The scent of ancient stone and the whispers of centuries past hang in the air at Château de la Terrière. Nestled amidst the rolling vineyards of Beaujolais, this venerable estate, once a defensive stronghold from the 12th century, has embarked on a new chapter, transforming into a captivating venue for seminars and B2B events. It’s a story of preservation, passion, and a vision to share a piece of French heritage with the world.
A Journey Through Time: From Fortress to Family Home
For those unfamiliar with the ‘route de la soif’ – the thirst route – a journey through the Beaujolais countryside offers the most vivid explanation. Here, vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, and every turn invites a tasting. Yet, on these very roads leading to Cercié, it’s not just the Brouilly bottles that exude an enticing aroma. The Château de la Terrière, with its imposing archway bearing the marks of the French Revolution, beckons visitors to delve into its rich narrative, to savor its tales as one would a fine vintage.
While the first bottles uncorked at its initial construction over 900 years ago are long gone, the estate itself has matured beautifully with time, much like the exquisite wines from the surrounding hills, particularly the Mont Brouilly that stands proudly before it. The former house of defense has since transitioned to an offensive of charm and hospitality. The ancient moats have dried, and the arrow slits have subtly faded, but the Château de la Terrière has gracefully evolved through the hands of its various owners, each leaving their mark of embellishment.
The Tanay family, in the 15th century, transformed the property into a residence. Subsequent families, like the Chevrières-Paranges, the Magdelaine-Ragny, and the Charreton de la Terrière, contributed to its enduring legacy. Today, this legacy is carefully nurtured by a dedicated duo: Agathe Kaeppelin and her husband, Emmanuel, a legal professional at Delsol Avocats.
A Love Affair with History: The Kaeppelins’ Vision
Like many visitors before them, the Kaeppelins fell under the spell of this tranquil haven, boasting five hectares of lush greenery. Though not far from Lyon, it offers just enough distance to provide a refreshing change of scenery. “We have family in Beaujolais (owners of the Estienne de Lagrange wine estate), and we’ve always spent a lot of time in the region. We were looking for a secondary home with ample green space. After ten or fifteen visits, we hadn’t found anything. Then one day, the real estate agency we were working with found the gem that suited us perfectly. We visited, and within an hour, we knew it was the one,” recounts Agathe Kaeppelin.
Their connection to the château was immediate and profound. Despite finding the property largely untouched, with the personal belongings of the previous owners (the Allen family, whose husband was a military man) still in the closets, Agathe and Emmanuel Kaeppelin were determined to leave their own imprint. Acquired in May 2018, the Château de la Terrière underwent meticulous renovation. “The lockdown allowed us to save time. We were able to accomplish in three months what would have otherwise taken three or four years of work,” recalls Maître Kaeppelin.
This extensive renovation soon sparked an idea: to share this architectural treasure. Initially, they developed a gîte, followed by a 95m² seminar room, ingeniously created within the former stables. “The place inspired me to exploit it professionally. But we’re not looking to host large parties. We want it to remain on a human scale,” explains the owner.
Events and Experiences: A Grand Cru to Savor
For the past year, the estate has been hosting general assemblies, executive committee meetings, and various corporate gatherings, along with cocktails and after-work events. Its versatile spaces, including a 700m² inner courtyard, can be adapted to any need, while the expansive gardens offer an idyllic setting for team-building activities. It promises a grand cru experience, to be savored without moderation.
The Gîte: Awakening the Estate with Accommodation
In parallel with the seminar room, the Kaeppelin family decided to open up the château experience to the wider public by developing the East wing of the property. Overnight stays are now a delightful possibility. This idea had been brewing long before the first events were organized. The Covid-19 pandemic, which necessitated a thorough restoration, ultimately paved the way for the Château de la Terrière to offer its rooms for rent. In 2022, Agathe and Emmanuel Kaeppelin meticulously furnished four comfortable guest rooms on the upper floor, above the former stables. These are now available, notably through the Gîtes de France platform.
“There’s a lot of demand in the region,” the owners observe. On the ground floor, a cozy small lounge provides a charming space for breakfast or intimate meals, accommodating up to 15 people. This excellent facility caters to day-long seminars and executive committee meetings. The idea of adding more accommodation to host all the executives wishing to extend their stay is currently under consideration. If finances and time permit, the West wing could also be developed. But for now, tranquility reigns, punctuated by a refreshing dip in the swimming pool, a delightful addition built by the couple themselves, perfect for sunny days.
Côté Cour by Château de la Terrière
Domaine de La Terrière – 69220 Cercié
Source: https://www.lyonpeople.com/actualites-lyon/actualites-culturelles-patrimoine/chateau-de-la-terriere-sa-nouvelle-vie-evenementielle-2026-05-24.html
