Fête des Simples de Milly-la-Forêt

The Marché de l'Herboriste of Milly-la-Forêt: the capital of simples celebrates

Milly-la-Forêt is the town 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). It is here that the National Conservatory of Plants (CNPMAI) is located, housing over 1,500 plant species. It is therefore only natural that Milly-la-Forêt hosts the Marché de l'Herboriste, better known as the Fête des Simples, every year.

An exceptional herbalist tradition

"Simples" are medicinal plants as they were known in the Middle Ages—plants that were "simple" 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 Marché de l'Herboriste: a unique event

Organized since the early 1990s, the Marché de l'Herboriste of Milly-la-Forêt brings together every first weekend of June at the Parc du Moustier:

• Nearly 80 professional exhibitors: medicinal plant producers, herbalists, nursery owners, phytotherapy artisans
• Producers of essential oils, hydrolats, mother tinctures, and plant-based preparations
• Beekeepers with wild flower honeys and hive products
• Seed suppliers specializing in old varieties and aromatic plants
• Workshops: preparing herbal teas, introduction to phytotherapy, practical herbalism
• Conferences by herbalists, pharmacists, and botanists
• Tastings of herbal teas, infusions, and plant-based products

Admission is free for everyone from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM each day of the weekend. Catering 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, preserves 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.

The Marché de l'Herboriste is part of this living tradition, offering a unique meeting moment between plant professionals and the passionate general public.

2025 Edition — 28th Edition

The 28th edition of the Marché de l'Herboriste was held on June 7 and 8, 2025, around the theme "Color through Plants". Approximately 80 professionals presented their productions, and numerous workshops and conferences were offered throughout the weekend at Parc du Moustier. Admission was free from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

2026 Edition — 29th Edition

The 29th edition of the Marché de l'Herboriste will take place on June 6 and 7, 2026, in Milly-la-Forêt. Enthusiasts of botany, phytotherapy, and herbalism will once again be able to meet the best French producers and herbalists during this free and friendly weekend dedicated to plants.