Palais Idéal, Folk art palace in Hauterives, France
The Palais Idéal features multiple architectural styles with walls adorned by intricate patterns made from pebbles, stones, and shells collected during mail routes.
Ferdinand Cheval, a postman, dedicated 33 years from 1879 to 1912 to construct this palace, spending 93,000 hours collecting and assembling stones.
The palace displays influences from various architectural traditions, including Chinese, Algerian, and Northern European elements, combined with sculptures of exotic animals.
The monument opens daily for visitors, located 30 miles south of Lyon at the junction of D51 and D538 roads, with guided tours available throughout the year.
Three giant carved stone faces representing Vercingétorix, Archimedes, and Julius Caesar serve as both decorative elements and structural support for the building.
Location: Hauterives
Inception: January 1, 1879
Architects: Ferdinand Cheval
Accessibility: Wheelchair accessible
Address: rue du Palais-Idéal 26390 Hauterives
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-16:30
Phone: +33475688119
Website: http://facteurcheval.com
GPS coordinates: 45.25627,5.02851
Latest update: May 26, 2025 19:14
Historical and modern structures in France, from underground fortresses to contemporary art spaces. These monuments showcase the architectural diversity of the country, from Roman theaters to mechanical animal sculptures.
These structures demonstrate the boundaries of architectural design. From the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco to the Lotus Temple in New Delhi, architecture takes unconventional forms. The buildings combine technical innovation with artistic expression.
The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region contains natural paths, waterfalls and historical buildings. Here you will find medieval castles, volcanic peaks and caves. The region includes the Massif Central, alpine plateaus and gothic architecture.
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extraordinary place, 30 years of hard work for a result that is worth it!
33 years of work and the result is worth it! Very beautiful monument and a very beautiful story.
a raw art monument created by a single man! Must see.
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