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.