Haveli Nadine Le Prince in Fatehpur
Fatehpur was founded in the 15th century and became a prosperous merchant town in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of its havelis now stand empty. In the late 1990s, the French artist Nadine Le Prince bought one, built in the early 19th century, and began restoring it with local craftspeople.
Today the haveli is a cultural centre, with restored frescoes on walls and ceilings, a gallery of contemporary art and a residency for artists. The restoration was done carefully, using traditional methods, and the courtyards show how these houses once looked before neglect and weather took their toll.
We visit in the late morning, then walk to a few nearby havelis in Fatehpur that remain unrestored, which makes the contrast clear. There is an entry fee and the haveli keeps set hours; check current status before you travel. The café in the courtyard is a good stop for lunch or tea.
Questions travellers ask
Good to know
Who restored the Le Prince haveli in Fatehpur
The French artist Nadine Le Prince bought the haveli in the late 1990s and restored it with local craftspeople using traditional methods. It now operates as a cultural centre with a gallery and artist residencies. The haveli itself was built in the early 19th century. Its courtyards show how these houses looked before neglect and weather took their toll.
Is Fatehpur worth visiting
Yes, for the Le Prince haveli and the contrast with nearby unrestored havelis. The town is less visited than Mandawa and shows both the beauty and the decline of Shekhawati's painted houses. We visit in the late morning, have lunch or tea in the courtyard café, then walk to nearby unrestored havelis. Ramgarh pairs well with it on the same day.
How long do you need at the Le Prince haveli
About an hour to 90 minutes for the haveli, gallery and courtyard. Add another hour for a walk to other havelis in Fatehpur. The haveli is now a cultural centre with restored frescoes, a gallery of contemporary art and a courtyard café that suits lunch or tea. There is an entry fee and the haveli keeps set hours; check current status before you travel.
Also in Shekhawati (Mandawa)
More hours to plan around
