How an ordinary postman created the most mysterious park in the world

The story of the Ideal Palace, built of stones and dreams, is an amazing testament to how one person can turn his fantasy into reality, despite all obstacles.



A general view of the Ideal Palace - a creation that defies imagination


The beginning of an amazing story
In 1879, an ordinary postman Ferdinand Cheval, making his usual 32-kilometer route in the department of Drom in the south of France, stumbled on an unusual stone. That moment changed his life forever. Inspired by the quaint shape of the stone, he began collecting interesting stones during his daily rounds.

“I wanted to prove that willpower can work miracles.” – Ferdinand Cheval


33 years of hard work
Every day after his postal route, Cheval worked at night, under the light of a kerosene lamp. He collected stones in a basket and later started using a wheelbarrow. For 33 years he has carried thousands of stones, creating his masterpiece without architectural education and assistants.

Amazing facts about construction:

• The height of the palace: 26 meters
• Length: 26 meters
• Construction time: 33 years (1879-1912)
• Everything was built by one man.
• More than 1,000 tons of stones were used

Architectural wonder
The Ideal Palace is an amazing mixture of different architectural styles: here you can find elements of Hindu temples, medieval castles, Swiss chalets and Arab minarets. The facades are decorated with sculptures of exotic animals, mythical creatures, historical figures and plants.


Bizarre architectural details and sculptures of the palace


Recognition by UNESCO
In 1969, 45 years after the death of the creator, the palace was recognized as a monument of historical heritage of France. In 1984, Pablo Picasso and Andre Breton named it an example of surreal architecture, and in 2018, UNESCO included the Ideal Palace in the World Heritage List.

“This is the only example in the history of art of naive architecture of this magnitude” – UNESCO Commission


The Dreamer's Legacy
Today, the Ideal Palace attracts more than 150,000 visitors annually. He became a symbol of how an ordinary person can create something extraordinary, guided only by his dreams and perseverance. The history of Ferdinand Cheval proves that it is not necessary to have a special education or large funds to create a masterpiece – it is enough to have a dream and the willingness to work for its implementation.

Practical information for visitors:

• Address: 8 Rue du Palais, 26390 Hauterives, France
• The palace is open to visit all year round.
• Tours are conducted in several languages
• Nearby is a museum dedicated to the life of Ferdinand Cheval.