Guernsey Walking Tours: Explore & Taste Victor Hugo's Guernsey

A Taste of Guernsey’s Past...and its spirits

Step into the world of Victor Hugo and uncover the incredible story of his 15-year exile in Guernsey. This immersive walking tour, led by a Silver Accredited Guide renowned local guide Keith Pengelley and in partnership with The Channel Islands Liquor Co Ltd, takes you through the heart of St Peter Port to explore Hugo’s deep connection to the island that inspired some of his greatest works, including The Toilers of the Sea and L'Archipel de la Manche. As you walk the streets Hugo once roamed, you will discover the drama behind his departure from France, his brief stay in Jersey and his passionate impressions of Guernsey’s people and landscape.

The tour brings history to life with vivid anecdotes and literary references, from Hugo’s swims and writing at Havelet Bay to his encounters with members of the British garrison at Fort George. You’ll visit the sites where Hugo lived, stayed, dined, and was inspired before ending with a tasting of craft gins and rums at the island’s most unique distillery, The Vivier Bunker Distillery, tucked inside an atmospheric former German bunker and lovingly repurposed by The Channel Islands Liquor Co Ltd. 

This tour is history with soul, and flavour.

Landmarks & Locations on the Tour:

• The Harbour and Quay Area – As described in Hugo's The Toilers of the Sea and L’Archipel de la Manche. Keith will help you reimagine the harbour and Slaugherhouse during Hugo's time. You will also learn about what was formerly L'Hotel de L'Europe where Hugo stayed and The Crown Hotel where Hugo's mistress stayed. 

• Havelet Bay – Where Hugo bathed and referenced it in his writing

• Fort George – Where you can learn about Hugo’s interactions with members of the British garrison. 

• Town Church – Keith will share Hugo's anecdotes about the Town Church and the fictional marriage of Deruchette in Toilers of the Sea located at this site. 

• Picquet House – Where you can learn about it's history and Hugo’s friendship with one of the directors

• The Albert Statue – Learn about Hugo’s opinions on this statue and Guernsey landmark.

• Market building & Assembly Rooms – Where Keith will provided an account of this building an recount how the Hugo family attended a concert in this building. 

• Commercial Arcade - See where the bookbinders of Les Misérables worked. 

• Cornet Street – Reimagine this street in the Victorian era and learn about the shops and businesses that Hugo patronised. 

• The Strand – Hear stories about Hugo's interaction with William Nelson, who repaired a model ship for Hugo. 

• Hauteville Road – Visit the road where Hugo’s home is located learn about story of the burglar raid, while also learning about the tale of the ghost workers 

Tour Information

• Duration:  Approximately 1 hour sedate walking and 45 minutes product tasting. 
• Meeting/End Point: Vivier Bunker Distillery, home to Channel Islands Liquor Co. Map here.
• Comfort Stop: Only near (5 minutes walk) start and end location.
• Tour Fee: £30.00 per person  
• When: Starting at 15:00 on the following Wednesdays: 
  • July: 2, 9, 16 or 23
  • August: 6, 13, 20, 27
  • September: 3, 10, 17, 24 

Or for additional dates, please email  Keith@guernseywalkingtours.com

Additional Information:

Please dress according to weather conditions and terrain. The tour will proceed in light ran, please dress appropriately (an umbrella can sometimes be useful). A bottle of drinking water is often advisable. Spaces are limited, early booking recommended. 

The walking tour itself is approximately 1 hour, and the distillery tour and tasting is approximately 45 minutes. 

How to book

To book you can either book via the website here.

Or to browse all of Keith's tours, visit: Home - Guernsey Walking Tours