As a child, he toured the world numerous times with his father. Among the many destinations visited, he stayed in the Manche for a few weeks in From Mont Saint-Michel to Barfleur, the journey of the poet and novelist involved nine stages. Always looking for inspiration for his work, he observed, noted, drew, commented, and was awed or outraged. He is an expert on Victor Hugo and the biographer of Juliette Drouet, who accompanied Victor Hugo during the trip, as she did for more than 50 years of his life.
Victor Hugo arrived in la Manche in Pontorson on the evening of 23rd June From there, he discovered Mont Saint-Michel. Fascinated by this place , he told his friend Louise Bertin all about it in one of his letters:. I am writing to you, mademoiselle, from Mont Saint-Michel, which is truly the most beautiful spot in the world. Mont Saint-Michel and its bay. In Avranches , the ardent defender of heritage had eyes only for the view of Mont Saint-Michel.
He remembered the road to Granville as being very pleasant. Walk to the Cabane Vauban. After his exile, Victor Hugo returned to Granville three times in , and before embarking on the boat that took him to Guernsey.
A few years later, this man of action as much as of words continued his tirade against the state of Norman heritage. Notre-Dame Cathedral in Coutances. Having no transport, the writer and his companion once again walked across country to get to Barneville-Carteret. As a reward, they were able to enjoy the spectacular sea views so characteristic of the Cotentin Peninsula.
When I arrived in Barneville, the sun had already set, and beautiful inky trees stood out against the silver twilight sky, while at the horizon the sea mimicked the sound of carriages in Paris.
