Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples
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Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples

4.4
·317 reviews·Milly-la-Forêt, France

A 12th-century chapel adorned with Jean Cocteau's art, featuring a medicinal herb garden and serving as the artist's final resting place.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Enjoy the garden in bloom

CrowdLow
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Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples

Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples

Best Time

Spring and Summer mornings

Enjoy the garden in bloom

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 12th-century chapel adorned with Jean Cocteau's art, featuring a medicinal herb garden and serving as the artist's final resting place.

4.4
(317 reviews)

"Small, quite interesting to pass by. inside paintings of Jean Cockteau, dont miss the cat."

Vertical photo
TIP

Admire Cocteau's Cat

Don't miss the charming cat depicted in Cocteau's murals – a delightful detail! 🐈

Explore the Botanical Garden

Wander through the serene garden filled with medicinal plants. :herb:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.4 · 317 reviews

Type

Church

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Jean Cocteau's Murals

Jean Cocteau's Murals

Interior of the chapel

Vibrant and whimsical murals by Jean Cocteau, including his iconic cat and ex-voto, adorn the chapel walls.

Medicinal Herb Garden

Medicinal Herb Garden

Exterior of the chapel

A peaceful botanical garden featuring medicinal plants, reflecting the chapel's historical connection to healing.

Cocteau's Tomb

Cocteau's Tomb

Interior of the chapel

Pay respects at the final resting place of the renowned artist Jean Cocteau, marked by his distinctive artistic style.

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A Tranquil Artistic Escape

Discover the serene beauty of Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples, a 12th-century chapel adorned with Jean Cocteau's vibrant murals. Explore its medicinal herb garden and learn about its history as a former leper colony. A peaceful retreat for art and history lovers.

Cocteau's Artistic Legacy

Jean Cocteau's unique artistic vision comes alive within this chapel, serving as his final resting place. Admire his whimsical murals, including the famous cat, and the ex-voto 'À l'impossible je suis tenu.' A must-see for fans of the artist.

Best Times

When
Spring and Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy the garden in bloom
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter atmosphere for reflection
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 | 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐦𝐤𝐢𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐞, 𝐌𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐡 ~ 𝐒𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐟𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 🕯️ Have you visited? Built in 1733 as a private chapel by the Asam brothers, this jewel of Late Baroque architecture is steeped in theatrical drama, architectural symbolism and memento mori design. If you look beyond the Rococo cherubs and celestial frescoes you will find death quietly waiting by the door 💀. More to come o...
@thealternativeguide_
179K likes • 816.3K views

Admire Cocteau's Cat

Don't miss the charming cat depicted in Cocteau's murals – a delightful detail! 🐈

Explore the Botanical Garden

Wander through the serene garden filled with medicinal plants. :herb:

Forever grateful that I got to visit this amazing church thanks to the @Sainte-Chapelle team. They allowed me to come with them to usually inaccessible spots to take these amazing shots ! I have many videos and pictures to share 🤍 thank you all for following you’re the reason I got this amazing invitation ! #catholic #church #eglise
@floetlesmonuments
165.7K likes • 817.1K views
⛪ Connaissez-vous la Chapelle Saint‑Blaise des Simples à Milly-la-Forêt ? 🎭 Décorée par Jean Cocteau, dont elle est aussi le tombeau, cette petite chapelle du XIIe siècle est entourée d’un jardin botanique qui regroupe différentes plantes médicinales 🌿 Depuis le 11 juillet, les fresques de Jean Cocteau, nouvellement restaurées, sont de nouveau accessibles. 💡 Une belle idée de sortie qui comp...
cdessonne
111 likes • 3.9K views

Respect the Sacred Space

Remember this is a place of worship and remembrance. Be mindful and quiet. 🙏

Check Restoration Updates

Recent renovations have improved accessibility. Check for any ongoing work. 🚧

Visite de La Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples de Milly-la-Forêt, qui est l’une des agglomérations les plus anciennes du Gâtinais français. De tout temps, les plantes médicinales ont été cultivées, notamment dans le sud de Milly-la-Forêt, autour d’une chapelle construite en 1136. Cette dernière dépendait d’un ensemble de bâtiments d’origine Templière, édifiée pour soigner les lépreux et connus so...
monsieur__charles
155 likes • 1.4K views

