Marrakech, the red city, is full of treasures, and one of the most iconic is undoubtedly Majorelle Garden. This botanical garden of a thousand colours is a true gem, in striking contrast with the bustle of the nearby souks. Every year more than 800,000 visitors pass through its gates, making it the most visited private site in Africa.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- Opening hours: every day from 8 am to 5:30 pm (may vary during Ramadan).
- Tickets: book online on the official website, often sold out in high season.
- Best time: at opening, before the groups arrive around 10 am.
- From the riad: 10 to 15 minutes by taxi.
Contents
- The origins of the garden
- The revival by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé
- What to see
- Practical information
- Our tips for a successful visit
- Getting there from Riad Palau
- Frequently asked questions
1. A little history: the origins of the garden
Majorelle Garden is named after the French painter Jacques Majorelle, born in Nancy in 1886. He arrived in Marrakech in 1919 on his doctor's advice and, fascinated by the light and Moroccan culture, bought a plot of land outside the medina walls in 1923 to build his house and studio.
From 1924 he created his garden with exotic species brought back from his travels: giant bamboo, imposing cacti, palm trees, bougainvillea, water lilies. He added pools and fountains in the Moroccan tradition, painted in a cobalt blue he developed himself: the famous Majorelle blue, which became the signature of the place.
2. The revival by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé
After Jacques Majorelle's death in 1962, the garden gradually fell into neglect. Its fate changed in 1980, when Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé discovered it and bought it to save it from destruction.
They restored it completely, turned the Art Deco villa into a museum and made the garden a permanent tribute to Jacques Majorelle. After Yves Saint Laurent died in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the garden, where a discreet memorial pays tribute to him. Since 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum has been open 50 metres from the garden.
3. What to see in the garden
- The blue villa and its museum: Jacques Majorelle's studio, painted cobalt blue, houses a collection of Berber and Islamic art (jewellery, clothing, pottery, furniture). Allow at least an hour.
- The pools and water lilies: at the heart of the garden, the Majorelle-blue pools reflect the vegetation. The most photographed spot on the site.
- The cactus forest: an impressive collection of cacti and succulents, some over 5 metres tall.
- The bamboo grove: giant bamboo offering shade and coolness in summer.
- The Yves Saint Laurent Museum: permanent and temporary exhibitions in a remarkable contemporary building. Separate ticket.
4. Practical information
- Address: rue Yves Saint Laurent, Gueliz, 15 minutes by taxi from the medina.
- Opening hours: every day from 8 am to 5:30 pm, may vary during Ramadan (check the official website).
- Garden only: about 150 MAD per adult, 70 MAD per child under 12.
- Garden and Berber art museum: about 200 MAD.
- Yves Saint Laurent Museum: separate ticket, about 100 MAD.
- Booking: strongly recommended online at jardinmajorelle.com, tickets sometimes sell out several days ahead in high season.
- Duration: 1h30 for the garden only, 3 hours with the YSL Museum.
Prices and opening hours are indicative: check them on the official website before your visit.
5. Our tips for a successful visit
Arrive at opening time (8 am). It is the only time the garden is still quiet: from 10 am the groups arrive and the paths fill up. Morning light is also ideal for photos.
Avoid weekends in high season. On Saturdays and Sundays the site is particularly busy.
Book online. Queues to buy tickets on site can reach 45 minutes.
Bring sunscreen. The main paths are exposed and the heat can be intense from 10 am in summer.
Combine with the YSL Museum. The museum opens at 10 am: garden at 8 am, museum café around 10 am, then the museum visit. A well-filled half day.
Visit the shop. Art books, ceramics and textiles inspired by the garden and the YSL collection. Prices are high, but the products are authentic.
6. Getting there from Riad Palau
- By taxi: 10 to 15 minutes from the medina, about 30 to 40 MAD. All taxis know "Jardin Majorelle" or "Musée Yves Saint Laurent".
- By horse-drawn carriage: more romantic, allow 80 to 100 MAD from Jemaa el-Fna, about 20 minutes.
- On foot: not recommended, about 3 km without shade along main roads.
Our tip: our team can arrange your transfer by private taxi. Just ask us when you book.
Stay 15 minutes from Majorelle Garden. Check availability and book direct, best rate guaranteed.
Frequently asked questions
Can you take photos in the garden?
Yes, freely. The villa and the pools are the most popular subjects. Professional photographers need special permission.
Is there a café on site?
Yes, the YSL Museum café is pleasant and affordable. There is no food service in the garden itself.
Is the garden accessible for people with reduced mobility?
Partly. The main paths are accessible, but some areas are gravel or sloping. Check directly with the site.
Can children visit?
Absolutely. They love the colours, the giant cacti and the fish in the pools. Bring water and sun protection.
In short
Majorelle Garden is much more than a botanical garden: it is a living work of art, full of history and emotion, and a must on any stay in Marrakech. Book your ticket online, arrive early, and let yourself be carried away by the cobalt blue and the calm of the early morning.
Riad Palau is in the heart of the medina, 15 minutes from Majorelle Garden. Our team helps you plan your day. Book your stay direct, best rate guaranteed.
