Ternand

A fortified medieval village built on a rocky promontory, overlooking the Azergues valley.

Ternand, entirely classified as a historical monument, with its remains of a 12th-century perimeter wall and a section of its keep still standing, has managed to retain its old-world charm and invites you to explore it.
This name, of Celtic origin, is thought to mean "three streams." The seigneury belonged jointly to the Archbishop of Lyon and the Abbey of Savigny. A keep was built at the request of Archbishop Jean de Bellesmains.
The village is divided into two parts: "Les Grandes Planches," the "modern" part located in the valley, and the "old town" perched on its rocky spur. A themed trail following the old roads will lead you up to the Old Town. There, you'll be transported to another era, and as you wander through the cobbled streets, you'll discover the ruins of the old castle and the remains of the keep, the Church of St. John the Baptist, and several houses with beautiful 14th- and 15th-century facades featuring mullioned windows, ironwork, and 14th-century doorways. Don't miss the Breach and the Tailor's House on the ramparts.
Silver-bearing lead mines were exploited in the commune at the end of the 19th century.

A geosite within the Beaujolais Geopark. The particularly disturbed geological context in the Ternand area has contributed to the formation of high points, composed of erosion-resistant rocks, and low points, composed of softer rocks. Thus, the rocky spur on which the old village was built is largely composed of white marble, a relatively hard rock compared to the other rocks in the area.
Wandering through the village's ancient streets, with their remarkable architectural and historical heritage, and along the ramparts, one can glimpse traces of the marble that gives Ternand its distinctive character. Two trails (6 and 9 km) allow visitors to discover the landscapes of the hills and slopes of the Beaujolais region.

Church open from May to September on Sunday afternoons from 14pm to 18pm.
Exhibition House open on weekends from May to September with presentation of works by a wide variety of artists.