Maison de Victor Hugo

Description

Let me tell you about one of Paris’s most fascinating literary time capsules – the Maison de Victor Hugo. The moment you step into this elegant apartment where the legendary French writer once lived, you’re transported straight into the 19th century. And trust me, as someone who’s visited countless literary museums across Europe, this place hits different.

Spread across the second floor of a grand building in Place des Vosges, the museum captures the essence of Hugo’s creative universe. The rooms here aren’t just museum spaces – they’re windows into the mind of the genius who gave us Les Misérables and The Hunchback of Notre-Dame. I particularly love how each room tells its own story, from his writing study where magic happened to the surprisingly dramatic Chinese-inspired dining room that totally reflects Hugo’s eccentric taste.

Key Features

• Hugo’s personal writing desk and chair where he penned some of his masterpieces
• The Red Drawing Room featuring plush period furniture and family portraits
• An impressive collection of first editions and original manuscripts
• The Chinese Drawing Room with its exotic decorations that Hugo himself designed
• Original sketches and artwork by Hugo (bet you didn’t know he was quite the artist!)
• The recreated bedroom featuring the bed where Hugo passed away
• Interactive displays showing Hugo’s influence on literature and French society
• A remarkable collection of family photographs and personal correspondence
• Temporary exhibitions that dive deep into different aspects of Hugo’s life and work
• Period-accurate furnishings that transport you to 19th-century Paris

Best Time to Visit

Morning visits, especially right when the museum opens at 10 AM, offer the most peaceful experience. I learned this the hard way after getting caught in a mid-afternoon tourist rush! Weekdays are naturally quieter than weekends, and if you’re anything like me and love taking your time to soak in the atmosphere, Tuesday through Friday mornings are your best bet.

Avoid visiting during peak tourist season (July-August) when the small rooms can get pretty cramped. Instead, try planning your visit during shoulder season – April-May or September-October. Not only will you dodge the crowds, but you’ll also get to see the Place des Vosges in its most beautiful state, either blooming with spring flowers or painted in autumn colors.

How to Get There

Getting to Maison de Victor Hugo is pretty straightforward using Paris’s excellent public transport system. The closest metro stations are Saint-Paul (Line 1) and Bastille (Lines 1, 5, and 8). From either station, it’s just a short walk through the charming Marais neighborhood.

If you’re like me and enjoy exploring on foot, you can easily combine your visit with other Marais attractions. The museum sits right on the gorgeous Place des Vosges, and honestly, half the fun is wandering through the historic streets to get there.

Tips for Visiting

Here’s what I wish someone had told me before my first visit: grab an audio guide! While the basic descriptions are available in English, the audio tour adds so much depth to your experience. It’s worth every euro, trust me.

Book your tickets online ahead of time – it’ll save you from queuing, especially during busy periods. The museum is free on the first Sunday of each month, but expect larger crowds then.

Give yourself at least 1.5 to 2 hours to really appreciate everything. I made the mistake of rushing through on my first visit and missed so many fascinating details. The Chinese Drawing Room alone deserves a good 15 minutes of your time!

Photography is allowed without flash, so charge your camera before coming. Some of the rooms have incredible natural light that makes for amazing photos.

Consider visiting during one of their temporary exhibitions – they often provide unique perspectives on Hugo’s life and work that you won’t find in guidebooks. But heads up – the museum can get pretty warm during summer months (old buildings, you know?), so dress comfortably.

And don’t forget to spend some time in Place des Vosges after your visit. There’s something special about sitting in the same square where Hugo himself used to walk, maybe with a coffee from one of the nearby cafés. It really helps you process everything you’ve just seen and learned about one of France’s most influential writers.

The museum gift shop, while small, has some really unique items that you won’t find elsewhere in Paris. I still treasure the beautifully illustrated edition of Les Misérables I picked up there. Just remember to bring cash – sometimes their card machine can be temperamental!

Location

Places to Stay Near Maison de Victor Hugo

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