The Maison de Victor Hugo, one of the museums of the City of Paris, provides a glimpse into the life of the famous author. Although best known outside of France for his novels, particularly The Hunchback of Notre-Dame (called Notre-Dame de Paris in French) and Les Misérables, he was also a prolific poet and an artist.

Victor Hugo, his wife, and their four children lived in the Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée, on the Place des Vosges, from 1832 to 1848. This was just after the publication of The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. During his time in this house he wrote many famous works, including parts of Les Misérables.

Although subsequent inhabitants changed the house after Victor Hugo's time, family and supporters have worked together to bring furnishings and works of art from Victor Hugo to reproduce what the house was like when he lived there.

The bedroom, noteworthy for its red furnishings and wall coverings, is a reproduction of his room when he lived on the Avenue d'Eylau, from 1878 until his death in 1885.

The Hôtel de Rohan-Guéménée was donated to the city of Paris in 1902 by Paul Meurice, friend, editor and follower of Victor Hugo. With donations from Meurice's own collections and those of Victor Hugo's grandchildren, he led the development of the museum for the man he so admired.

The museum divides Hugo's life into three stages: "before exile," "during exile," and "after exile." Because of his strong disagreements with Napoleon III, Hugo left France for Belgium and later Guernsey in 1855 and did not return to live in France until 1870.

Victor Hugo was not only an author, but also an artist with a flair for decoration. The Chinese Salon is particularly noteworthy. Paintings, drawings, and sketches may be found throughout the house

The Chinese Salon, Maison de Victor Hugo.

The Maison de Victor Hugo is one of the museums of the City of Paris. Access to the permanent collections is free, but the museum does regularly offer special exhibitions. During the times of special exhibitions there is an admission charge.

The City of Paris also operates Hauteville House, Guernsey, where Victor Hugo lived for many years.

The Maison de Victor Hugo is closed Monday.

Métro: St-Paul or Bastille

Maison de Victor Hugo
6 Place des Vosges
75004 Paris, France
Tel +33 (0)1 42 72 10 16

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