The Victor Hugo Trails have been launched by the Victor Hugo Centre to allow people to learn more about Hugo and his exile in Guernsey.
The two linked trails, sponsored by Moore Stephens, span 8km from the Guernsey Information Centre to Fermain Bay, via La Vallette.
Islanders and tourists will have the chance to walk in Hugo’s footsteps from the start of May when information boards with QR-linked audio files are erected.
Larry Malcic, Victor Hugo Centre Chairman said: “The Victor Hugo Trails are about Hugo and his ‘island of inspiration’. 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.”
Victor Hugo wrote some of his most famous works while in exile in Guernsey (1855-1870) including Les Misérables and Toilers of the Sea, which came during a period of change and prosperity for the island.
Trail stops include Elizabeth College, Victoria Tower, St James, the Commercial Arcade and the Market buildings, all newly built during Hugo’s exile.
Mr Malcic added: “Hugo was deeply engaged with the political and philosophical changes of his time. He championed social justice and freedom, ideas still under threat today. In Guernsey, he found absolute freedom of thought, speech and expression, and now others can see the island through his eyes.”
The project has involved support from local individuals and organisations with familiar local voices featuring on the audio recordings.
Laura Harrison, Victor Hugo Centre’s Operations Manager said: “The trails have been a team effort. We’re grateful to Moore Stephens and Visit Guernsey for their support and to the many people who have helped bring this to life from James Colmer for his artwork to the 16 people who have recorded audio for us.
“We’ve built on the work of others including Dr Gregory Stevens Cox and Professor Florence Naugrette of the Sorbonne, and Dinah Bott, Chair of the Victor Hugo in Guernsey Society. While working on the project, we were amazed to hear from contributors about their links to Hugo. Sue Devine, Manager at Mill Street Café, was a guide at Hauteville House while Brian Staples, known for his work with the Guernsey Rowing Club, once worked there as a carpenter.”
Sam Bird, CEO of Moore Stephens said: “One of our aims at Moore Stephens is to embrace change. Through the Victor Hugo Trails, we are proud to show off Guernsey in its full glory and to look back at the island through the eyes of Victor Hugo – one of our most influential and famous residents.”
