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Free · Open access

Château Comtal de Ternier

Discover the remains of the Counts' Castle (Château comtal) of Ternier, a former medieval stronghold ceded to the Counts of Geneva and then to Savoy: a discreet silhouette on the hill of Ternier, 2 km from Saint-Julien-en-Genevois.

View on map
Remains of the Château Comtal de Ternier on the hill above Saint-Julien-en-Genevois in Haute-Savoie
erbog74 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons
At a glance
Type
Medieval remains · former châtellenie
Access
Free access · free of charge
Price
Free
Duration
30 to 45 minutes
Best season
Year-round
Parking
Hamlet of Ternier (free)
Town
Saint-Julien-en-Genevois

Official source →

What is Château Comtal de Ternier

The Château Comtal de Ternier is one of the two medieval remnants crowning the hill of Ternier, a hamlet of the commune of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois (74160), about two kilometres south of the town centre. Built in the 13th century, it was the seat of the Châtellenie de Ternier, an important seigneury controlling the territories south of Geneva, between the Arve and the Laire.

The fortress originally belonged to the Ternier family, an influential lineage that sometimes rivalled the Counts of Geneva. The castle was then ceded to the Counts and became a comital residence and administrative seat — hence the name "Comtal". Not far away stood another fortification, La Poype, owned by the Ternier family proper: the two castles were separated by a mound and two defensive ditches still readable in the landscape.

The site is accessible by marked paths from the Ternier hamlet. Walls and earthworks visible; free access.

Activities

What you can do here

Practical

Practical information

Address
Hill of Ternier, hamlet of Ternier, 74160 Saint-Julien-en-Genevois (≈ 2 km south of the town centre) View on map
Coordinates
46.139° N · 6.089° E
Altitude
≈ 500 m (hill of Ternier)
Opening hours
Free access 24/7, year-round. Outdoor archaeological site, unguarded. Checked on 10 June 2026.
Prices
Free. No ticketing — open-access site. Checked on 10 June 2026.
Official site
Heritage notices on montsdegeneve.com and Monts du Genevois Tourist Office
Phone
Monts du Genevois Tourist Office (Saint-Julien): +33 (0)4 50 04 71 63
Access / Parking
Free parking in the hamlet of Ternier. Access on foot via rural lanes from Saint-Julien-en-Genevois (≈ 2 km). No direct public transport to the hamlet.
Length of visit
30 to 45 minutes for the Counts' Castle alone, 1 hr to 1 hr 30 for a circuit combined with the Poype de Ternier.
Audience
Fans of medieval history and Savoyard châtellenies, walkers, families curious about heritage.
Accessibility
Natural site on a hill: dirt paths, uneven ground, steps. Not wheelchair-accessible. Walking shoes recommended.
Animals
Dogs welcome on a lead on the hill of Ternier.
Access

How to get there

Nearest stops

  • Saint-Julien Gare · TAC · 4 · 337 m
  • SNCF · Cars Région Haute-Savoie · 272, Y13 · 357 m
  • Saint-Julien-en-Genevois · SNCF (TER) · 370 m

Transport data verified on 2026-06-15 · source transport.data.gouv.fr (Licence Etalab 2.0)

Parking

Hamlet of Ternier (free)

  • P+R Gare · Free · 300 m · 300 spaces · Go →
  • Free · 306 m · Go →
  • Free · 407 m · Go →

Parking checked on 2026-06-15 · © les contributeurs d'OpenStreetMap sous licence ODbL

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Photos

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is the Counts' Castle of Ternier?

The Counts' Castle of Ternier is one of the two medieval remains on the hill of Ternier at Saint-Julien-en-Genevois. It was the seat of the châtellenie of Ternier, ceded to the Counts of Geneva and then to the Counts of Savoy. Today: wall sections and ditches in open access.

Where is the Counts' Castle of Ternier?

The Counts' Castle of Ternier is on the hill of Ternier, a hamlet under the commune of Saint-Julien-en-Genevois (74160), about 2 km south of the town centre, in the Pays de Genève. GPS: 46.139° N · 6.089° E.

What is the history of the Counts' Castle of Ternier?

The Counts' Castle of Ternier dates from the 13th century. It originally belonged to the Ternier family before being ceded to the Counts of Geneva and then to the Counts of Savoy. Damaged by the Bernese and Savoyard wars, it was gradually abandoned.

How much does it cost to visit the Counts' Castle of Ternier?

Visiting the Counts' Castle of Ternier is entirely free: remains in open access on the hill. No ticket desk, no fixed hours. Checked on 10 June 2026.

What are the opening hours of the Counts' Castle of Ternier?

The Counts' Castle of Ternier site is open 24/7, year-round. Daytime is preferable to read the remains and enjoy the panorama. Checked on 10 June 2026.

What is the difference between the Counts' Castle and La Poype de Ternier?

The Counts' Castle of Ternier and La Poype are two fortified structures next to each other on the same hill. The Counts' Castle was a comital residence; La Poype was a fortified manor of the Ternier family. The two were separated by a mound and two ditches.

How long should I allow for the Counts' Castle of Ternier?

Allow 30 to 45 minutes to discover the remains of the Counts' Castle of Ternier; 1 hr to 1 hr 30 for a circuit combined with the neighbouring Poype de Ternier.

How do I get to the Counts' Castle of Ternier?

From Saint-Julien-en-Genevois, the Counts' Castle of Ternier is reachable on foot or by bike (≈ 2 km) via rural lanes. By car, free parking in the hamlet of Ternier. No direct public transport.

Sources

Sources & verification

Multi-source verification at publication. Information may change — confirm with the official operator before travelling.

Published 10 juin 2026·Updated 14/07/26

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