PlainGeets

Nestled in the heart of the elegant Place des Vosges in Paris, Maison Victor Hugo offers a glimpse into the personal life and living quarter’s of one of France’s most celebrated literary figures.

A literary giant of the 19th century, Victor Hugo is known primarily for “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” a book that I avoided throughout my childhood since I thought it would leave me very sad…only to walk right into the emotionally charged “Les Misérables” which touches the themes of poverty, injustice, and the struggles of common man in my first year of Literature. A literary masterpiece, the book was the first French novel I read (after Le Petit Prince) and left me deeply moved by the complexity of characters, and rich prose. Unfortunately I haven’t read too much of his other work, which spanned various genres, including poetry, drama, and essays, reflecting his versatile talent and his commitment to social justice and human rights. I’ve been waiting a long time for the right opportunity to learn more about his life and works, and it finally happened earlier this year!

The museum, situated in the former residence of Victor Hugo, provides an intimate glimpse into the author’s private world. As we wandered through the meticulously preserved rooms, we were transported back in time to the 19th century.

Like all other museums dedicated to the life of an artist of the highlights of the museum is the extensive collection of memorabilia and personal artefacts, offering a rare insight into the life and mind of the person.

But what I really appreciated in the museum was how they recreated a room of Hauteville House in Guernsey Island, where Victor Hugo lived in exile due to his outspoken political views against Napoleon III. During his 15-year stay on Guernsey, Hugo produced some of his most enduring works, including parts of Les Misérables. The island’s dramatic landscapes and tranquil environment provided him with the perfect setting for reflection and writing.

Hugo transformed the house with his unique sense of style, filling it with eclectic decorations and furniture, many of which he designed himself.

The salon captured in this painting has been meticulously recreated in the house at Place des Vosges, allowing people like me who can’t easily hop over to Guernsey Island, a glimpse into the house that was not just a personal refuge, but also a place of profound creative achievement for Victor Hugo.

The recreation is so well-done you can easily imagine Victor Hugo entertaining his guests in the room, which also holds a beautiful escritoire with writing material that belonged to other literary giants, like Alphonse de Lamartine. 🤩

You will of course visit Maison Victor Hugo if you have read Hugo’s work, or if are a lover of literature. I would also urge you to go there for a unique (and free) glimpse into the life and creative mind of one of France’s greatest literary figures. Post-visit, you can enjoy a cup of coffee with a madeleine at Café Mulot, or step out into the Place des Vosges to extend the cultural immersion!