A former royal town, once highly prized by the kings of France, the Town of Art and History of Étampes contains many treasures, a reminder of its prestigious past. It boasts no fewer than twenty-six listed monuments! Unmissable monuments to discover include the Collegiate Church of Notre-Dame-du-Fort and its royal door from the 12th century, Guinette Tower - the keep of the former Étampes Castle - the Church of St. Giles from the 12th, 15th and 16th centuries, the neo-gothic town hall, the 16th-century Anne de Pisseleu and Diane de Poitiers mansions, the House of Pillars - the oldest house in the town - and the Church of St. Martin and its leaning tower.
Étampes Museum, based in the right wing of the town hall, houses palaeontology and archaeology collections, as well as fine arts and contemporary art.
Not far from the town centre, outdoor sports-lovers of all ages will find plenty to enjoy at the regional leisure centre. Swimming in the wave pool, pony treks, treetop courses, canoe-kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, year-round luge, mini-golf, archery, a fitness trail and nature observation all feature among the activities available on site.