Activities in and around Milly-La-Forêt

Milly-La-Forêt and surroundings



Visit, discover and marvel at the Gâtinais Français region



In Milly-la-Forêt, time seems to slow down, carried by the gentle murmur of streams and the rustle of century-old trees. Every stroll, whether under the medieval covered market or along the narrow footpaths, reveals a harmony between history and nature.

The area around Milly offers bucolic landscapes where flowering meadows and golden fields stretch as far as the eye can see. A simple stroll through these vast expanses gives you a rare feeling of freedom, like a return to basics.

Here, life can be enjoyed in all its glory, whether picnicking by a hidden stream or discovering the secrets of the gardens of the Conservatoire des Plantes Médicinales. Milly-la-Forêt is not just a place, it's an invitation to reconnect with yourself in the heart of authentic, luminous nature.

Milly-La-Foret market hall



The Milly-la-Forêt market hall is a vast 15th-century wooden edifice in the heart of this charming Essonne town. Supported by oak pillars and covered by a tiled roof, it is a typical example of French medieval architecture. Formerly used for markets and fairs, today it retains its role as a meeting place and venue for cultural events. Its picturesque setting

Saint-Blaise chapel



The Chapelle Saint-Blaise-des-Simples in Milly-la-Forêt is a charming 12th-century edifice, once the chapel of a former priory. Decorated by Jean Cocteau in 1959, it is adorned with frescoes depicting medicinal plants, in homage to Saint Blaise, patron saint of healers. Cocteau is also buried here, making it a memorial to his work. The chapel, surrounded by a garden of simples (medicinal plants), offers a peaceful, poetic atmosphere, attracting art and nature lovers alike

Milly-La-Foret market hall



The Milly-la-Forêt market hall is a vast 15th-century wooden edifice in the heart of this charming Essonne town. Supported by oak pillars and covered by a tiled roof, it is a typical example of French medieval architecture. Once used for markets and fairs, it now serves as a meeting place for cultural events. Its picturesque setting

Le Cyclop



The Cyclop de Milly-la-Forêt, a monumental work by Jean Tinguely, stands 22 meters high in the Fontainebleau forest. Erected between 1969 and 1994, it is made of scrap metal, concrete and salvaged objects, forming an interactive artistic machine. The labyrinthine interior houses works by Niki de Saint Phalle, Jean-Pierre Raynaud and other contemporary artists. Cyclop's unique eye and animated mechanisms offer visitors a unique sensory experience. This collective project reflects the ingenuity and avant-garde spirit of its creator

Jean Cocteau House



The Maison Jean Cocteau in Milly-la-Forêt is a 17th-century residence where the artist lived from 1947 until his death in 1963. Now a museum, it exhibits works, personal objects and memorabilia by the writer, poet and film-maker. The garden, designed by Cocteau himself, reflects his taste for beauty and harmony. The house offers an intimate insight into Cocteau's creative world, attracting many visitors and admirers of his work. It is a place of memory and artistic discovery

Church of Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption



Milly-la-Forêt's Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption church, built in the 12th and 13th centuries, is a remarkable example of Gothic architecture. Located in the heart of the town, it boasts a majestic facade and soaring bell tower. The interior features superb stained glass windows, frescoes and sculptures, testifying to the history and artistic richness of the site. Listed as a historic monument, the church is an active place of worship and a major tourist attraction. It provides a spiritual and cultural setting for locals and visitors alike

Espace Paul Bedu



The Espace Culturel Paul Bédu, located in Milly-la-Forêt, is a museum and art center dedicated to the promotion of modern and contemporary art. Inaugurated in 1992, it bears the name of its founder, a passionate art collector. The museum houses a permanent collection of works by artists such as Jean Cocteau, Foujita and many others, offering a varied panorama of twentieth-century artistic creation. Temporary exhibitions, workshops and conferences are regularly organized, enriching the town's cultural offering. Espace Paul Bédu is a must for art and culture lovers

The Three Gables Forest



The Forêt des Trois Pignons, on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest near Milly-la-Forêt, is a natural site renowned for its picturesque landscapes and unique rock formations. Renowned for its hiking trails and climbing boulders, it attracts nature lovers and sports enthusiasts alike. The diversity of its flora and fauna makes it an ideal place for observers and botany enthusiasts. The marked trails offer panoramic views of the forest and surrounding area. It's a place for relaxation and discovery in the heart of nature

Barbizon



Barbizon, a charming village on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest, is famous for being the birthplace of the Barbizon school of painting in the 19th century. This artistic movement attracted painters such as Théodore Rousseau and Jean-François Millet, who revolutionized landscape painting by advocating plein-air painting. Today, Barbizon is a vibrant cultural center, with numerous art galleries, museums and artists' studios. Picturesque streets and stone houses add to the charm of this historic village. It's a popular destination for art lovers and tourists alike