Top 10 things to do in Hauterives

Top 10 things to do in Hauterives

1- Discover Hauterives

Hauterives is not a recent village. Indeed, Hauterives was founded in the Middle Ages. It was a fortified village with ramparts pierced by four gates. The ogival gate is still present today. The feudal castle dominated the village at the time, and the Hauterives family was already mentioned as early as 1068. While many buildings no longer exist, there are still beautiful stones to discover while strolling through the village streets.

2- Hauterives, botanical village

Hauterives is a botanical village and you can discover the botanical circuit on the theme of fantastic plants or rather "Plant Fantasies". You will discover more than 150 varieties of extraordinary plants, often forgotten, and which, throughout the seasons, adorn the banks of the Galaure or the vestiges of the past. Each bed has its own theme: edible plants, drinking plants, topiary art, ornamental grasses... Visits are free or by appointment at the Tourist Office. In front of the facade of the castle stands a cedar of Lebanon planted under Henry IV, in the second half of the 16th century. It is said to be the oldest in France with its top exceeding 30 meters and its trunk more than eight meters in circumference.

3- The Communal Castle

The communal castle is built on the left bank of the Galaure River. It has existed since the 15th century, and its 17th-century woodwork is absolutely remarkable. This is also true of its 18th-century stucco moldings. It hosts temporary exhibitions. It is in its park that you can admire the superb cedar of Lebanon.

4- The Ideal Palace of the Postman Cheval

Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace is Hauterives's flagship attraction. In 1869, postman Ferdinand Cheval was assigned to Hauterives. Over the years and during his long postal rounds, he collected pebbles and built his famous Ideal Palace. It is Hauterives's flagship attraction and one of France's most astonishing monuments. Construction took more than 30 years to complete, resulting in a building approximately 26 meters long and 12 meters high. It is an incredible feat and a fascinating monument. There are so many details that you should allow plenty of time to appreciate everything. Cheval built his tomb in the Hauterives cemetery near the Palace. A visit to the museum provides a better understanding of Mr. Cheval's story and his sources of inspiration.

Prices:

• Adult: 9.50 euros;
• Child 6-16 years: 5.50 euros;
• Reduced rate: 6.5 euros;
• Audio guide: 2 euros

5- The Hauterives market

The village market is held every Tuesday morning. It's a great opportunity to stock up on delicious local produce. Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings are the organic market, and Drôme is the leading organic department in France. Fill your basket with walnut cream, Saint-Joseph cheese, Picodon cheese, honey, pear or apple juice, walnut oil, and don't forget black and white truffles. Take the time to explore the many stalls and let yourself be captivated by this atmosphere rich in scents and colors.

6- Our Lady of Bonnecombe

In the 12th century, Notre-Dame de Bonnecombe was a priory of the Order of Saint Ruf. The monks were expelled during the Wars of Religion and it fell into ruin. It was rebuilt in 1690 and demolished again during the Revolution. In 1855, it was restored. The chapel is nicknamed Notre-Dame des Mères because the water from the nearby spring was reputed to combat sterility.

7- The labyrinths of Hauterives

The Drôme des collines is ideal for hosting labyrinths . In a magnificent setting, discover an exceptional site housing four labyrinths in the shape of spirals, dead ends, and romantic paths. With more than 6,000 trees and seven kilometers of trails, between the Wisteria arbor, the Lavenders, the Cypresses, and the Charmilles, there is plenty to get lost in peace. It is a perfect site for children and adults alike. Lose yourself a little in the wisteria arbor, lose yourself much more in the 1.5 km lavender labyrinth, lose yourself passionately in the 3.5 km of cypresses or madly in the 2.5 kilometers of Charmilles.

Prices:

• Adult: 13 euros;
• Child 3-14 years: 11.50 euros;
• Family (2 adults + 2 children): 42 euros.

8- Hiking and the Quest for the Three Giants

Hauterives is located in the Drôme des Collines region, boasting numerous marked trails. Choose the Grande Randonnée "in the footsteps of Charles IX" or choose a family-friendly route on foot, by bike, or on horseback—there's something for every taste and every fitness level.

The quest of the three giants to explore an interactive adventure trail, an "explore game" around the Ideal Palace. It's a very pleasant walk that goes from the village to the postman's tomb, with a round trip covering 2.8 km. It's a great way to extend your visit to the Palace. The Hauterives Tourist Office offers dedicated tablets for rent for greater gaming comfort, but you can also use your smartphone. The activity is free.

9- Fly over the land of the Cheval postman in a hot air balloon

Hot air balloon flights over the Palais Idéal, as well as the hills of the Drôme, the vineyards of Saint-Joseph, and along the Rhône River offer an incredible experience. The best time to fly is at sunrise or sunset. Let yourself be lulled by the air currents and admire the landscape passing beneath your feet. You'll see the Palais Idéal from the sky, the postman's rounds, his home village, and more.

Price:

• 290 euros

10- The House Opposite

In Hauterives, the Maison d'en Face (from the tomb of Postman Cheval) is dedicated to crafts and decoration, featuring 15 local designers. Jewelry, ceramics, raku, sewing, linen, candles, soaps, lighting, painting... La Maison d'en Face is also a charming tea room where you can enjoy a break with exceptional teas and refreshing drinks.