The film version of “Les Misérables” won three Academy Awards this year, and fans of the film can find France tours to showcase favorite landmarks from the film. Many American fans incorrectly assume “Les Miserables” is set during the French revolution, but the book written by Victor Hugo takes place after the revolution from 1815 to 1836.
Author Victor Hugo’s Parisian home
Smithsonian Magazine suggests how to Take a Tour of Victor Hugo’s Paris. Although Hugo was an advocate for the poor and down-trodden, he came from a middle-class family. Start a tour of Paris by visiting the Maison Victor Hugo, or house of Victor Hugo, at 6 Place des Vosges. The author worked on “Les Misérables” for 17 years before publishing the novel in 1862.
Fall in love with the Jardin du Luxembourg
Young Marius catches glimpses of the beautiful Cosette at the Jardin du Luxembourg, a lush garden dating from the early 1600s. The garden was created in homage to Italian gardens in Florence by Marie de Medici, and proved the perfect setting for the romance between the young lovers in “Les Misérables.”
Don’t forget Notre Dame
Before the story of ex-convict Jean Valjean was set to music for a Broadway version of the classic tale, Hugo was better know to some readers as the author of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame.” Any trip to the City of Lights would not be complete without a stop at the cathedral.
Better than a soundstage
To film the 2012 movie version of “Les Misérables,” director Tom Hooper recreated 19th-century Paris on a soundstage in London. However, travelers to France can do even better than a soundstage by visiting the Paris that inspired the epic story. Do you yearn to see the Paris of “Les Misérables” in person? Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information about touring the Paris of Victor Hugo’s era.
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