The Ideal Palace of Postman Cheval
Discover the Ideal Palace of Postman Cheval
During your stay with us at our campsite in Drôme, don’t miss visiting Postman Cheval’s Palace in Hauterives, a village located in the northeast of the department. An unusual place that will surprise you, the story of a unique monument and one man.
An Original Palace in Drôme
One of the most original constructions, built by Ferdinand Cheval in Hauterives between 1869 and 1912. This rather peculiar postman collected stones and pebbles during his rounds and built his dream palace alone.
Website: http://www.facteurcheval.com/
“the Work of one Man”
In 1879, Joseph Ferdinand Cheval, a 43-year-old postman, native of Drôme, decided to build his dream palace alone in his garden, drawing inspiration from nature, magazines, and the postcards he delivered as part of his job.
During his rounds, walking an average of 30 kilometers a day, he collected the stones needed to create his palace.
He imagined and created an uninhabitable palace, populated with animals, fairies, mythological figures, an Egyptian tomb (in which he could not be buried despite his wish), and even waterfalls and fountains. Later classified as naive art and a historical monument in 1969, Postman Cheval built his palace without any architectural rules, but it garnered the admiration of surrealists and artists who drew inspiration from it.
Solitary, often misunderstood, he would take 33 years to complete his work, which finished in 1912.
At the end of the work, he inscribed on his monument “the work of one man”.
Marvel at Postman Cheval’s Palace
This place is impressive and original, showing the tireless work of a passionate individual. You can contemplate it for hours. Everyone will find hidden meanings and see the work in their own way.
Postman Cheval’s Palace allows children to engage with this naive art masterpiece in a very playful way; for example, they can have fun looking for the different animals carved in stone. For older visitors, many exhibitions are offered throughout the year, as well as plays and concerts (Jérémy Frérot and Mika are on the program).
You can also see, a few steps from the palace, Postman Cheval’s tomb, another monument to discover.
