Le palais idéal

In the southern French town of Hauterives you can find this incredible edifice made by one man, Ferdinand Cheval. He was a mailman who walked up to 35 kms a day to deliver letters and in the evening and night started to build this palace in 1879, which took him 33 years to finish. The palace has many characteristics originating from different cultures around the world that Cheval knew from postcards he delivered. I had read about this place online and was interested at once, but the experience of being there is unforgettable. A true piece of naïve art and a symbol of what you can accomplish when you set a goal for yourself. Very inspiring. Your comments are very welcome.

I'm amazed that this creation is in such good shape after more than 100 years exposed to weather and pollution. I have to say I enjoy following you on your jaunts to faraway places and value your comments and explanations just as much as I do your pictures. You take your time to express your thoughts, which are always worth reading. This has become increasingly rare in a world that sees more value in emojis, "likes" and "followers" rather than a well-written response. I can see their point, of course. After all, there's always the next meal to photograph and share with cyber-friends. So much to do; so little time! Itami Juzo would have a field day skewering this adventure in mindless insanity.

Fantastic! Another GOOD event in the history of ordinary people!! They do so many great things!

Hi Jack,

 

yes, I do take the time to comment on the things I photograph and those of other photographers when I can. I think it can make a difference in perception and understanding, which is almost equally important as the images themselves that we comment on. Thanks for your very friendly comments and the reference to our mutual friend Itami! Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Warren,

 

thanks for your very nice comments! This building is an incredible tribute to what 'ordinary' people can achieve when they set their minds to something. Kind regards, Vincent

A beautiful piece of workmanship that took a long term investment in time, skill and drive. Such dedication to a task shows perseverance of great proportions. It's hard to imagine the great mind that created a work of this magnitude. I think the light is well balanced for the scene and the composition is right on. Thanks for the opportunity to see this marvel. Best regards, Paul.

Hi Paul,

 

thank you for your insightful comment on this photo! Walking around this palace (it's a lot bigger than you would probably imagine) you can hardly feel anything but awe for such willpower, creativity and perseverance. Kind regards, Vincent

A wonderful shot and story, Vincent! A fascinating structure! Details are remarkably shown, I want to look at it again and again ... This postman, no less a magician than Gaudi! Bravo! Sincerely, Tatiana

Vincent, you definitely have the knack of finding amazing structures to photograph. This one certainly is no exception. I totally agree with Jack about the narratives you provide, which I always find both educational and interesting. When I initially viewed the thumbnail, I though I was looking at an Asian structure and quickly found out how wrong I was! As was the case with another of your images, I'm impressed by your use of the framing that nature has provided. It certainly took me to the structure, but its lighting is what kept me these for quite a while. Another superior piece of work! - - My best always, michael

Hi Tatiana,

 

I think some people would disagree to your comparison of Cheval to Gaudi, but I agree with you wholeheartedly. Not only because the outcome is uniquely creative, fascinating and refreshing, but also because the poor mailman had to do everything himself! Kind regards, Vincent

Hi Michael,

 

thank you very much for your kind words, they mean a lot to me. The amazing qualities of this edifice are obviously not my merit, I just photographed them as well as I could. I like to tell the stories of what I see, hoping that others will enjoy the images and their backgrounds as much as I did making the pictures. The morning light was pretty spectacular on this side of the palace. Kind regards, Vincent

What an intricate and beautiful creation. Thank you for introducing to us such a creation and such a person, Vincent! PDE

Hi Pierre,

 

thank you for your friendly comment! Ferdinand Cheval was such a creative mind and had incedible perseverance. I just had to show this to my fellow PN members; the visit to this palace was absolutely breathtaking. Kind regards, Vincent