“What can you do when you always walk in the same setting, if not dream? As a distraction, in my dreams I built a fairy palace” – Joseph Ferdinand Cheval
The story behind the Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval is that of Joseph Ferdinand Cheval, a rural postman who in 1879, at the age of 43, stumbled across his “stumbling block” while on his daily rounds, which triggered his idea to build the Palais Ideal. He spent the next 33 years building this palace in his backyard.
The Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval has since inspired artists from all over the world. It is definitely a unique structure, paying no mind to any form of artistic rules or norms. Everywhere you look, there is something different to see. It is smaller than I had expected, but nonetheless fascinating and worth a visit, in my opinion.
It is a fun stop and won’t take long to visit. Entering the Palais Ideal is allowed and there are just a few steps to climb on here and there for those that want to climb up to see every detail. While driving, look for the signs to Palais Ideal. There is a parking lot nearby, a small fee to enter the grounds and it is easily accessible, even for those with limited mobility. There is even a restroom on the premesis. This would be a fun stop for kids to get their wiggles out and to count the number of animals they can find in the palais. You can see this site in under an hour, although there are plenty of grounds along the river between the parking lot and the Palais where you can have lunch at one of the picnic tables or a gelatto from a nearby vendor. If you are a fan of the unusual, you may very well enjoy a stop at Palais Ideal du Facteur Cheval.
For current hours and cost, visit their official website at www.facteurcheval.com/en/index.html
