‘Maison’ is French for ‘house’. But Maison de Victor Hugo in Paris is no simple dwelling. Found in the Place des Vosges - originally known as Place Royale - the sprawling apartments were home to the famed writer Victor Hugo between 1832 and 1848. Hugo fled from the revolution in his last year there.
Les Miserables and The Hunchback of Notre Dame are the author’s most famous books. Other lesser known, but arguably superior works of Victor Hugo include Ninety-Three and The Man Who Laughs.
The Victor Hugo museum is full of drawings, mementos, 19th century furniture and other artifacts of the time. The Chinese salon from Hugo’s house on Guernsey has been relocated here, as well. Even if you are not a serious Hugo fan, it’s an interesting and charming stop in Paris.
You will find your way into the house through a delightful outdoor square. The property is lined with old brick houses, arcades and a garden, and it’s easy to imagine the author approaching along the cobblestoned streets.
Just as Victor Hugo must have seen, each time he approached home, you will still see a large red and white brick facade atop several large arches. The top of the house displays classical Greek ornamentation typical of the period.
Inside you will be able to peruse first editions of the writer’s works, and view a painting of his funeral procession at the Arc de Triomphe. Millions came to the event mourn his passing.
There are also portraits of Hugo’s family. Alongside are drawings and documents showing the life story of the writer, and the many artists he knew as friends. Great minds and personalities used to dine here regularly, like Balzac and Dumas, Paganini and Liszt, Musset and many others. Even Charles Dickens and the Duke of Orleans visited Hugo here.
Several years after his death, Hugo’s former home was inaugurated as a museum in 1903. The layout is not exactly as it was during his lifetime as much of the furniture was auctioned off in 1852.
Still, the second floor apartment bears great resemblance to what it was then. It is easy to imagine the great writer at his desk, where his inkwell and handwriting samples can still be seen. Here he wrote several of his masterpieces, including ‘Ruy Blas’ and ‘Songs of the Twilight’.
The rooms also reveal his other passions - displaying his original drawings and photographs. There are even furniture pieces designed by Hugo, who learned the craft while he was working in theater.
After exiting down the creaking staircase you’ll be led out again to the Place des Vosges. It is a lovely place to have a croissant and coffee in an outdoor cafe while soaking up the quiet beauty of the Marais district.
Constructed during the early 17th century there are nearly 40 large ‘maisons’ here. Viewing them, one can easily forget that modern bustling Paris is only a few blocks away.
The museum is easy to get to via the metro (subway). Exit at Chemin-Vert, Saint-Paul or Bastille.
Here are other museums found in Paris.
Skip the queues when you pre-purchase your entrance ticket to Grevin Wax Museum! The Grevin Wax Museum invites you to experience the spirit of Paris of yesterday and of today, through astounding scenes and more than 300 wax figures.
Enjoy the glamour and romance of vibrant Paris as you see the major sights such as Arc de Triomphe, the Champs-Elysees, the Concorde, the Eiffel Tower and Saint-Germain des Pres. Explore the Louvre Museum and enjoy a cruise along the Seine River followed by a visit to Notre Dame Cathedral.
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