Not bad ... from pebbles to build palaces

A French postman spent 33 years of his life, to build his own dream life: a stunning palace made of pebbles and special stones that he found in his tracks made while delivered letters to their addressees.

What started as a hobby in 1879, resulted in a life's work and one of the most magical, amateur architectural structures in the world: the palace Le Palais ideal.

The Ferdinand Cheval quit school at age 13 to become an assistant baker, also came postman in Hauterives region of France.

The idea of ​​creating an elaborate cathedral of a day came when they stumbled upon a stone of unusual shape. That was about 30 years old.

Every day after work, he gave "precious" findings in an area somewhat and Hauterives so began the 33etes life work without any outside help.

The staunch mason often devoted many hours working even during the night, in the light of an oil lamp.

The outer walls of the "palace" reach 24 meters in length and 10 meters in height, while the complex architecture is complemented by impressive sculptures of exotic animals and mythical creatures, which was inspired by the cards delivered to several recipients.

The Cheval asked after his death be buried palace, which however was not allowed and so talented, amateur architect and builder came to build his own mausoleum in the cemetery where he was buried after his death in 1924, a year after the completion of the "ideal of the palace."

An inscription carved above the palace walls indicate the following: "The dream of a man".