Sprawling around the River Chalouette, Étampes is a historic commune south-west of Paris. It has existed since the 7th century and it was here that Innocent II was recognised as the legitimate pope in 1130. Today, Étampes attracts visitors to its all-seasons leisure park.
Things to do in Étampes
Standing high above the town is the ruined Tour Guinette, a 12th-century tower with magnificent views of Étampes. It once formed part of a fortified complex that included the Château d’Étampes, a motte-and-bailey castle that dates back to the 10th century. After being badly damaged during the Hundred Years’ War, it was demolished at the request of Henry IV of France.
Étampes is scattered with beautifully preserved churches and chapels, including the French Gothic-style Église Saint-Basile d’Étampes. Constructed around 1020, it was used as a hospital during the French Revolution. Don’t miss the Collégiale Notre-Dame-du-Fort d’Étampes, a fortified church topped by crenellated parapets and a rooftop walkway.
Travelling with kids? They’ll love spending a day at the Île de Loisirs d’Étampes, a 145-hectare leisure park filled with family-friendly attractions. In the summer months, you can cool off in the giant wave pool and sunbathe on the spacious lawns or explore the park by bicycle or horseback. In addition, the park boasts an ice skating rink, a toboggan run and a BMX pump track, plus a ropes course and tree-climbing area.
Getting around Étampes
Étampes is around an hour’s drive from Paris and Charles de Gaulle Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Regular trains connect to the Étampes and Saint-Martin-d’Étampes railway stations and buses travel through the town. The centre of Étampes can easily be explored on foot.