L’ Oeuvre D un Facteur (GC27WQH) – GEOCACHE OF THE WEEK – January 31, 2013

Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval
This is just one view of the palace.

What started as a single stone and a dream became the amazing Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval. This palace in the south of France was built over the course of 33 years by one French postman, Ferdinand Cheval. Now the palace hosts visitors from around the world, as well as this week’s Geocache of the Week.

Palais Idéal du Facteur Cheval
Maybe Ferdinand Cheval wanted to represent the geocachers he knew would be coming to see his palace. Photo by geocacher Louchou.

L’ Oeuvre D un Facteur (GC27WQH), is all about the amazing location. Located just outside the park (we won’t give you specifics), you’ll be close enough to marvel at the craftsmanship and dedication that went into constructing the palace. After finding the geocache, take a stroll around the palace and you’ll find a vast array of construction inspirations—from the bible to Hindu sanctuaries to a sandcastle. The palace even contains a shrine for his wheelbarrow.

Ferdinand Cheval began building his ideal palace in 1879 after being inspired by a unique stone he found along his postal route. For the next 33 years, he continued to build in various styles using stones he collected, cement and wire. Cheval never had any training in architecture, building or masonry. In their log, geocacher Traveler’s Magic noted, “What a mind he must of had. Will never forget this place.”

Ferdinand Cheval
This is a portrait of the man himself, Ferdinand Cheval. Photo by geocacher visamiol74.

So if one man can be inspired by one stone to build a palace, what will be the inspiration for your next (or first) hide? Tell us in the comments below.

Continue to explore some of the most engaging geocaches around the globe. Check out all the Geocaches of the Week on the Geocaching blog or view the Bookmark List on Geocaching.com.

If you would like to nominate a Geocache of the Week, send an email with your name, comments, the name of the geocache, and the GC code to pr@groundspeak.com.