Explore. Dream. Discover.
A few highlights from our trip to Morocco. We got lost in the souks of The Medina in Marrakech, traversed the Atlas Mountains to visit Ait Ben Haddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site which you’ll recognise in movies such as Prince of Persia, Lawrence of Arabia and Gladiator. The Atlas Studios was a 2 hour drive away near Ourzazate and is where films like Kundun and Jewel of the Nile were filmed. The Game of Thrones set was also nearby! We also did a day trip to visit Essaouira on the coast.
The Jardin Majorelle was initially established by Jacques Majorelle, an artist and passionate amateur botanist from Nancy France, who nurtured this private garden in the heart of Marrakech for almost forty years. He planted different varieties of plants from all five continents however the costly maintenance eventually forced him to open his garden to the public. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé discovered the Jardin Majorelle in 1966, during their first stay in Marrakech and eventually bought it in 1980 to save it from disrepair.
According to the Jardin Majorelle website they undertook the restoration of the garden in order to “make the Jardin Majorelle become the most beautiful garden – by respecting the vision of Jacques Majorelle.”
The Jardin Majorelle was a highlight of our visit to Marrakech. The cactus garden in particular was spectacular and a truly inspiring site. Open seven days a week, from 8am to 5:30pm except during the month of Ramadan where the opening hours are 9am to 5pm. Entrance fee to the garden is 50Dhs for anyone 9 yrs and older – concessions available. The address is Jardin Majorelle – Rue Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, Morocco.