Victor Hugo Trails launch in Guernsey

Friday, 30 May 2025 11:30

Islanders and visitors alike will be able to walk in Hugo's footsteps.

Victor Hugo wrote some of his most famous works while in exile in Guernsey, between 1855 and 1870, including Les Misérables and Toilers of the Sea.

To honour his time on the island, the Victor Hugo Centre has set up two joint trails with information boards, and QR codes linked to audio explainers.

They have been placed along a 5-mile route from the Information Centre to Fermain Bay, via La Vallette.

Trail stops include Elizabeth College, Victoria Tower, St James, the Commercial Arcade and the Market buildings, which were all newly-built during Hugo’s exile.

16 people recorded audio for the project, including the author's great-grandson, Jean-Baptiste Hugo.

The centre's Operations Manager, Laura Harrison, says some local voices feature too.

"Raymond Evison, who has just won his 35th gold at the Chelsea Flower Show, talks about gardening at the Candie gardens site.

"Then we've got Adrian Sarchet, the well-known Sea Donkey, talking about Victor Hugo, who was also a big fan of sea swimming and swam a lot at Havelet."

Centre Chairman Larry Malcic says Hugo found Guernsey inspiring.

"Like the centre, the aim of the Victor Hugo Trails is to entertain, inform and inspire, and will be available in French and English.

"It is my hope that the Victor Hugo Trails will introduce Hugo to a new audience in addition to making his many fans think about his work in a new way."