Ternay: Priory, History and Gardens

Ternay’s historic center is home to a Romanesque-style church and a priory. With the Prieuré Saint-Pierre, gardens and parks, and a tour that also includes several outdoor areas for experienced hikers, there are various themes to choose from during your stay. Would you like to focus on cultural history, or include trails and green spaces as well?

The Prieuré Saint-Pierre and its history

In the 10th century, a community of monks from Cluny settled at the site of the Prieuré Saint-Pierre de Ternay. The site had probably previously been dedicated to a monastery. The priory includes the Église Saint-Mayol, the former cloister, the convent buildings, historic boundary walls and the Jardin aux Moines. These features make it possible to consider the priory as more than a single building: the church, former monastic areas, walls and garden all belong to the site described. Visitors interested in history can consider both the monks’ arrival in the 10th century and the site’s probable earlier dedication to a monastery.

Another cultural landmark is the Château de La Porte, which is classified as a historic monument. Together with the buildings in the historic center, it offers another point of interest for a trip focused on historic architecture. The château and the priory are distinct attractions: one is classified as a historic monument, while the other is defined by its features and history.

Tours and trails

A tour of Ternay takes in the historic center; for experienced hikers, it also includes the Parc de Chassagne, the Parc du Grand Clos and the Complexe sportif du Devès. The tour’s classification as suitable for experienced hikers is an important planning note if you want to include this section. A brochure for self-guided visits to the historic center is available from the Syndicat d’initiative. Guided tours are available there on request for a fee. Check with the Syndicat d’initiative for current arrangements before making plans.

The starting point for the Le jardin des moines route is listed as the Parking Grand Clos on chemin de Combe Mayol. Access is via route de Sérézin (RD D612). These details will help you include the starting point in your plans; check current access conditions before setting out.

Gardens and green spaces

The Jardin aux Moines is next to a church. A garden extends across the terraces of the château, while the Parc du Grand Clos offers a place to relax under the trees. Each place has a different feature: the Jardin aux Moines is next to a church, the garden is set on the terraces, and the Parc du Grand Clos offers the chance to rest beneath the trees. For a trip with children, these green spaces can provide a change of pace alongside the cultural history, without requiring you to make every visit about the same theme.

Find a holiday rental to suit your travel plans

When looking for a holiday rental in Ternay, it helps to first decide which experiences you want to shape your stay. If you are especially interested in historic buildings, you can plan to visit the priory, the town center and the château as cultural highlights. If you also want to include hiking, bear in mind that the route is suitable for experienced hikers. The gardens and parks offer another focus for your plans, including a rest beneath the trees at the Parc du Grand Clos.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sainte-Paule, Saint-Cyr-Au-Mont-D'or, Givors, Juliénas, Mornant, Saint-Laurent-De-Chamousset, Ternand, Chazay-D'azergues

For the main travel overview: Rhône.