In 1885, Victor Hugo, just 23 years old, discovered Montenvert (as it was spelt at the time) and the Mer de Glace. (August 16th 1825)
To carry out his excursion and walk on the Mer de Glace glacier, the then very young Victor Hugo (who was only 23) took Michel Devouassoux as his guide.
After reaching Montenvert, Victor Hugo and his friend Nodier decided, accompanied by their guide, to cross the Mer de Glace…
But in those days, the glacier was huge, wide and very crevassed, with no regular path, and the future author of Les Misésables fell into a crevasse! 😱 The composure of the young guide saved and brought back Victor Hugo safe and sound!
In fact, the poet wrote on his guide’s booklet; ‘I recommend Michel Devouassoux, who saved my life.’
We were delighted to welcome on board our trains one of Michel Devouassoux’s descendants, Jean Philippe Gaussot, who was taking part in a press conference on the theme of ‘In the footsteps of Victor Hugo’ organised by the Chamonix Tourist Office.
