Château de Ternay, Medieval castle in Loire Valley, France
Château de Ternay is a fortified residence in the Loire Valley featuring tall towers, a prominent keep, and deep surrounding ditches for defense. Inside you will find a Gothic chapel, cellars, and underground passages carved into solid rock that extend below the main structures.
The fortress was built upon twelfth-century foundations but took its present form during the fifteenth through seventeenth centuries through successive expansions. The d'Aviau de Ternay family acquired ownership in 1606 and maintained it as a family seat for centuries afterward.
The d'Aviau de Ternay family shaped this residence over generations, leaving their mark through furnishings and collections displayed throughout. You can sense how the family lived here by exploring the rooms and understanding their role in the region's past.
The château offers guided tours that help visitors understand the layout and history while overnight stays are available in guest rooms for those wanting to spend more time. The expansive grounds provide plenty of space for walking and exploring at your own pace alongside a swimming pool for leisure activities.
An underground puzzle challenge guides visitors through the rock passages where they solve riddles to reveal details about a medieval knight's hidden identity. The activity teaches heraldic symbolism and the meaning of coats of arms carved throughout these subterranean spaces.
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