History

The Small Town of Hauterives (Alta-Ripa in 1257 then Alterives in 1588) is situated 25 km North of Romans, 21 km North East of Saint Vallier on the Dolphin's road. 300 meters above sea level, between the two hills that shape the Valley of Galaure. It was founded by either the Allobroge, the Roman, the Bourguignon or the French? No one really knows. The town was long ago included into the walls of the Feudal Castle (XIIth century) which the Ogival door still remains.

If legends are to be believed, the Count Anselme, native of Mayence and his son Pinabel who were both pick pockets lived in the manor, and it was the Paladin Roland, warrior with the Dauphines against the Maures who ended their sinister exploits after discovering their stolen goodsin the manor.

Amedee of Clermont also lived there as lord, later in his life, he became the Abbot of Haute Combe then the bishop of LAUSANNE, and finally Saint Amedee.

The stronghold collapsed around 1650 due to the pressure of time. The castle was built at that time and we can see it today on the left side of the river Galaure. There is a garden with a beautiful cedar tree 300 years old and 35 meters high.

Postman Cheval who left his life's work "The Ideal Palace" in Hauterives, a unique work of art which attracts thousands of visitors each year, is not the only famous person coming  from Hauterives.

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The General of MIRIBEL, Major General of the French Army, whose statue has been erected in front of the church, came also from there. Joseph Antoine FERLAY, in charge of the Department of the Drôme and André LACROIX, Departments archivist between 1863 and 1910, came from the village too.

Crédit Photo: Collection OT