Maison Victor Hugo – Another Literary Landmark In Paris

Nestled in the heart of the Marais, Maison Victor Hugo offers a glimpse into the life and creativity of one of France's most celebrated literary figures. Located on Place des Vosges, this elegant apartment-turned-museum was once home to Victor Hugo, the writer behind Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Today, it stands as a testament to his genius, displaying a collection of his personal belongings, manuscripts, and artwork.

Here you can step into the world of Hugo's imagination, where he wrote and where he entertained the great thinkers of his time. With a combination of history, literature, and art, the Maison Victor Hugo is an essential stop for anyone interested in Paris's cultural heritage.

Discovering the Maison Victor Hugo

The salon, with red velvet wallpaper, photo Maison Victor Hugo

Maison Victor Hugo is located in a beautifully preserved corner of Place des Vosges in a corner of the Marais. The apartment, situated on the second floor of a building known as Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée, was Hugo's residence from 1832 to 1848. During this time, he wrote some of his most influential works while engaging in political and social debates that would shape his legacy.

The museum's exhibits include the writer's personal furniture, family portraits, and original manuscripts. Each room is arranged to reflect different aspects of Hugo's life, from his political activism to his fascination with Gothic art and architecture. The museum also features temporary exhibitions that highlight various facets of 19th-century literature and culture, making it worthwhile to revisit regularly.

The Writing Room at Maison Victor Hugo

The writing room, or study, showing his tall, stand-up desk, photo Maison Victor Hugo

One of the most evocative spaces in Maison Victor Hugo is the writing room or study. Preserved with careful attention to detail, this room showcases Hugo's desk, where he penned masterpieces that continue to captivate readers in France and around the world. Interestingly, Hugo had an unusual preference for writing while standing, which you can see by the height of the writing desk compared to nearby furniture. Imagine him standing there the creating characters like Jean Valjean and Esmeralda.

The walls of this room are covered with sketches and drawings by Hugo himself, another one of his artistic talents in addition to the written word. It's a space that resonates deeply with Hugo fans, where you get a rare look at the intersection between hiss personal life and his creative pursuits.

The Salon & Social Life of Victor Hugo

The author's bedroom, photo Maison Victor Hugo

The salon at Maison Victor Hugo is a highlight if you're interested in 19th-century Paris and the writer's role as a central figure in society. Hugo often hosted gatherings here, bringing together influential artists, intellectuals, and politicians of the era. The room, decorated with period furniture and artwork, captures the spirit of Parisian life of the era.

Here, you can admire objects and mementos that tell the story of Hugo's friendships and collaborations, creating a vivid picture of his multifaceted personality. This room exemplifies Hugo's dual identity as a private individual and a public figure who shaped the cultural and political landscape of France both during and after his lifetime.

Maison Victor Hugo – A Lasting Legacy

The library at the Maison, photo Maison Victor Hugo

A visit to the Maison Victor Hugo is more than just a literary pilgrimage — it's a journey into the heart of Parisian history and culture of the 19th century. The museum gives you an insider's portrait of Victor Hugo's life, showing how his creativity and convictions continue to inspire.

The Maison will be rewarding if you're a fan of his novels and the works they inspired, if you're interested in 19th-century Paris, or if you're simply curious about the man behind the words. When you leave the elegant halls of the Maison Victor Hugo, you'll take with you a renewed appreciation for one of France's greatest literary treasures.

Victor Hugo: A Life of Passion & Influence

Victor Hugo (1802-1885) remains one of France's most celebrated literary and cultural figures. A prodigious talent, he gained fame for his poetry, plays, and novels, many of which explore themes of justice, freedom, and humanity.

His monumental works, Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame, not only captivated readers worldwide but also highlighted social issues of his time, from poverty to the fight for human rights. Hugo's profound influence extended beyond literature, making him a central voice in the cultural and political life of 19th-century France.

A staunch advocate for abolition and freedom, Hugo's political convictions often placed him at odds with authority. His exile during the reign of Napoleon III solidified his reputation as a fierce defender of democratic ideals and artistic freedom.

While living on the Channel Islands, he continued to write prolifically, producing poetry, essays, and novels that reflected his enduring commitment to justice and progress. Hugo's legacy is etched in both French history and global literature, and his former home at Maison Victor Hugo stands as a fitting tribute to this extraordinary life.

Maison Victor Hugo Museum Resources

• 6 Place des Vosges
• 4th Arrondissement
• Metro: Bastille, Chemin Vert
• Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10 to 6
• Website…