Majorly Majorelle

A painter named Jacques Majorelle fell in love with Marrakech in the early 20th century and built a house and garden there which he lived in for many years.  In 1947 he opened the garden to the public, but some years later he returned to France and the garden fell into decay.  In 1980 Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé restored it and once again opened it to the public.  It is spectacular.

 

An extraordinary cactus garden greets you just past the entrance.  As you wander the paths you discover that there is a bamboo grove, many palm trees, buildings painted the bright blue called Majorelle blue, and a sheltering tearoom for relaxing with a drink or a light meal.

The colors pop against the plantings, making you feel a bit as if you are walking through a Matisse painting.  There are fountains making gentle plopping noises, ponds with goldfish swimming in the rippling light and frogs resting on the bank.

 

It would be easy to spend hours drifting through this garden, stopping for a mint tea from time to time.  So we do.