Over a weekend, the Journées du Patrimoine invites visitors to discover differently the monuments, museums, historic residences, and notable sites of Paris and the Île-de-France. This year, on September 19 and 20, 2026, Étampes will be particularly highlighted with the inauguration of the Tour de Guinette, marking the culmination of a major restoration project.
Rising above the city for more than eight centuries, the Tour de Guinette is the chief surviving fragment of Étampes's former royal castle. Erected in the 12th century, during the reign of Louis VI the Fat, it recalls the town's strategic role, perched on a major artery between Paris and the kingdom’s south.
The Tour de Guinette stands out for its quadrilobed plan, with four lobes arranged around a central courtyard. This distinctive, rather rare medieval Île-de-France architecture once strengthened the fortress of the keep while easing surveillance of the surrounding area. Over the centuries, the castle lost its military function and was gradually dismantled. The tower, left standing, thus became the principal witness to this royal complex that has since vanished.
The restoration undertaken in recent years aimed to stabilize the building, secure its surroundings, and better showcase its architecture. Its inauguration during the Heritage Days 2026 thus marks a new milestone in the monument's history.
Today, the Guinette Tower helps preserve the medieval memory of Étampes and better illuminate the part the town played in the history of Île-de-France. It also helps explain the evolution of the royal fortresses, defensive techniques, and the urban landscape over time.
Inauguration of the Reopening of the Guinette Tower
Join us for the inauguration of the public reopening of the Tour de Guinette after its consolidation work.
This ceremony will be followed by an interior tour of the Tour de Guinette (limited to a maximum of 18 people at any one time).
How to participate: Free | No reservation required
Timings: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 11:00–11:30
Introduction to fencing and a medieval spectacle
Medieval spectacle and fencing initiation organized by the Le Masque de Fer association
Participation requirements: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 12:00 ⤏ 16:30
Saynets by the Muscardins Company
Come enjoy short sketches performed at the foot of the Guinette Tower.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM–2:30 PM, 5:00 PM–5:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM–2:30 PM, 5:00 PM–5:30 PM
Self-guided tour of the Guinette Tower
You’ll have the chance to step inside the Guinette Tower after years of closure and stabilization work.
Participation requirements: Limited seats - Free | No reservation required
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Discover Guinette Tower: An Introductory Tour
Come discover the history of the Guinette Tower and trace the evolution of Étampes Castle from the 12th century to the present day.
Participation conditions : Limited seats - Free | Reservation required - 01 64 94 99 10, tourisme@caese.fr
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM, 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 4:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Introductory sessions, chainmail workshops and arrowhead forging
Introductory sessions, chain-mail weaving workshops and arrowhead forging by the Étampes archers.
Participation terms: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Sunday, 20 September 2026 – 11:00 to 17:00
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Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Guinette Challenge
1 Promenade de Guinette
91150 Etampes
Route planner
Prices
Free
