Victor Hugo · 1862 · overland

Victor Hugo's monumental 1862 novel, following the convict Jean Valjean across decades and the breadth of France as he seeks to redeem himself, pursued relentlessly by the policeman Javert. Around his flight Hugo builds a vast portrait of poverty, justice and revolution that culminates on the Paris barricades of 1832. One of the towering achievements of the novel. The route traces Valjean's journey from the galleys to Paris.

1. 1
   Toulon

   Jean Valjean is released from the galleys at Toulon after nineteen years of hard labour for stealing a loaf of bread, a hardened and bitter man.

2. 2
   Digne

   At Digne the saintly Bishop Myriel shows him such mercy, forgiving even the theft of his silver, that Valjean resolves to become an honest man.

3. 3
   Montreuil-sur-Mer

   Under a new name he prospers and becomes the beloved mayor of Montreuil-sur-Mer, where he takes up the cause of the dying Fantine and her daughter.

4. 4
   Montfermeil

   He rescues the child Cosette from the cruel Thenardiers at their inn in Montfermeil and flees with her into the night.

5. 5
   Paris

   To Paris, where they hide and Cosette grows up, and where the barricades of 1832, the sewers and Valjean's final redemption await.