Châteaux de Ternier

The Ternier Castles are two separate fortresses on a hillside near Geneva. The ruins display the foundations of both strongholds with remaining walls and towers that once dominated the surrounding valley.

The two fortresses were built in the 13th century, with one controlled by the counts of Geneva and the other by the Ternier family. Both sites served as key positions for managing trade routes between Geneva and the Alpine regions to the east.

The site includes remnants of two main towers, ancient walls, and a chapel dedicated to Saint Nicholas within the La Poype fortress enclosure.

Getting to the site involves following marked walking trails that lead uphill through pastoral surroundings. An information board near the ruins provides orientation and explains what you are viewing on the hillside.

The stone walls of these two fortresses were remarkably thick and tall structures built for serious defense. This heavy construction reveals how seriously the owners took control over the valley below.

Location: Saint-Julien-en-Genevois

GPS coordinates: 46.13956,6.08865

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:20