"Small town of character" awakened from its slumber – 1000 years of medieval history in Ternand
Ternand's significant influence on 32 parishes surrounding the 10thrd the 12rd century It has earned this label "Small town with character" today, and to see its attendance increase throughout the year.
Ternand is the ideal destination to please all types of audiences, families, sports enthusiasts, hikers, walkers, people with reduced mobility, history or geology buffs, Ternand is also a photographer's paradise.
Ternand, the preserved charm of a medieval village
Between millennia of history and exceptional panoramas
Ternand was inhabited since the Neolithic period and then during the Gallo-Roman era. The old fortified village was built around 1200 by the Archbishopric of Lyon on its rocky spur to face the Lords of Beaujeu who were in Oingt, and the Counts of Forez who were in Chamelet.
The marble vein behind the press
From 1920 to 1950, the village was abandoned due to the economic development that took place in the valley with the arrival of the railway. Paradoxically, this abandonment left it in a state of dormancy and preserved it, allowing it to be revived today and offering a magnificent vantage point overlooking the vineyards of the golden stones on one side and the Douglas fir forests of the Azergues valley on the other.
Medieval remains and geological treasures
Du medieval castle, nothing remains but remains, which have now become the public garden, but the city has preserved some dwellings of the 14rd and 15thrd centuries around the church and its epaulette, the ruins of the castle and the keep.
The narrow streets of the medieval village and its ramparts allow you toobserve a local geological curiosityThe marble vein, the only one within a 150km radius, is the origin of this rocky spur which has resisted erosion and on which the village was built, which is why it is today one of the 32 must-see geosites of the UNESCO Global Geopark.
Why not start with a meeting with the people of Ternande?
Discover Ternand through visits
The Association "Friends of Old Ternand" Guided tours of the entirely pedestrianized village are offered for groups of 6 to 30 people by appointment through the town hall. Numerous signs also allow visitors to explore the village independently. The tour lasts between 1 and 2 hours.
A parking lot at the bottom of the new village allows you to park and go up to the medieval village in a few minutes, with the flag with the coat of arms of Ternand as a landmark: its keep as well as the chevrons and 3 crosses of the archbishops of Lyon.
Events and cultural activities throughout the year
The association also offers activities throughout the year: village flower display, opening of the exhibition gallery from May to September, The church is open on Sunday afternoons from May to September. In October, a workshop-sharing of cooking and stories from beyond France. For December 8th, a festival of lights and a local Christmas market.
Ternand offers numerous activities for all audiences
Hiking and nature walks
Hiking trails and adventures for children
Starting from Ternand, two circuits are offered: the Ronzière circuit (6 km) and the Brou-Mont Jonc circuit (9 km), ideal for enjoying the rolling landscapes, forests and unique panoramas of the region.
For children and the whole family, the "Gnolus - Fallen from the Nest" route (1 km / 1 h) offers a fun and educational adventure via a geocaching application. The GnolusA band of deranged creatures has invaded Ternand and set up its headquarters on the eagle's nest overlooking the Azergues valley. Your mission: capture the gang's leader and save the village, while exploring its alleyways and secrets.
Original and accessible walks
For family outings or for people with reduced mobility, the L'Orée du Bois gîte provides carriage rides (2 to 4 people) or in western tank (8 to 12 people) by appointment. These 1.5 to 2-hour walks end with a tasting of local products, for a moment that is both friendly and delicious!
For athletes and cyclists
Ternand is also an essential step in the great crossing of the Rhône by mountain bike (23 km, from Col de la Croix de l'Orme to Oingt). Between forests, vast horizons, Monts d'Or and Matagrin tower, the route alternates between fast descents, peaceful forest paths and demanding climbs, for a sporting experience in the heart of Beaujolais.
Culture and Heritage
Arts and culture
The Exhibition HouseOpen from May to September, it offers a live art festival: painting, sculpture, photography and crafts follow one another every 15 days… all the arts are represented.
Remarkable religious heritage
The church of Saint-Jean-BaptisteListed as a historical monument since 1951, it is open to visitors on Sunday afternoons from May to September. Its vaulted ceiling reveals a large Christ in Majesty, surrounded by medallions and musical angels, as well as a veiled Virgin Mary. Scenes of the Nativity and the Flight into Egypt further enhance this exceptional decoration.
In 2024, 12th-century paintings were discovered in the crypt, depicting Jesus and the 12 apostles, 10 of which are intact and remarkably well preserved, offering a treasure to be restored for future generations.
How about trying out the local cuisine and producers near Ternand?
Local producers, winemakers and markets
Just a short walk from Ternand, do your shopping at Relais des Saveurs at Ponts-Tarretsdiscover one of the 7 wine estates in Ternand, or go to the Chapi farm For beef, direct sales and meals at the guest table. A gourmet immersion in local know-how.
Local restaurants and chefs
The association Chefs and WineriesFounded 30 years ago, this association now brings together restaurateurs, winemakers, and farmers passionate about their craft and their region. In one of the nine affiliated restaurants, let yourself be tempted by dishes showcasing the Beaujolais and its local products.
An original gourmet journey
For a unique experience, the Mexican restaurant and tea room “El Migralito” We welcome you on weekends in the heart of the medieval village. Explore Mexico while enjoying the charm of Ternand and its local cuisine.
Panoramic view from the El Milagro Mexican Tea Room
Would you be tempted by a little bonus?
The Rejonière garden
Facing the medieval village, this 3,000 m² garden pays homage to biodiversity. Nestled within a wall of golden stone and punctuated by a cadoleIt blends vineyards, pastures and forests, and is home to a remarkable botanical richness : perennial plants, roses and shrubs carefully selected for floral art.
Coming soon: the Priory Trail
The new Priory Trail It will link Ternand to Saint-Laurent-d'Oingt, formerly attached to the abbey of Savigny. Already planned, it will be signposted at the end of August 2025 and inaugurated at the start of the academic year, offering a new cultural and historical walk.
And why not extend the visit?
Just a few kilometers away, discover Oingt, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages of France, Another jewel of the Beaujolais region, golden stones, to complete your getaway.