Maison de Victor Hugo

The Basics

A visit to the Maison de Victor Hugo is included in most guided tours of the Marais district and on literary tours of Paris. The museum focuses on his life before, during, and after his self-imposed exile from 1860s Napoleonic France. Visitors can tour the rooms—sumptuously decorated by Hugo himself, who had an interest in interior decor—in which he wrote and lived from 1832 to 1848, including the bed he passed away in from pneumonia.

The Maison de Victor Hugo contains manuscripts and correspondence belonging to Hugo and even some first editions of his work. Temporary exhibitions pertain to the author’s life, and an immense library is open to the public by appointment.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Maison de Victor Hugo is a must-see for literary buffs andLes Miserable fans.

• Admission to the permanent exhibit is free, but there is a charge to view the temporary exhibits.

• The house is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available at the reception area.

How to Get There

The metro is the easiest way to get around Paris. Taking metro line 1, 5, or 8 to the Bastille stop will get you within a 5-minute walk of the Maison de Victor Hugo. Driving is not recommended since finding parking is difficult, but parking spots are available at the museum for disabled visitors.

When to Get There

The Maison de Victor Hugo is open to visitors daily except for Mondays and French holidays. If you’re interested in the temporary exhibits or talks and special workshops the museum organizes for young visitors, check the museum website to see what special events are happening during your visit.

The Place des Vosges

Originally known as the Place Royale, the Place des Vosges is the oldest planned square in Paris, built by Henri IV in the early 1600s. This beautifully manicured park, surrounded by 17th-century townhomes including the Maison de Victor Hugo, is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic lunch after touring the museum.

Ways to explore

Many guided tours of the Marais district and literary tours of Paris visit the exterior of the Maison de Victor Hugo, and some include a quick stop inside. You can tour the rooms, sumptuously decorated by Hugo himself (who had an interest in interior decor), and see the bed where he died from pneumonia. Temporary exhibitions pertain to the author’s life. There’s also a library that is open to the public by appointment. Admission to the permanent exhibit is free, but there is a charge to view the temporary exhibits.

Accessibility

The house is wheelchair accessible, and wheelchairs are available at the reception area.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Smartphone with free museum app pre-downloaded

What to wear

Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothes and shoes

Not allowed

Large bags

Amenities

Restrooms, café, lockers

Address

The Maison de Victor Hugo is located on the southeast corner of the Place des Vosges, an elegant square in the heart of the Marais District, a short walk from the Place de la Bastille.

Driving

The house is located on the Place des Vosges, which is a difficult area to access by car. Finding parking is not typically easy, but the museum offers designated parking spots for disabled visitors.

Public transportation

Take line 1, 5, or 8 of the Paris Metro to the Bastille Station, line 1 to Saint-Paul, or line 8 to Chemin Vert. Bus numbers 20, 29, 65, 69, and 96 also stop nearby.

Best times to visit

Visit first thing in the morning or late in the day to avoid crowds. The last admission of the day is 30 minutes before closing.

Best days to visit

The Maison de Victor Hugo is open every day of the week except for Monday and select national holidays. Visit on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Best months to visit

The house is a great place to visit year-round, but expect crowds during the summer months.

Special events

The museum occasionally hosts special events; check the website for details.