The Garden of Simples
“The botanical garden surrounding the chapel fulfills Jean Cocteau's wish: to draw inspiration from the 'Simples' so that his frescoes rise like a prayer.”
Created by Mr. André Darbonne, this living conservatory brings together about 200 species of medicinal plants, a reminder that Milly-la-Forêt is the historical birthplace of peppermint.
The Sculptures of Philippe Bouveret
Three kinetic works pay tribute to the founders. They symbolize the cycle of life and the movement of plants through the seasons.
In spring, green appears in the mint stem, symbolizing the rising sap. With the heat, gold reveals itself in the glass tubes, recalling the blossoming of flowers.
Discover the artist Philippe Bouveret
The Historic Bell
Sitting enthroned in the heart of the garden, this bell is a precious vestige of local history. It dates back to 1479, the time of the construction of Milly-la-Forêt's famous Market Halls.
A sentinel of time, it once punctuated economic life by signaling the opening and closing of the markets. It faithfully fulfilled its mission until 1925.