Note: Étampes evolved from the union of several other settlements. It is one of the pilgrimage sites on route to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, home of the shrine dedicated to Saint James, the patron saint of Spain. The symbol of Saint James, the scalloped shell, became the primary symbol representing pilgrims. French pilgrimage routes to Compostela tend to follow old Roman roads, many of which continued to be utilized as primary roads of communication during the Middle Ages. Étampes lies along the Juine River, south of Paris. In the Middle Ages the city was a stronghold and preserved are several architectural remnants of those times. Étampes is now a commercial center with diversified industries.
icon to view the hierarchy.
