1947, declined after its creator died in 1962, and slowly fell into disrepair.
Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé saved it in 1980, just as a hotel development threatened to raze everything. They moved into the villa, renamed Villa Oasis, and launched an ambitious restoration project led by landscape designer Madison Cox. The botanical collection grew from 135 to over 300 species. The garden became what it is today, the most visited paid tourist attraction in Morocco, with more than 700,000 visitors annually.
The blue, the plants, and the pools: what really sticks
The garden covers about one hectare, organized into a maze of intersecting paths. You will find various levels, pergolas covered in climbing plants, and the sound of water in lily ponds. The cactus collection is worth a long look. Century-old giants from Central America sit alongside rare varieties from South Africa in a setting that feels desert-like, yet stays shaded.
We recommend arriving first thing in the morning, around 8:30 a.m., before the tour groups arrive. The light is low, the paths are nearly empty, and you can understand what Pierre Bergé meant when he wrote that the place reminded them of Matisse colors mixed with nature.
Pro tip: Online booking is essential during high season (March to November). The garden runs on 30-minute time slots. Book as early as possible, and specifically aim for the 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m. slots to avoid the crowds. Between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., the foot traffic can make the experience difficult.
The museums and the YSL memorial: don't skip them
Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts
Housed in the former blue villa-studio of Jacques Majorelle, this museum displays more than 600 pieces documenting Amazigh culture, including antique jewelry, costumes, textiles, and ceremonial weapons. The quality of the collection is high, and the architectural setting enhances the experience. It is included in the combined ticket.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech
Opened in 2017, this contemporary building next to the garden chronicles the designer's career through permanent and temporary exhibits. It also details Saint Laurent's love for Morocco since his first visit in 1966. Tickets are available separately or as part of a combination.
The memorial and the rose garden
After Yves Saint Laurent died in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the Villa Oasis rose garden per his wishes. A Roman column from Tangier, placed on a base engraved with his name, marks the spot. It is quiet, sober, and unexpectedly moving.
What makes it stand out
- A completely unique visual identity. You will not see this shade of blue in this context anywhere else.
- A compelling three-act history: Majorelle, the abandonment, and the renaissance by YSL.
- Two high-quality museums included in the combined ticket that provide context to the visit.
- The quiet preserved in the early morning hours, a real escape from the bustle of Marrakech.
Points of caution
- Very crowded between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. The paths can get packed and the tranquility disappears.
- No information on-site about the history of the garden or YSL. Do your research before you visit.
- High price point compared to Moroccan standards, and tickets are online-only.
- The garden is barely a hectare. It is too small for a half-day trip unless you combine it with the museums.
Estimated ticket prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Garden only (adult) | 150 MAD (about $15) |
| Combined ticket: garden + Berber museum + YSL museum (adult) | 300 MAD (about $30) |
| Reduced rate: children 10-18 / international students | 75 MAD (garden) / 150 MAD (combined) |
| Moroccan citizens and foreign residents in Morocco | 75 MAD |
| Moroccan students | 40 MAD |
| Children under 10 | Free |
Prices are estimates and subject to change. Purchase online only at tickets.jardinmajorelle.com (payment via Visa or Mastercard).
Opening hours
How long for this activity
*Information subject to change
Don't miss a visit to this wonderful garden!
Indeed, the former property of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé is a must-see during a visit to the red city.
I loved the vegetation, made up of cacti, bamboo, and huge palm trees.
Colorful pots and soothing fountains serve as a backdrop for the Berber Museum.