Étampes - Saint-Basile

Since the times of Hugh Capet, the first King of the Franks of the House of Capet, Étampes was an important place. It was a crown domain between Paris and Orleans. Étampes as well has been a major halt on the Via Turonensis for centuries and still today is a "City of Churches".

Saint-Basile, built from around 1020 on, was commissioned by Hugh´s son Robert II (aka "Robert the Pious"). A century later, portal, tower, choir and transept were completed, but during the 15th and 16th century the church got enlarged and remodeled.

After the French Revolution the church was - like many others - used as a Salpêtrière, what means gun powder was produced and explosives were stored here.

In March 2014 the church was locked - and needed obviously needed restoration.