Attractions and Places To See around Milly-La-Forêt - Top 20

Milly-La-Forêt is rich in history. You can explore the 15th Century Covered Market (La Halle), an impressive wooden market classified as a historical monument, which still hosts a market on Thursday afternoons. Also, visit the Collegiate Church Notre-Dame-de-l'Assomption, founded in the 11th century and rebuilt in Gothic style, featuring a 57-meter tall bell tower. Don't miss the ancient Porte du Moustier, one of the town's oldest vestiges, potentially dating back to the 7th century.

Yes, Milly-La-Forêt has strong ties to Jean Cocteau. You can visit the Maison Jean Cocteau, where he lived from 1947 until his death, now a museum offering insight into his life and work. Additionally, the Chapel Saint-Blaise-des-Simples, a 12th-century leper house, was decorated by Cocteau in 1959 and is where he is buried. It features his stained glass windows and frescoes, surrounded by a beautiful herb garden.

Milly-La-Forêt is situated within the French Gâtinais Regional Nature Park, offering a rich natural environment. You can discover the Grotte du Serment, a surprising gorge with a vault made of a single rock. The nearby Forêt des Trois Pignons, bordering the Fontainebleau forest, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and unique rock formations, ideal for hiking and climbing.

Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Barbizon Village, known for its painters, is a picturesque and charming spot with restaurants, perfect for a relaxing stop. While the Fleury-en-Bière Castle is private property, its grandeur is impressive to view from the outside, and the surrounding area can be pleasant for a stroll.

Milly-La-Forêt boasts several unique cultural sites. Don't miss Le Cyclop in the Bois des Pauvres woods, a gigantic 22.5-meter tall steel sculpture by Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle, which you can even step inside. The National Conservatory of Fragrant, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CNPMAI) is also a significant attraction, showcasing over 1500 species and highlighting the region's heritage in medicinal plants.

Milly-La-Forêt has a long-standing reputation for aromatic and medicinal plants. You can visit L'Herbier de Milly-la-Forêt to purchase local peppermint products like cordial, herbal tea, liqueur, and sweets, continuing a traditional expertise. The National Conservatory of Fragrant, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CNPMAI) also offers a museographic area and extensive plant collections to explore.

The region around Milly-La-Forêt is excellent for outdoor activities. You can find numerous options for hiking, including moderate trails like the Milly-la-Forêt and Coquibus Trail. For cyclists, there are road cycling routes such as the Rocher Cailleau Site loop, and gravel biking trails like the Platière de Coquibus loop.

Yes, for magnificent views, head to the Cross of Lorraine on the Maquisards' Pignon. This man-made monument not only offers superb panoramas but also commemorates resistance fighters. The surrounding Forêt des Trois Pignons also provides picturesque landscapes and unique rock formations.

Milly-La-Forêt is enjoyable throughout the year, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant weather for exploring the natural parks and outdoor attractions. The herb gardens at the Chapel Saint-Blaise-des-Simples and the National Conservatory of Fragrant, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants are especially vibrant during warmer months. The 15th Century Covered Market operates year-round on Thursday afternoons.

Yes, art enthusiasts can visit the Paul Bédu Museum in Milly-la-Forêt, which features a collection of 19th and 20th-century paintings and sculptures, alongside temporary exhibitions. Additionally, the Espace Culturel du Moustier offers a unique exhibition space housed within a 13th-century crypt.

Yes, you can see the La Bonde Castle (Château de la Bonde), with parts dating from the 13th and 15th centuries, featuring two castellated towers. Its park, bordered by the École river, is inscribed on the inventory of sites. While some castles like Fleury-en-Bière Castle are private, their impressive architecture can still be admired.