Sixteen years on the oldest square in Paris
In October 1832, Victor Hugo moved in with his wife Adèle to a 280 m² apartment on the second floor of a mansion on Place Royale, now Place des Vosges. He lived there until 1848, sixteen years, at number 6 on the square, 100 m from Hôtel de la Herse d'Or.
From home to house-museum
The house became a museum thanks to a major gift from Paul Meurice to the City of Paris, which allowed the premises to be bought. Today it is part of Paris Musées, the group of the City's museums.
What you will see
The route runs through the antechamber, the Chinese drawing room, a medieval-style dining room and the writer's bedroom, in interiors that show his taste for ornament.
Preparing your visit
- Before or after, walk under the arcades of the square and around the central garden.
- The Carnavalet Museum is close by, on rue de Sévigné.
- For another place of memory in the neighbourhood, see the mansions and their courtyards.
Why Hôtel de la Herse d'Or is the best base to visit Victor Hugo's house
Victor Hugo's house is on Place des Vosges, 100 m from the hotel: you walk there in a few minutes. From 20 rue Saint-Antoine, Bastille is 200 m away, Notre-Dame and the Louvre under 20 minutes on foot, and Bastille station (lines 1, 5 and 8) about 100 m away to go further. The front desk is open 24 hours a day.
Good to know. Opening hours, prices and booking rules change: check the museum's official website before you go.
Frequently asked questions
How long did Victor Hugo live on Place des Vosges?
Sixteen years, from 1832 to 1848, in a second-floor apartment.
How far is Victor Hugo's house from the hotel?
It is on Place des Vosges, 100 m from the hotel.