Marvel at the colorful, unusual interiors of Hauteville House, the home of writer Victor Hugo while he lived in Guernsey. Not only does the house show you how the author of Les Misérables lived, but it also displays several medieval-themed rooms that were the result of his creative designs. Explore these colorful spaces and picture Hugo hard at work with views of St. Malo Bay below.
Hugo lived in Hauteville House between 1856 and 1870 during his exile from France while it was ruled by Louis Napoleon Bonaparte. In this period he also published Les Misérables. When the author lived in Paris, he stayed in hotels, making this the only property he owned. He therefore had the freedom to decorate the place with his own designs. Witness the results of his work during his stay here.
Wander around four floors of immaculately decorated rooms, which still contain the furnishings chosen and collected by Hugo himself. He intended each room to have symbolism and imagery that reflected his understanding of the world. Take a tour to learn about the significance of each room.
The ground floor features elaborate woodwork and a corridor of ornate ceramics. Marvel at the lounges on the first floor, decorated with Chinese ephemera, where he would welcome guests. The second floor has an oak gallery of intricately carved panels, designed to demonstrate the experience of being in exile. Explore his library before heading upstairs.
The top of the house overlooks the town of St. Peter Port below, with views of other Channel Islands in the distance. Enjoy the natural light of the Belvedere, complete with pretty tiling beneath the windows.
Stroll around the garden to find an oak tree planted by Hugo in 1870. Pick a spot beneath the shade to picture yourself as the writer seeking inspiration.
Find Hauteville House in central St. Peter Port, in the east of Guernsey. Stroll here from the bus terminus in under 10 minutes. Visitors driving to the house can park on the surrounding streets.
Note that the house was closed for restorations in 2018 if you plan on visiting while in Guernsey, check ahead to make sure it has re-opened.