A friend laughed at us for booking a tour, but then her hotel was within walking distance so she could arrive early and not have too long to queue. Our driver took fifteen minutes from the old city to the new quarter where the gardens are. Then the guide took over and took us through the entrance in five minutes.
Inside the contrast with anything seen previously in Marrakech: tropical plants, cacti and blue pavilions. Even with early admission the gardens were already busy, crowded in some areas. The major drawback is the number of visitors more intent on selfies than plants. Additionally there were several models taking part in photo shoots which required changes of clothes, unless they were indulging the Oriental pursuit of being photographed in their wedding dresses and going away clothes.
Apart from the cacti and bananas there were gigantic bougainvillea in several brilliant colours and the setting of plants against a brilliant blue pavilion overlooking water. It was easy to see why Yves St Laurent had been attracted to the gardens, even though when he saw them they had fallen into disrepair.
A wonderful addition, but not available for photographs, is the Berber museum in the former studio used by Majorelle, original owner of the gardens. Tribal differences are a feature, in jewellery and head dress particularly. There are also posters designed by St Laurent in tribute to artists who had inspired some of his collections.
Such was St Laurent’s love of the gardens that his and his partner’s ashes are buried there. Outside the street is named Rue Yves St Laurent in his memory.
