YSL Gardens: Is The Majorelle Garden Worth Visiting?

If you are planning a trip to Marrakech, the YSL Gardens need to be on your itinerary!

There are so many awesome things to see and do in Marrakech that it can be difficult to find the time to do it all.  The Majorelle Garden – also known as the YSL Gardens or Le Jardin Majorelle – is a famous garden in Marrakech and is definitely a must-visit spot.

I’ve visited Marrakech several times and can honestly tell you that this beautiful botanical garden is one of my favourite spots in the city. It’s beautiful, full of history and extremely instagrammable! 

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about visiting the YSL Gardens and help you plan your visit.

Let’s dive in!

YSL Gardens Marrakech: Is The Majorelle Garden Worth Visiting?

Located in the heart of Marrakech, this stunning garden was designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later acquired by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. It’s a perfect blend of art, nature and culture.

The vibrant colours and exotic plants will transport you to a different world, away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.

The cacti, ferns and bamboo create a serene atmosphere perfect for relaxing and taking in the sights. You’ll also find beautiful fountains, ponds and water lilies that add to the tranquillity of the garden.

But it’s not just the stunning landscape that makes this place worth visiting. The Majorelle Garden also houses an impressive collection of Moroccan pottery and other cultural artefacts in the Berber Museum. This gives visitors a chance to learn more about Moroccan history and culture while enjoying the beauty of the garden.

There is a small cafe located in the garden, which is a great place to grab lunch. I enjoyed watching the friendly waiters demonstrate the correct way to pour a traditional Moroccan mint tea.

There is also a museum devoted to Yves Saint Laurant located next door to the gardens, where you can see some of his iconic designs and learn more about the man behind the brand.

It is not permitted to take photos within the museums – I was told off by a stern security guard when I took my phone out to snap a pic! However, the rest of the gardens are an amazing place to get photos. I got some fantastic Instagram pictures despite the crowds of people.

If you’re a lover of art, nature or fashion, then visiting the YSL Gardens is an absolute must, and even if you’re not particularly interested in any of those things, I guarantee that the beauty and tranquillity of this garden will leave a lasting impression on you.

The YSL Gardens may not take up much of your time in Marrakech, but its impact will stay with you long after your visit.

🌴 To make the most of your time in Marrakech, I recommend booking a private guided tour of Marrakech, which includes the YSL Gardens and museums, the medina, the Bahia Palace and time for shopping at the souks. This is the most convenient way to experience the best of Marrakech if you are short on time and want to pack the city’s highlights into one day.

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History Of The Yves Saint Laurent Garden Marrakech

The Majorelle Garden, also known as the YSL Gardens, was originally created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s. It was later purchased by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in 1980 and restored to its former glory.

Today, the gardens are a popular tourist attraction and serve as a beautiful oasis in the bustling city of Marrakech. The vibrant colours, diverse flora, and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Morocco.

But beyond its beauty, the YSL Gardens also hold a special cultural significance. Not only do they showcase the artistic vision of Jacques Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent, but they also serve as a reminder of the intersection of European and Moroccan Islamic cultures.

So not only will you get to experience stunning gardens, but you’ll also gain insight into the rich history and cultural influences of Morocco.

Who Is Jacques Majorelle?

Jacques Majorelle was a French artist and painter who spent over 40 years creating the Majorelle Garden. He incorporated his love for art, architecture, and plants into this unique masterpiece that continues to captivate visitors today.

The now iconic blue villa in the heart of the garden was designed by architect  Paul Sinoir and is a perfect representation of Majorelle’s vision. The striking blue colour of the villa is known as Majorelle Blue and has become synonymous with the garden. Before Jacques Majorelle died, he had the recipe for Majorelle Blue patented, which meant its reproduction is now very costly and so this colour is seen as something of a status symbol. 

Jacques Majorelle’s use of bold colours, intricate details, and exotic plants make the YSL Gardens a true work of art. His dedication to preserving and showcasing Moroccan culture through his work is evident in every corner of the garden.

Who is Yves Saint Laurent?

Following Jacques Majorelle’s death in 1962, the gardens fell into disrepair until they were purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé.

They lovingly restored the gardens and added their own touches, including a memorial to Majorelle and a museum dedicated to Berber culture.

Yves Saint Laurent, known for his revolutionary fashion designs and stunning use of colour, was deeply inspired by the gardens and often drew creative inspiration from them.

Yves Saint Laurent was known for his love of Marrakech, so it’s no surprise that he chose to make the YSL Gardens his home. He even stated that “Marrakech taught me colour”.

His strong connection to Moroccan culture is evident in many of his collections, making the YSL Gardens an important part of his legacy.

How To Get To The Jardin Marjorelle?

The gardens are located approximately 3km from the Medina and 5km from the city centre of Marrakech. The gardens can easily be reached by foot, taxi, or public transportation.

I took a taxi from the Medina, which cost around 30 dirhams (approximately £2.35 GBP/$3 USD) and took about 10 minutes to drive there. Just tell the driver “Jardin Majorelle” and they will know exactly where to go.

If you go for public transport, there are a couple of buses that stop nearby. But, if you’re starting from the Medina, it’s better to skip the bus. You’ll likely have to walk most of the distance to get to a bus stop outside the medina.

💁🏻‍♀️JJ’s Top Tip: You can also use a ride-sharing app. I recommend InDrive as other popular apps like Uber and Careem no longer operate in Marrakech.

