Former royal fortified castle of Essonne, the castle of Étampes has now almost completely disappeared. Originally erected in the middle of the 12th century, it now benefits from a classification as a Historic Monument for its keep.
Located about a hundred meters above sea level, on the edge of a Hurepoix plateau, it was originally used to control the Paris-Orléans capital road. Visitors can still admire the remains of the keep of the castle of Étampes, 72 meters in diameter in the shape of a four-lobed clover. This tower notably served as a prison for Queen Ingeburge, wife of Philippe Auguste, following her repudiation the day after the wedding night.
