A family story at Château de Ternay

Investigations & riddles, Living History

Paying activities
All year round
An activity "Expériences Famille" is available here

A few minutes from Loudun stands the Château de Ternay. From century to century, the Château de Ternay retains the same owner family at its bedside. An extraordinary destiny that the last occupants like to share with visitors. A visit guided by the humor of the owner and a great puzzle game in the underground passages awaits you.

A castle with a chivalrous history

On this site where we find traces of life dating from the Prehistory, succeeded an underground fortress in the VIIInd century, Then the XIInd century a high fortress, pounded by the English during the Hundred Years War.

It was on the site of these ruins that in 1439, the Knight of Beauvau build the castle. Diplomat and creditor, the man is powerful, wealthy, what is more, in love, and this is how he offers his wife, the gothic chapel whose castle will be the setting.

A family tradition that continues

My family has been in Ternay since 1606 and we pass the baby on to each generation.
Loïc de Ternay, owner of the castle

Fell into it when he was little, Loic de Ternay is the current owner of the castle. family tradition obliges, a new element of each sibling becomes in turn the passer ". What, seen from the outside, can above all be perceived as an opportunity, also requires abnegation. Previously producers of goat's cheese, Loïc de Ternay and his wife Caroline have chosen to convert to tourist reception, in order to be able to take care exclusively of the château.

Shortly before Christmas 1999, the couple and their four children left the farm where they had settled and took possession of the premises. “It was a baptism of fire, we weathered the Lothar storm; the roof, the trees, the fences, everything flew! »

Chateau de Ternay©Thomas JELINEK – Agence Zebrelle

A visit filled with anecdotes

The visit is led with strength, humor and anecdotes by the chatelain, Loïc de Ternay, current owner whose ancestors have been passing the imposing castle since 1606. It begins in the park under the majestic cedars, lime trees and locust trees and continues in XNUMXth century salonsnd.

In this setting there is a scent of mystery.
La courtyard creates surprise and admiration, with its white stone facade, marvel of the XVnd century.

Le castle treasure, the gothic chapel offered to Madame de Beauvau, is upstairs, an unusual situation which has earned it the perfect preservation. The knight returned from Italy with a head full of ideas, he ordered the master builders to completely sculpt the walls and vaults. 

The result is stunning. "Facefully, the craftsmen had fun depict grimacing heads to discourage stares who go elsewhere than towards the altar during the mass! »

A survey for the whole family “Who is this knight? »

The visit continues with a family puzzle game, included in the " Expériences Famille " of the Vienne. As a family, follow Loïc de Ternay for an exciting guided tour with humor and fantasy. Find the identity of a knight. He has lost his memory and no longer knows who he is...

If you find the right answer, the knight will reward you!

I try the experiment
Who is this knight at Chateau de Ternay Agence Zebrelle Thomas JELINEK 3095 - Tourisme Vienne©Thomas JELINEK – Agence Zebrelle

To complete your castle experience, stay in this green setting in one of the five charming guest rooms and two large lodges.

To complete your stay in the North of the Vienne

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