When you stroll into Marrakech’s Majorelle Gardens it’s like entering a microcosm of Moroccan culture. Controversial, perhaps, because these exquisite gardens were the home of the celebrated French painter Jacques Majorelle. However, his plants and villa feel like an homage to all aspects of Moroccan culture, rather than just the colonial one. There is rare desert flora and a Berber museum, and experiencing Berber culture is central to Moroccan culture. The rose garden reflects the rose heritage in the Atlas Mountains’ Dades Valley.
Moroccan culture is like a piece composed for orchestra. You have to take time to hear all the instruments to fully appreciate the composition. Then it will be like music to your ears.
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The swooshing palms take you to the coastal towns of Essaouira, Tangier and Casablanca, each with their own marine heritage. The chic French design mirrors colonial architectural influences still seen throughout Morocco. We also admire the cultural reverence proffered by Yves St Laurent who bought the garden and villa and gifted it to Marrakech, perhaps as a thank you. Because when you experience Morocco’s culture in depth, you will feel like you have been gifted something very gorgeous indeed. Read more in our Morocco cultural holidays guide.