The French painter Jacques Majorelle planted the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakesh in the 1920's. The gardens and the Villa Oasis which now houses a museum were purchased in the 1960's by Yves Saint Larent and his partner. The Villa, like many Moroccan houses, hides behind high walls. The strong hard blue called "bleu Majorelle" adds visual excitement to the tranquill garden surroundings.