Each year, the Rendez-vous aux jardins invites the public to step beyond the gates of places that are sometimes well known, sometimes a bit more secret, but always rich in plant stories. For the 2026 edition, the event takes place on Friday, June 5, Saturday, June 6 and Sunday, June 7, under the theme “The View”.
And right there in Milly-la-Forêt, here’s a getaway idea that smells of mint, sage, chamomile, and botanical curiosities: the National Conservatory of Perfume, Aromatic, Medicinal, and Industrial Plants, often shortened to CNPMAI. Milly-la-Forêt isn’t choosing this by accident. The town has long been tied to the cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants—a tradition that traces back to the Middle Ages and gained real momentum in the 19th and 20th centuries. The famed Milly peppermint is one of the local crowning glories. The current conservatory was born in June 1987, as a 1901 law association, with missions to conserve, produce, and valorize useful plants.
The CNPMAI positions itself as a reference center in France for perfumery, medicinal, aromatic and industrial plants. Its mission spans science, agriculture, education and heritage: to conserve species, to produce seeds and young plants, to support professionals, and to share with the general public the richness of this often overlooked plant world.
On June 6 and 7, alongside the Herb Market held all weekend in the Moustier Park in Milly-la-Forêt, the Conservatoire invites you to its open days. This year the Conservatoire celebrates earning the “Remarkable Garden” label, which rewards the effort to showcase the 1,500 species stored at the Conservatoire, 600 of which are on display in the garden.
A miniature train shuttles between the two sites for the enjoyment of young and old alike.
Admission, guided tours, and activities are free.
All weekend, free access:
- Interactive stands: seed bombs, biodiversity scavenger hunt, Seed Bomb Workshop, plant bubble workshop
- Creation of a temporary collective art piece in a land-art spirit around the theme “Grains of Humanity” and messages to scatter across the Conservatoire site. Led by artist Clèrème. Seeds and plant material available at the Conservatoire.
- Exhibition of the work “The Sound of the Chestnut Tree” in dialogue with the exhibition “Forest Tales” by artist Lélia Demoisy, visible at the Departmental Estate of Chamarande.
- A plant-themed trivia game: win a family workshop on “Biodiversity” at the Conservatoire
Tea room and cold savory and sweet meals based on seasonal aromatic and medicinal plants (offered by Cuisine et Papilles)
On-site sale of organic plants and locally produced goods
Shop selling artisanal products and a specialist bookstore
On the fringe of the Herboriste Market, running all weekend in Milly-la-Forêt’s Moustier Park, the Conservatory invites you to its open days. This year, the Conservatory celebrates earning the “Jardin Remarquable” label, a recognition of its efforts to showcase the 1,500 species housed there, 600 of which are displayed in the garden.
A small train connects the two sites for the delight of young and old alike.
Admission, guided tours and activities are free
Saturday, June 6, 2026:
16:00: Storytelling walk “The Woman in the Garden and Other Tales” by Julie Raconte (all ages, from 5 onwards)
Sunday, June 7, 2026:
16:00: Storytelling walk “The Woman in the Garden and Other Tales” by Julie Raconte (all ages, from 5 onwards)
All weekend, open access:
- Interactive stands: seed bombs, biodiversity treasure hunt, plant bubble workshop
- Creation of a temporary collective artwork in a land-art style around the theme “Seeds of Humanity” and messages to scatter across the Conservatory site. Led by artist Clèrème. Seeds and plant materials available at the Conservatory.
- Exhibition of the artwork “The Sound of the Chestnut Tree” echoing the artist Lélia Demoisy’s exhibition “Forest Tales” at the Domaine Départemental de Chamarande.
- Competitive game on the garden’s aromatic plants: win a family workshop “Biodiversity” at the Conservatory
Tea room and cold savory and sweet options made from seasonal aromatic and medicinal plants (provided by Cuisine et Papilles)
Sale of organic plants grown on site
Shop selling artisanal products, specialized bookstore
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Dates and Opening Time
From June 6, 2026 to June 7, 2026
Location
National Conservatory of Perfume, Aromatic, Medicinal and Industrial Plants
Chemin des Petits Saules
91490 Milly la Foret
Official website
www.cnpmai.net
