Here is another treasure of the Pierres Dorées region that perfectly complements the itinerary for a sunny day. After recently telling you about Châtillon, let’s travel up the Azergues River for about ten kilometers to reach Ternand, another gem of our heritage. And let me tell you, with the sun currently shining so brightly, the Beaujolais region takes on the feel of Tuscany, offering a quick escape from Lyon in the blink of an eye.
Ternand, the small village entirely designated a historic monument
Ternand is a village that has existed since time immemorial. We know it was inhabited during the Neolithic period (10,000 BC). Perhaps the Choulans mammoth and the Gros Caillou once roamed these hills… In any case, its elevated position was an immediate success. Just as with Polignac, Balazuc, or Châteauneuf-en-Auxois, people settled there on high ground to keep an eye out for invaders.
In the 12th century, Ternand was a fortified stronghold; a castle and a church were built there, the ruins of which can still be seen today. Its cobblestone streets and ochre-colored houses transport us back to another era. Here, the time machine works like a charm. The village is now doubly classified as a “Petite Cité de Caractère” and a Historic Monument in its entirety, making it a nearly unique distinction. That gives you some idea of the prestige of the place!
A remarkable view of the vineyards and the Pierres Dorées region
You have to admit, it doesn’t get much better than this. A 360º view of the Beaujolais hills in this UNESCO-recognized geopark—that’s pretty impressive! In Ternand, take the rampart walk to reach the castle ruins overlooking the vineyards that surround the village. There’s also the Ronzière trail, which will help you explore the village.
The Pays des Pierres Dorées is a region with unique shapes and colors, like in those children’s drawings where proportions aren’t quite right. You can’t get enough of it… In this idyllic setting, the landscapes take you from a thousand-year-old castle surrounded by vineyards to villages, each more beautiful than the last. And we dare you to find a more fitting name than the Land of the Golden Stones…
