Fête des Simples de Milly-la-Forêt

The Milly-la-Forêt Herbalist Market: the capital of 'simples' in celebration

Milly-la-Forêt is the city of plants. For centuries, this commune in Essonne has been renowned for the cultivation of peppermint, introduced in the 17th century, and for its central role in the production of perfume, medicinal, aromatic, and industrial plants (PPAM). This is where the National Conservatory of Plants (CNPMAI) is located, housing over 1,500 plant species. It is therefore natural that Milly-la-Forêt annually hosts the Herbalist Market, also known as the Plant Festival.

An exceptional herbalist tradition

The 'simples' are medicinal plants as they were referred to in the Middle Ages — 'simple' plants as opposed to compound medicines. Milly-la-Forêt is their direct heir: the commune once supplied Parisian apothecaries with fresh medicinal plants. The poet Jean Cocteau, who lived and died in Milly, symbolically perpetuated this tradition by decorating the Saint-Blaise-des-Simples chapel with frescoes depicting medicinal plants.

The Herbalist Market: a unique event

Organized by the association Le Marché de l'Herboriste, the event takes place every first weekend of June under the old 15th-century medieval market hall and in the large adjoining squares of Milly-la-Forêt town center. You will find:

• producers of medicinal and aromatic plants, herbalists, and specialized nurserymen;
• producers of essential oils, hydrosols, mother tinctures, and plant-based preparations;
• beekeepers with wild flower honeys and hive products;
• seed producers specializing in ancient varieties and aromatic plants;
• workshops: herbal tea preparation, introduction to phytotherapy, practical herbalism;
• conferences by herbalists, pharmacists, and botanists;
• tastings of herbal teas, infusions, and plant-based products.

Entry is free for everyone, from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, each day of the weekend. Food and tasting areas are available on site.

A town focused on plants

The cultivation of aromatic and medicinal plants is deeply rooted in the history of Milly-la-Forêt. The CNPMAI, open to the public from April to October, conserves and studies over 1,500 rare or endangered plant species. Local producers still cultivate the famous Milly mint, renowned for its exceptional quality and powerful aroma.