In the centre of Hauterives, near the town hall, stands the Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval. A visit includes the on-site museum, which conveys the life and sources of inspiration of postman Cheval and pays tribute to numerous artists associated with him. The Palais is set in a lush garden of around 1,000 m².
Anyone wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Hauterives can include this in their travel planning.
Culture and History
Villa Alicius was built between 1893 and 1895; after his retirement, Ferdinand Cheval moved there with his family. The medieval village of Hauterives was fortified with four gates, one of which is still preserved in the northeast.
Only an ogival gate remains of the former feudal castle of Hauterives. At the age of 78, Ferdinand Cheval began constructing the tomb “Le tombeau du silence et du repos sans fin” in the cemetery of Hauterives.
Landscape
Hauterives lies in the Galaure Valley on a raised terrace above the right bank of the river. The “Bonne Combe” hike follows the Galaure and crosses the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views.
Activities
“Entre Valloire et Galaure” is a signposted 46.64 km mountain-bike loop starting and ending in Hauterives. The route offers views of the Galaure Valley, the Pilat, the Ardèche and the Vercors, and passes through numerous stretches of woodland.
The “La tournée du facteur” hike is considered an easy, family-friendly three-hour hike. It alternates between valleys, a small ascent, the banks of the Galaure, woodland and panoramic viewpoints over the hills of the Drôme. “La quête des 3 géants” Explor Games® can be downloaded free of charge to a smartphone and offers a two-hour route through Hauterives.
Orientation
The intermunicipal tourist office opened in the centre of Hauterives in May 2017; it provided information about activities in the 35 municipalities of the Porte de DrômArdèche area.
More local pages: Jaillans, Beaumont-Monteux, Miribel, Beaufort-Sur-Gervanne, Charpey, Saint-Ferréol-Trente-Pas, Propiac, Chantemerle-Les-Blés.
