Where in the World?

Question: Where in the world is this azure oasis, first created by an expatriate French painter and later restored by a famous fashion designer?

Answer: The Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh, Morocco

From its vibrant blue buildings to the lush greenery and exotic plants, the Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh, Morocco, is the brainchild of both artistic vision and passion. Designed and brought to life in the early 20th century by an expatriate French painter named Jacques Majorelle, this botanical sanctuary has since enchanted visitors from all corners of the world.

When Majorelle moved to Marrakesh in 1923, he initially sought inspiration in the vivid colors and unique landscape of Morocco. But it would be a garden—not a painting—that would become his greatest masterpiece. After purchasing a palm grove on the outskirts of the city, Majorelle carefully curated the garden over the years, adding rare species from his travels. Before long, his garden contained a psychedelic desert mirage of 300 plant species from five continents. He chose plant species that had bold forms and would thrive in the dry semiarid clime of Marrakesh: various species of cacti—both exotic and indigenous—as well as towering banana and poplar trees.

His deep love for botany and his painter's eye for color resulted in a kaleidoscope of hues that would later become known as "Majorelle Blue." The signature color became synonymous with the garden and remains an integral part of its charm to this day. The vivid blue—often described as a cobalt hue (but more "electric," richer, and deeper)—adorns not only the buildings but also the ceramic pots, water features, and decorative elements throughout the garden. It complements the verdant foliage, terracotta, deep reds, and chrome yellows to conjure a visual symphony that is sure to delight the senses of any visitor.

As the garden flourished, Majorelle opened it to the public in 1947, sharing his artistic haven with fellow travelers and locals alike. Whatever money he earned from admissions was poured back into his garden. Marrakesh—a city steeped in history and culture—welcomed the Majorelle Garden as a precious addition to its already rich tapestry of landmarks. It quickly became a popular destination for art enthusiasts, garden lovers, and curious wanderers seeking respite from the city's bustling medina.

Unfortunately, after Majorelle's death in 1962, the garden faced the threat of development. The once-thriving oasis fell into disrepair until it was rediscovered by two visionary minds—the iconic fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. In 1980, the couple stumbled upon the garden and were immediately entranced by its beauty and potential. They decided to acquire the property, determined to restore—and preserve—this magical space.

Under their guidance and with the help of talented gardeners (such as the renowned garden designer Madison Cox), architects, and artisans, the Majorelle Garden was reborn. The garden's revival was a labor of love, as Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé spent decades nurturing it back to its former glory. They expanded the garden, adding new species and refining the layout while preserving the original vision of Majorelle. Soon, the garden was opened to the public once again, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in its enchanting beauty. Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé dedicated themselves to the garden's preservation and, in 2001, they created a foundation to ensure that the Majorelle Garden would be safeguarded for future generations to enjoy.

Nowadays, as the sun sets over the Majorelle Garden, the play of light and shadow reveals new facets of its splendor. The vivid blue glows like a precious gem, the greenery a tapestry of life and growth, and bulbul birds sing in the trees as sunlight bounces off pools of cool water. The garden's atmosphere is infused with tranquility and inspiration, inviting visitors to pause, reflect, and bask in the artistic legacy that Jacques Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent, and Pierre Bergé have bestowed upon this magical oasis in the heart of Marrakesh.

Fun Facts:

• Yves Saint Laurent had his ashes scattered in the Majorelle Garden: The fashion icon found in Marrakech a source of endless inspiration, and the city became a second home for him and Pierre Bergé. After Yves Saint Laurent's passing in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the garden, a fitting tribute to a man whose artistic vision and love for Morocco had forever imprinted on this hallowed ground. More than 100 guests—including French former culture minister Jack Lang and fashion designer Paloma Picasso—joined the private ceremony.


• The Majorelle Garden is now Morocco’s most-visited tourist attraction: In recent years, the site has become incredibly popular, and it now ranks as Morocco's most-visited tourist attraction, with around 900,000 visitors a year. It's far from the peaceful oasis it was a decade ago, but it's still an extremely stylish place with magical gardens, art deco architecture and an excellent museum. To add more space for the huge number of visitors, the YSL Foundation expanded the gardens in December 2018 by opening up the section containing Villa Oasis, where Bergé lived until his death in 2017.


• There’s also a museum in the Majorelle Garden: The Majorelle Garden's allure extends beyond its lush vegetation and captivating colors. Within its grounds, visitors will find the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Art, housed in a vibrant blue building that mirrors the garden's spirit. Bergé created the museum in 2011, dedicating it to Amazigh art and culture (the Amazigh are the indigenous peoples of Morocco). The museum showcases a remarkable collection of North African textiles, ceramics, jewelry, and other treasures from the indigenous people of Morocco, providing deeper insight into the region's rich heritage.

Explore the Majorelle Garden on an optional tour during our Morocco Sahara Odyssey adventure.