Tips

from all over the internet

Admire Cocteau's Cat

Don't miss the charming cat depicted in Cocteau's murals – a delightful detail! 🐈

Explore the Botanical Garden

Wander through the serene garden filled with medicinal plants. :herb:

Respect the Sacred Space

Remember this is a place of worship and remembrance. Be mindful and quiet. 🙏

Check Restoration Updates

Recent renovations have improved accessibility. Check for any ongoing work. 🚧

What Travellers Say

4.4
(317 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples to be a small but interesting and beautiful place, particularly noted for Jean Cocteau's art and the tranquil medicinal herb garden. It's appreciated as a peaceful spot with a unique historical and artistic significance.

"Nothing special"

A B

"Small, quite interesting to pass by. inside paintings of Jean Cockteau, dont miss the cat."

M Ra

"Nice and calm Place. Beautifull Art and Garden"

Jakob Schredl

What People Like

Jean Cocteau's art
Medicinal herb garden
Calm and peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Can be small for some

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most common way to reach Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples from Paris is by taking a train from Gare d'Austerlitz to Milly-la-Forêt. From the Milly-la-Forêt station, you can take a local bus or a taxi to the chapel. Driving is also an option, with parking available nearby. Reddit

Yes, it is accessible by public transport. Trains run from Paris to Milly-la-Forêt, and local buses can take you to the chapel. It's advisable to check the latest schedules for both trains and buses. Reddit

Traveling by train from Paris is a popular and efficient method. Alternatively, if you prefer more flexibility, renting a car allows for a scenic drive through the French countryside. Reddit

Yes, there are parking facilities available near the Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Entry to the chapel is generally free, though donations are appreciated. It's always a good idea to check the official website or local tourist information for any changes in admission policies. Reddit

The opening hours can vary seasonally and may be subject to change. It's recommended to check the official website or contact local tourism offices for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

The garden is typically accessible as part of the chapel visit and is usually included in any potential admission. Enjoy the tranquil surroundings and the variety of medicinal plants. Instagram

The chapel is generally open year-round, but it's wise to confirm operating hours, especially during public holidays or off-peak seasons. Reddit

While not always advertised, occasional guided tours or special events might be organized. Inquire locally or check community forums for any upcoming opportunities. Reddit

🎫 🎨 Art & History

The striking murals inside the chapel were created by the renowned French artist Jean Cocteau. He also chose this chapel as his final resting place. InstagramReddit+1

Originally built in the 12th century as part of a leper colony, the chapel is historically significant for its association with healing and its later artistic transformation by Jean Cocteau. InstagramReddit+1

The 'Simples' refers to medicinal herbs, which were historically cultivated in the garden surrounding the chapel for healing purposes. Instagram

The ex-voto by Jean Cocteau is a significant artwork within the chapel, bearing the inscription 'À l'impossible je suis tenu' (I am bound to the impossible). Instagram+1

Jean Cocteau was a prolific artist. While this chapel is a key site, his work can be found in other locations, and his influence is felt throughout the region. Instagram+1

🎫 🌿 Garden & Nature

The garden features a variety of medicinal plants, reflecting its historical use for healing. You can find herbs that were traditionally used for their therapeutic properties. Instagram+1

The garden is generally accessible during the chapel's opening hours. Its appearance will change with the seasons, offering different blooms and foliage. Instagram

No, please do not pick any plants from the garden. It is a protected botanical collection for visitors to admire. Instagram

Absolutely! The garden is designed to be a tranquil space for visitors to enjoy a peaceful stroll and appreciate the natural beauty. Instagram

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Chapelle Saint-Blaise des Simples (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide