When it comes to breathtakingly beautiful and exceptional spots in Marrakesh, the Majorelle Garden steals the show effortlessly. This 12-acre spot is choke-full of multicolored bougainvillea, pink geraniums, bamboo thickets, and weeping willows, among other radiating plants. No wonder it is home to marvelous creatures like turtle-doves, nightingales, and bulbuls.
The color combination used in this slice of heaven is applaudable. Everything looks vivid against the striking sun, making every guest feel like they are in a real-life painting. But who was the mastermind behind one of the most sensational gardens in Morocco? Let’s delve into the details.
Brief History Of The Majorelle Garden
Majorelle Garden was first created and designed by Jacques Majorelle. Although he had many interests, people knew him as a French Orientalist painter. In 1923, Majorelle bought land close to the palm grove and slowly started to enlarge his property. He worked with Paul Sinoir in the year 1931, a talented architect who designed the Cubist villa.
Jacques planted different plant species acquired from five continents, transforming the garden into a classic masterpiece. He also used an intense blue color to paint the buildings to make the space more enchanting. Shortly after Jacques Majorelle opened the garden to the public, things started going south with his wife. After the divorce, he had a car accident that drained his finances.
Majorelle Garden resorted to disrepair after Jacque's death. But hope arrived four years later, thanks to Yves Saint Laurent. This French fashion designer partnered with his lover Pierre Bergé, who revived the garden while maintaining the initial vision of Jacques Majorelle. He put a quad of gardeners who increased the plant species from 135 to 300. And now, Majorelle Garden continues to charm thousands of tourists.
Must-See Awe-Inspiring Sites In The Majorelle Garden
There are several natural highlights that define the Majorelle Garden. They include:
- Mosaic Fountain. This architectural centerpiece greets tourists before they make their way into the garden. Its arrestingly gorgeous shade of peacock blue sets a relaxing and inviting tone. The fountain is surrounded by benches where vacationers can sit and listen to the soothing effects of the trickling water.
- Berber art museum. The stunning paths lead tourists to this iconic museum, which flaunts a vast array of cultural and ancient artifacts. From leather goods and musical instruments to carpets, this gem presents a perspective of the extraordinary creativity of the oldest people in North America. Also packed into this museum is a riveting selection of music tapes and photographs, all designed to attest to the history and richness of a culture that’s still alive.
- Palm Tree Garden. Palm trees are common. But Majorelle Garden showcases those that are well cared for. The palm trees have unique shapes as they come from various regions. It’s one scene every tourist would love to take a memorable picture in to boast about on their Instagram.
- Cafe Majorelle. A tour around this colorful garden isn’t complete without a stop at this café. Here, vacationers enjoy Moroccan cuisine, a special meal prepared with standout ingredients. That’s not all. There are other mouth-watering dishes, salads, and smoothies that will leave food lovers yearning for more. The serene atmosphere ensures travelers have a calming time when enjoying their dishes.
Other spectacular sites are the water lily pool, bamboo garden, museum bookshop, and cactus field.
Best Time To Visit The Majorelle Garden
While Majorelle Garden is a charming spot to visit at any time of the year, different seasons determine how guests enjoy their holiday. Some phases may have the best temperatures and prices, while others may be too hot for wandering around. Here’s a breakdown.
High Season: March To May Or September To October
During this spring season, the flowers start blooming, giving the garden a more breathtaking appearance. Although there’s an ever-growing list of events, the balmy temperatures make sightseeing comfortable. Vacationers should consider visiting the garden an hour after it opens or two hours before it closes to avoid dealing with long queues and large crowds.
Shoulder Season: November To February
The climate is relatively cool during this period. Although the price for various staycations may hike during the Christmas week, guests may find hotels charging reasonable prices. It’s also a perfect period for strolling around the garden as the population is relatively low.
Low Season: June To August
Throughout this period, the number of tourists starts reducing because of sizzling temperatures. And this makes it a suitable visiting time for anyone who’s on a budget. The population only rises during the National Festival of Popular Arts, which is one of Marrakesh’s notable events. Another benefit of visiting the garden during this period is that sightseers don’t have to scramble for lovely spots to take pics.
Vacationers should book a stay in hotels with a pool to beat the scorching afternoon sun.
Where To Stay Near Majorelle Garden
- Palm Menara Hotel Marrakech. This 3.8-star hotel is 0.18 kilometers away from the garden. It offers basic amenities to make every guest’s stay comfortable, including a private bathroom, hairdryer, and high-speed Wi-Fi.
- Naoura Barrière. The 5-star hotel provides a peaceful atmosphere, among other relaxing treatments. Besides being a few kilometers from Majorelle Garden, it offers a traveling distance to other key attractions.
Tourists can also opt to stay at La Sultana Marrakech, Hôtel Dar Rhizlane, or Royal Mansour Marrakech.
The Majorelle Garden has almost everything every holidaymaker wishes for in a vacation destination. Besides the iconic buildings and spectacular species, this exquisite garden space has stunning paints that linger in every traveler’s mind.