When was the château des Ternes built?

The present building mainly dates from the 15th century, after the earlier castle was destroyed by the English in 1383, though its appearance was significantly reshaped in the early 20th century.

Can the château des Ternes be visited all year round?

No, visits are only organised in July and August by the commune that owns the site.

Who restored the château des Ternes in the 20th century?

The restoration was carried out by architect Émile Lemaigre, who emphasised the castle's medieval, fortified character.

Is the château des Ternes a listed historic monument?

It has been listed as a historic monument since 7 April 2008, covering the whole building, its interior decoration and its gardens.

Château des Ternes (Les Ternes)

Les Ternes

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Where: Les Ternes

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Château des Ternes stands in Les Ternes (Cantal), in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of France. The building is registered as a historic monument (dating recorded in the Mérimée database: 15th century, first quarter of the 20th century). Its opening hours and prices have not been verified at the source yet.

The château des Ternes stands in the village of the same name in the Cantal region, on a site that held a defensive role from the 11th century onward. Burned down by English troops in 1383, it was rebuilt in the 15th century, then reshaped in the early 20th century by a restoration that gave it its present fortress-like appearance, complete with battlements, a walkway and an added corner tower. Inside, visitors find painted decoration drawing on Ovid's tales, while the surrounding gardens, laid out in 1910, combine a formal French design with an Anglo-Chinese section.

Written from Château des Ternes (Les Ternes)

What to know

The château can only be visited in July and August, under arrangements made by the local commune.
Owned by the commune since 1974, the building has been listed as a historic monument since 2008.
The protected status covers the whole château, including its interior decoration and its gardens.
The building combines a central square keep with two round towers, one of which was rebuilt in the 20th century.

Practical information

Opening hours

Parc en accès libre toute l'année

Visit duration: Not verified
Wheelchair access: Not verified
Dogs: Not verified
Parking: Not verified

Where this château is

Les Ternes · Cantal · Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes

Map of the area around Château des Ternes

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This châteauChâteaux within 40 km

Address

15100 Les Ternes

Directions open from wherever you are, by car or public transport.

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Heritage status: Registered historic monument (inscrit); Mérimée record PA15000041
Period of construction: 15th century, first quarter of the 20th century

In pictures

Frequently asked

When was the château des Ternes built?: The present building mainly dates from the 15th century, after the earlier castle was destroyed by the English in 1383, though its appearance was significantly reshaped in the early 20th century.
Can the château des Ternes be visited all year round?: No, visits are only organised in July and August by the commune that owns the site.
Who restored the château des Ternes in the 20th century?: The restoration was carried out by architect Émile Lemaigre, who emphasised the castle's medieval, fortified character.
Is the château des Ternes a listed historic monument?: It has been listed as a historic monument since 7 April 2008, covering the whole building, its interior decoration and its gardens.