It's Majorelle without the crowds, this secret garden in Marrakech will amaze you
It's hard to imagine a getaway to Marrakech without a visit to its iconic Majorelle Garden, one of the most coveted sites in the "ochre city" for the color of its walls painted an intense blue that contrasts completely with the lush green of the vegetation. However, this world-famous haven of peace quickly turns into chaos with its hordes of tourists. For anyone looking for an equally captivating alternative in the art of Moroccan gardens, this place is the ideal secret spot, and it lives up to its name.
After soaking up the bustle of Marrakech's souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, we head off to take refuge, still on foot, in this oasis that offers a moment of calm and contemplation in the Mouassine district of the historic old town. This offers an added advantage over Majorelle, as it is located in the heart of Marrakech's Medina, while Majorelle is located in the modern Guéliz district.
We are not entering an artist's garden like Majorelle, which was created by the French painter of the same name in the 1920s, but rather a genuine restored Riad that dates back to the 16th century, owned by a succession of powerful dignitaries.
Although the atmosphere is less colorful than Majorelle, this Secret Garden (that is what it is called) structured in two parts (the Islamic garden and the exotic garden), is a real immersion in traditional and local Moroccan architecture with its geometric flowerbeds, fountains and marble basins, zellige mosaics and bejmat tiles from Fez, carved cedar wood and hand-made tucs.
In its exotic section, designed by British landscaper Tom Stuart-Smith and nicknamed the "oasis in the desert," you will be charmed by the impressive collection of plants from the four corners of the world: aloe vera from arid climates, ornamental grasses, date palms and yucca, plants from South Africa such as Melianthus major and many others, evoking the botanical diversity of Marrakech.
You'll also enjoy the exceptional view of the Medina from the Jardin Secret's panoramic tower, one of the highest in the old town. And finally, the Jardin Secret doesn't just dazzle your eyes. Open from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., it offers an exquisite gourmet break featuring Moroccan tea, fresh smoothies, homemade pastries, and even pizzas for the hungry.
L'Internaute
