Unpopular opinion on Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech

I explored Marrakesh for a day after I finished photographing a yoga retreat. It was my second time in this city and I wanted to do one thing: go straight to the Jardin Majorelle. I had been before but wasn't that much into plants - I have since visited a multitude of botanical gardens and conservatories in different countries and wanted to see how this one would compare.

Le Jardin Majorelle was designed by Jacques Majorelle who lived there with his wife and was then sold to Yves Saint Laurent.

Whilst the garden and the house are stunning I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Visitors are meant to walk through a small paths and are encouraged to not veer off track. A lot of the gardens are fenced and guarded so we do not get a chance to explore and get lost.

When I visit gardens I like to feel part of the little pockets of nature I see. I like to experience and touch the plants, and get close and personal to take pictures. I am fascinated by tropical plants and cactuses and not being able to walk through the incredible cactus forest of Majorelle left me feeling somewhat lukewarm about the place.

I'm aware it might be me problem - and my need to fulfill my sensory cravings but having to walk along little paths made the experience quite sanitised. We were all walking one behind the other, unable to go off the trail and gaze freely at a plant.

Whilst I am complaining, I will probably go back next time I am in Marrakesh. I think the garden is undergoing refurbishment which might explain how compartmentalised the experience felt … but perhaps it's a permanent feature?

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