Did you know that a tranquil village in Essonne shelters both one of the region's most striking oak-framed structures and the visionary drawings of one of the 20th century's greatest poets? For the Journées du Patrimoine 2026, Milly-la-Forêt in the Essonne offers a cultural escape that’s a short drive from the capital. Each year, this essential gathering invites the curious to step through the gates of famous monuments or hidden corners across Paris and the wider Île-de-France, often with free access or reduced rates. On the 19 and 20 September 2026, take to the fields to explore this iconic hub of Île-de-France heritage.
Beneath the centuries-old beams of the 15th-century hall
In the heart of the city rises the majestic covered market hall, built around 1479 by Admiral Louis Malet de Graville. This masterpiece of medieval civil architecture rests on 48 sturdy oak pillars anchored in sandstone blocks. While it continues to host the weekly market stalls, its beams preserve memories of a thriving commercial crossroads where the region's grain and herbal harvests from the Gâtinais once converged.
In the poetic intimacy of Jean Cocteau and the common folk
Milly-la-Forêt, it’s also the refuge chosen by Jean Cocteau from 1947 to escape the bustle of Paris.The multidisciplinary artist grew fond of this town to the point of decorating with his own hands the chapelle Saint-Blaise-des-Simples, a 12th‑century Romanesque building that once served as a leper hospital. Cocteau painted lime frescoes there, evoking the Resurrection and medicinal plants — belladonna, mint, henbane — in his pared‑down, dreamlike graphic style with sinuous lines. The artist lies there for eternity beneath a slab engraved with his famous “Je reste avec vous.” According to old local beliefs, Saint Blaise performed miraculous healings on lepers thanks to the medicinal herbs cultivated around the chapel. Find below the details of the visits and the venues open for these festive days:
Uncover the secrets of medicinal herbs at the Plant Conservatory during Heritage Days 2026.
Step into the footsteps of bygone herbalists on September 19 and 20, 2026. The National Conservatory of Plants invites you to rediscover the wonders of the plant world in Essonne (department 91). [Read more]
Heritage Days 2026: explore the Saint-Blaise des Simples chapel, Jean Cocteau’s final resting place
On the occasion of Heritage Days 2026, journey to Milly-la-Forêt in Essonne to discover the Saint-Blaise des Simples chapel, decorated by Jean Cocteau. A poetic and unconventional getaway in Île-de-France! [Read more]
European Heritage Days 2026: activities at the Jean Cocteau House in Essonne (91)
Heritage Days arrive this weekend, September 19-20, 2026, in Paris and Île-de-France. In Milly-la-Forêt, Essonne, the Maison de Jean Cocteau presents a family-friendly, musical lineup. [Read more]
European Heritage Days 2026: Tour the Château and Courances Park (91)
Looking for a Heritage Days outing in Essonne? The Château and Park of Courances, in the 91, open their doors to visitors on the weekend of September 19–20, 2026. Admission remains payable. [Read more]
Moustier Cultural Space
Back in the classrooms of Milliacoise schools
Exhibition of images and archival objects related to the Milliac schools.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m. | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m.–5:30 p.m.
Moustier Park
Exhibition "Milliacois Heritage"
A photography exhibition featuring images captured as part of the Milliacois heritage inventory.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 8:00 AM–8:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 8:00 AM–8:00 PM
Paul Bédu Cultural Space
Creative Workshop: "Pieces of Heritage"
Creative workshops on the 2026 theme: "Heritage at Risk — Revive, Resist, Reimagine."
Participation requirements: Free
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
The Dovecote
Colombier Opens
Le Colombier opens its doors as part of the European Heritage Days.
Participation terms: Free | No booking required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Market Square
Léna Turist Delivers a Standout Performance
The Association Le Cyclop is pleased to invite you to the itinerant performance by Léna Turist, taking place on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 3:30 p.m.
Léna Turist, a recent graduate of the École des Beaux-Arts in Aix-en-Provence, has invited audiences to help craft flags. These banners, created by several generations during workshops, shift the question of expression toward collaborative making and a shared experience.
On September 19, these flags, masks, and banners will be carried by participants during this collective performance led by Léna Turist. You are all warmly invited to take part in this festive march from the Halle de Milly to the Cyclop.
Meet-up for the start of the performance:
At 3:30 p.m. under the Halle – Place du Marché, 91490 Milly-la-Forêt
The program for this season, “Liberty, a Chimera?,” opens the door to questions about the fragility of free expression, its defiant strength as well as its seemingly universal reach. Does freedom of expression truly exist, or is it merely a mirage that art tirelessly pursues?
Season 2026: Liberty, a Chimera?
04.04 → 01.11
Featuring artists Anchan, Quentin Spohn, Léna Turist, the group “Où courent les chiens,” Natalia Grekhova, Olga Inozemtseva, and Alexey Korzukhin, along with Nina Garcia, Christophe Cardoen, Anna Gaïotti, and Romain Simon for the sound and visual performance produced in May.
Free admission.
Participation requirements: Traveling performance – Free | No reservations required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 3:30 PM to 5:00 PM
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Milly-la-Forêt
milly la forêt
91490 Milly la Foret
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