Hello everyone.I want to share a place I visited while on a trip to Valence. We were only there for two days, as I had received a gift voucher for free accommodation for two people, including breakfast at the hotel where I stayed. Along the way we made a small detour to visit an interesting place.
The place we visited was a palace. To give you some background, this palace was built by a postman named Ferdinand Cheval. He was inspired by the beautiful postcards he saw during his work. In 1879, one day, he stumbled over a stone and, upon falling, noticed that it had an interesting shape. He started collecting stones and carried them home, eventually building his palace over the next 33 years. This palace, called Palais Idéal, is entirely made from the stones Cheval collected by hand. After completing the palace at the age of 76, he also built a similar tomb for himself. This tomb named the Monument to Silence and Eternal Peace is also located in the same area.
I had been eagerly anticipating visiting this Ideal Palace near Valence. After parking our car, we began walking toward the palace.
A metal pergola covered in grapevines greeted us at the entrance and we walked under it to enter. The palace built in Cheval's unique and whimsical style, welcomed us. From a distance, it resembled a monastery, with a similar appearance to Angkor Wat.
Upon reaching the palace, we climbed up the stairs. As soon as we entered we immediately noticed how detailed everything was. Stone decorations, intricately crafted columns and statues that seemed to come from a dream… everything was carefully thought out and made.
It was very impressive to see how everything fit together. The view from the windows was also amazing and the light entering through them added a warm glow to the stones. It was a place that really showcased the power of human imagination. It was so inspiring to see something that seemed impossible at first and realize it could be real.
After coming down from the upper floor, we explored the entrance area. There were inspirational reliefs on the walls, each one like a piece of art. There were also striking writings on the walls.
We then went up to the observation deck to view the palace from above. When we bought our tickets at the entrance, they also gave us tickets for the museum. So, we had the chance to explore the museum as well. It was really enjoyable to get a closer look at both the interior and the surroundings of the palace.
After the museum we headed toward Ferdinand Cheval's tomb. According to the information we gathered from the signs here, after Cheval's death, he wanted to be buried in his palace, but the government prohibited this. Upon hearing this decision at the age of 80, Cheval built a monument for himself in the city cemetery. The inscription on the wall of the palace states that Cheval was not a builder, nor was he involved in sculpture or architecture throughout his life. It even mentions that, aside from being a builder, the sharpest tool was foreign to him. And the inscription say: Those who pass through, know that everything you witness is the work of an ordinary peasant who, inspired by a dream, created the queen of the world.
After visiting the palace, we headed back to the hotel. When we checked in they told me that my room had been upgraded. But to be honest, when I looked at the wall with red stripes, I had some questions. I had only asked for a room with a bathtub and they said "We can offer you a room with a bathtub, but it would be a completely different category." I thought it would be a higher category. But I was wrong. Anyway I tried not to care. They only told me "Completely different category, no balcony." Fortunately, there was a bathtub and it was enough for me.
I didn’t want to change it. Or rather, I didn’t feel like it. There was a nice desk to work at. And yes, breakfast was included. Before heading out, we rested a little and then began exploring the city.