Fête de Milly-la-Forêt

The Saint-Pierre Fair: A Milly-la-Forêt Tradition Over 70 Years Old

The Saint-Pierre Fair in Milly-la-Forêt is one of the oldest popular fairs in southern Essonne. Its 71st edition was held in 2025, demonstrating a festive tradition particularly rooted in local life. Organized at the end of June on Boulevard du Maréchal Lyautey — the main avenue that runs through the town — the fair takes place over two days and attracts visitors from all over Essonne and neighboring Loiret. It promotes, in its own words, the flavors, know-how, and festive atmosphere of the Milly-la-Forêt community.

An Eclectic Exhibitor Village

The heart of the fair is its exhibitor village, open from 10 am to 9 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The stands are divided into several categories: gastronomy (local producers, artisan bakers and confectioners, regional specialties), eco-housing (sustainable building artisans, ecological materials), garden (nurseries, florists, market gardeners), crafts (designers, jewelers, ceramists), fashion and beauty. An automotive section completes the offering. This diversity makes the Saint-Pierre Fair a multifaceted event that satisfies gardening enthusiasts and food lovers alike.

Free Entertainment and Festive Spirit

The entertainment program is entirely free and spans both days. Stilt walkers and Brazilian dancers mingle with visitors from 2 pm to 6 pm, bringing a touch of color and exoticism to the fair's aisles. A caricaturist will be set up at the municipal stand on Saturday from 3 pm to 6 pm, drawing humorous portraits of visitors. On Saturday evening at 7 pm, a live concert by the group DS Live will entertain the fair until 11 pm. On Sunday, the day concludes with a grand fireworks display at 11 pm at the Clovis Lelong stadium, illuminating the Milly-la-Forêt sky in a spectacular finale.

Milly-la-Forêt, the Town of Cocteau and the Simples

Milly-la-Forêt is a small town of about 5,000 inhabitants, nestled on the edge of the Fontainebleau forest in southern Essonne. It is known far beyond its borders for two closely related heritage treasures: the Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples, decorated by the poet and visual artist Jean Cocteau in 1959, and its garden of simples — a botanical garden of about 200 medicinal plants surrounding the chapel, created by André Darbonne. Jean Cocteau chose to be buried in this garden, transforming the chapel into a place of memory and poetic pilgrimage.

The Cocteau House and Musical Saturdays

The Maison Jean Cocteau, at 15 rue du Lau, is open to the public and offers musical Saturdays from June to mid-September: concerts of instrumental and vocal works related to Cocteau and his composer friends (Erik Satie, Francis Poulenc, Georges Auric) are held in the house's garden. This regular cultural event complements Milly-la-Forêt's summer programming and attracts music lovers and fans of Cocteau's work. The Saint-Pierre Fair is part of this summer cultural dynamic that makes Milly-la-Forêt a prime tourist destination.

The Funfair and Catering

A funfair complements the festivities from June 27 to 30, offering rides and attractions for children and families. A catering area, including a Brazilian restaurant, offers gourmet meals throughout the event, contributing to the fair's festive and international atmosphere.