The Postman’s Dream Palace

A Monument to Imagination and Determination

"Let those who think they can do better try" - Ferdinand Cheval

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Today’s Newsletter Presented By

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One of the rooftop turrets of Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace - an internationally recognised example of naive art - Shutterstock

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In today’s email:

• The Postman’s Dream Palace

• Experience: - Hop on and off in Paris

• Around The Web: Gothic Gateway to the Vercors, Scenic Steam Journeys;

  The Slow Road Through the Gorge and more

• 🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

• From Social Media: Belcastel Castle, Occitanie, France stands on a rocky hillside

• Mange: The Most Famous French Recipe, Prepared in a Simple Way!

• Xtra: Postman Cheval's self-taught methods to build his dream palace

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The Postman’s Dream Palace

In the quiet village of Hauterives, France, visitors can marvel at the extraordinary Palais Idéal, a fantastical monument built by rural postman Ferdinand Cheval. Over 33 years, from 1879 to 1912, Cheval gathered stones during his daily rounds, inspired by nature, postcards, and the illustrated gazettes he delivered. Without formal training, he created a dreamlike palace filled with intricate carvings, mythical creatures, exotic architecture, and rich symbolism.

From the East façade’s “Source of Life” fountain to the West’s miniature White House and mosque, each side of the palace tells a story. Cheval even immortalised his faithful wheelbarrow in stone. The Gallery is filled with sculpted animals, while three staircases lead to the Terrace, where the original “stumbling stone” is displayed. Recognised as a masterpiece of naïve art and protected as a historic monument since 1969, the Ideal Palace is a testament to imagination, perseverance, and the enduring power of one man’s dream

French monument of Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval" in the south of France - Shutterstock

Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise

Make sightseeing in the French capital easy with a Big Bus tour of Paris. Enjoy the convenience of hop-on hop-off access at any stop along the route, and soak in the views from an open-top, double-decker bus. See sights like the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge cabaret club, and the iconic Eiffel Tower as you listen to informative audio-commentary, available in various languages.

Read more about Big Bus Paris Hop-On Hop-Off Tour with Optional River Cruise -

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Around The Web

Gothic Gateway to the Vercors

The Gothic jewel of Dauphiné, Saint-Antoine-l’Abbaye, nestles in the rolling hills of Chambaran, where the majestic walnut trees of the lower Isère valley flourish. This medieval village is proudly listed among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”

Scenic Steam Journeys

Step aboard the historic Train of Ardèche for a breathtaking ride through the wild Doux River Gorge, either on the short Gorges Train or the full-day Mastrou journey to Lamastre. Experience restored steam locomotives, panoramic views, and a taste of regional charm

Devesset Lake Campsite

Located in the north of Ardèche, on the border with Haute-Loire, Lake Devesset and its vast leisure center will offer you all the charm of this region, whatever the season. Just 7km from the village of St Agrève and 12km from Chambon-sur-Lignon, the lakeside campsite overlooks the 51-hectare lake surrounded by conifers in the heart of a tourist region

Wild Encounters at Peaugres Safari

Just 25 minutes from our Ardèche campsite, enjoy a memorable day among wildlife with our exclusive Safari + accommodation package. From 4×4 photo safaris to night drives, Peaugres offers thrilling experiences for the whole family - even your dog!

A Sweet Sojourn in Saint-Cirq-Lapopie

Saint-Cirq-Lapopie, perched on a cliff 150m above the Lot River, is a charming village known for its medieval buildings and scenic views. Despite its small population, it attracts 500,000 visitors annually, drawn by its beauty and history. The village offers a peaceful escape with vineyards, lavender fields, and cobbled streets, perfect for a quiet, memorable visit

The Slow Road Through the Gorge

In the heart of Provence lies a land of staggering beauty: the Gorges du Verdon. Often called Europe’s Grand Canyon, this 25km-long river gorge slices through limestone cliffs, with emerald waters below and vertigo-inducing views above. It’s a region where scenic drives meet clifftop villages, and kayaks drift beneath 700m-high walls.

This one-week itinerary lets you experience the full circle—by foot, road, and boat. With distances manageable by car and rewarding stops every day, this is the kind of journey that lingers long after you’ve returned home.

Would you paddle the turquoise river—or drive the cliffs high above it?

The Village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, Provence, France - Shutterstock

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🌟 New: Travel Quizzer is Here!

Are you ready to prove your travel smarts? Don’t miss the chance to play the hottest new trivia game for travel lovers!

Here’s a taste: Where is the famous Kylemore Abbey located?

Think you know? Don’t wait—thousands of trivia buffs are already hooked. Play Travel Quizzer now!

From Social Media

Belcastel Castle, Occitanie, France stands on a rocky hillside, overlooking the peaceful village and winding Aveyron River

Mange

The Most Famous French Recipe, Prepared in a Simple Way!

Xtra

Postman Cheval's self-taught methods to build his dream palace

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