Le Jardin Majorelle Opening Times 

The Jardin Majorelle is open every day of the week, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The last entry is at 5:30 p.m.
The Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts is open every day of the week, from 9 a.m to 5:30 p.m. The last entry is at 5 p.m

The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech is open every day, except Wednesdays,
from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The last entry is at 5:30 p.m.

I recommend visiting early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

Majorelle Gardens Tickets

Tickets must be purchased in advance online. You will be given a time slot to enter the garden but you may still need to wait in line for a short while to be let in. I didn’t have to wait for very long but it was hot so make sure to bring water and sunscreen.

You can buy individual tickets to just visit the garden or museum or you can purchase a combined ticket for both. I recommend the combined ticket as the museums are worth visiting and you’ll save some money.

🌴 You can also book a private guided tour of Marrakech, including the gardens and museum for a more personalized experience. This is great if you are short on time and want to pack the city’s highlights into one day.

Best Time To Visit Jardin Majorelle

The best time to visit Jardin Majorelle is during the cooler months of October to May, when temperatures are more comfortable and there are fewer tourists. However, keep in mind that these months also tend to be more crowded due to peak tourist season.

If you want a quieter experience, visiting early in the morning or late afternoon during the summer months can also be enjoyable.

I visited in April and managed to find some peaceful spots in the gardens despite the crowds. It took a bit of patience, but I got some great photos!

Instagram Spots: Where To Take Photos In The YSL Gardens

The YSL Gardens are one of the most instagrammable places in Marrakech. There are several Instagrammable spots throughout the gardens. 

Some popular spots include the vibrant blue and yellow walls, the iconic YSL logo, and of course, the stunning cactus garden. Check out my pictures below as inspiration.

Don’t be afraid to explore and find your own unique photo opportunities! Just remember to be respectful of other visitors and do not climb on any structures or plants.

The Jardin Majorelle Blue Villa

The YSL Gardens Fountains

The Cactus Gardens

The Yellow Tiles

The YSL Logo At The Musée Yves Saint Laurent

📸 Check out my lists of Marrakech Instagram captions, Instagram travel captions and peaceful place captions to help you find the perfect captions for your pics!

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FAQs: YSL Gardens

How much does it cost to go to the YSL gardens?

The price of the YSL Gardens tickets depends on whether you get an individual ticket for just the gardens or a combined ticket which includes the two on-site museums as well. The Majorelle Gardens ticket price can also change outside of the main tourist season. Click here to check the current price of Marjorelle Gardens tickets.

How long should you spend in Jardin Majorelle?

It is recommended to spend at least 1-2 hours in Jardin Majorelle to fully explore the gardens and museums. However, you can certainly spend longer if you want to take your time or visit during a quieter time of day.

When should I visit Jardin Majorelle?

The best time to visit the Majorelle Gardens is during the cooler months of October to May. However, if you are looking for a quieter experience, early morning or late afternoon visits during the summer can also be enjoyable. Just be prepared for potentially hotter temperatures and more crowds during peak tourist season.

Do you need to book Majorelle Garden?

Yes, you must book your tickets to the Majorelle Gardens of Marrakesh in advance. You can easily purchase tickets online and will be given a time slot to enter the gardens, which helps manage crowds and maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

Is the Majorelle Garden wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Majorelle Garden is wheelchair accessible but certain areas may be difficult for wheelchairs or strollers to navigate due to the natural terrain and steps.

Can you buy tickets on the door Jardin Majorelle?

No, it is no longer possible to buy tickets on the door at Jardin Majorelle. You must book your tickets to the Majorelle Garden in advance. You can easily purchase tickets online and will be given a time slot to enter the gardens

How big is Jardin Majorelle?

Jardin Majorelle covers an area of about 12 acres or 4.9 hectares. This includes various gardens, the Berber Museum, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. With so much to see and explore, it’s no wonder that many visitors choose to spend a few hours here! So don’t rush through your visit and take your time enjoying the beauty and tranquillity of Jardin Majorelle.

Is there WiFi at Jardin Majorelle?

There is free wifi available outside the Majorelle Gardens. This is handy if you forgot to buy your online tickets in advance! I was also able to get wifi at the cafe inside the gardens by asking the waiters for the password.

Where is the Yves Saint Laurent house Morocco?

The Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Morocco is located within the Jardin Majorelle grounds, where the fashion designer’s former residence and studio were located. It can be easily accessed by booking tickets to the gardens online and following the signs once inside.

🌴 To make the most of your time in Marrakech, I recommend booking a private guided tour of Marrakech, which includes the YSL Gardens and museums, the medina, the Bahia Palace and time for shopping at the souks. This is the most convenient way to experience the best of Marrakech if you are short on time and want to pack the city’s highlights into one day.

Final Thoughts: YSL Gardens

If you’re planning a visit to Marrakech, make sure the Majorelle Garden is on your Morocco itinerary.

Not only is it a beautiful and tranquil oasis in the midst of a bustling city, but it also holds historical and cultural significance as well as being home to stunning gardens and museums. The YSL Gardens offer a unique travel experience that you won’t want to miss. 

Don’t forget to purchase your tickets online in advance to secure your time slot and avoid disappointment. Enjoy your visit!

If you need more help planning your trip, you can check out my other Morocco guides here. And for more travel inspiration check out my free travel personality quiz!