Château des Ternes

Château des Ternes is a private mansion in Paris's 17th arrondissement that combines architectural features from different time periods, including two distinctive towers. The structure also preserves remains of defensive walls that speak to its fortified past.

The site began as a farm called Esterne in 1320 and was developed into a fortified residence under Pierre Jourdaing during the Hundred Years War. Over subsequent centuries, the property underwent multiple changes in purpose that shaped its physical form.

The name comes from an old farm called Esterne that once stood on the site, a history visible in the building's layout. This connection to its rural origins shapes how the mansion still feels today, distinct from typical Parisian townhouses.

The protected facades and roofs can be seen from rue Pierre-Demours and rue Bayen. Walking past on both sides of these streets helps you fully appreciate the exterior of this designated monument.

During the 1790s, the residence operated as Pension d'Hygie, a luxury health clinic serving international patients with medical treatments. Visitors had to follow strict rules, including a limit of one personal servant per guest.