Every year in September, in the Paris region, the Journées du Patrimoine transform Paris and all of Île-de-France into a giant cultural playground, inviting adults and children alike to explore exceptional monuments. For the edition scheduled for the 19th and 20th of September 2026, why not treat yourself to a getaway to Milly-la-Forêt to push open the doors of the chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples, a place as unusual as it is where the history of medieval healing meets the visual poetry of Jean Cocteau.
First, let's go back to the 12th century. Back then, the building served as an oratory for a leper hospice, a place to treat and keep leprosy patients at bay. The site is dedicated to Saint Blaise, invoked as a healer, and earned the nickname “Simples” in reference to the medicinal plants grown to make salves and herbal teas.
In Essonne, this unusual chapel was decorated by Jean Cocteau... before he was buried here.
In the heart of Essonne, in Milly-La-Forêt, a mysterious XIIᵉ century chapel becomes, thanks to Jean Cocteau, a showcase of simplicity and resurrection - a real heritage jewel to (re)discover. In fact, it was the famous French artist's last home. Here's the story of Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples. [Read more]
After weathering the centuries and brushing with oblivion, this tiny monument finally found a patron in the late 1950s. Captivated by Milly-la-Forêt, Jean Cocteau chose it as his creative refuge and undertook a complete interior redecoration, before making it his burial site in 1963. He lies there under a simple slab bearing his wry motto: “I stay with you.”
Inside, the walls are dressed with tempera frescoes from 1959. Instead of traditional religious scenes, the artist has vines of deadly nightshade, mint, foxglove, and marshmallow winding up the colossal walls, weaving a Resurrection scene with a light touch. All around the chapel, a herb garden welcomes strollers, recalling the village’s long-standing tradition of cultivating medicinal and aromatic herbs that has made Milly-la-Forêt famous. Moreover, to extend your Milly-la-Forêt outing, you might seize the chance to discover the Maison de Jean Cocteau located not far from here!
Guided tour of Saint-Blaise des Simples Chapel
Join a guided tour of the Saint-Blaise Chapel and uncover the world of Jean Cocteau. Through its frescoes, symbols, and history, explore this distinctive site reshaped by the artist. A visit that invites you to travel back to the 1950s and view this remarkable heritage with fresh eyes.
Participation conditions: Limited to 20 participants - Free | Booking required - servicegroupe@millylaforêt-tourisme.com, https://passculture.app/offre/422222792
Hours : Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
On September 19, 2026
Location
Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples
Rue de l'Amiral de Graville
91490 Milly la Foret
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In Essonne, this unusual chapel was decorated by Jean Cocteau... before he was buried here.
