Étampes - Saint-Gilles

Since the times of Hugh Capet Étampes was an important place. It was a crown domain between Paris and Orleans. Hugh´s son Robert II (aka "Robert the Pious") built a stronghold here and founded a collegiate here in the 11th century.

In 1121 Robert the Pious´ great-grandson Louis VI (aka "Louis the Fat") commissioned the founding of a "commercial complex" near the town centre of Étampes, midway on the "voie royale" (today "RN20") running from Paris to Orléans. Saint-Gilles was the church in the new market, erected from 1123 on. The church got remodelled, enlarged and rebuilt over the centuries. In 1944 it was hit by bombs, but got rebuilt and now seems to be in good condition.

Clearly seen from east is, that Saint-Gilles was erected on the blueprint of the "Latin Cross". The tower dates to the 13th century. Houses "grew up" and and nestle to the church.