On my last trip to Paris…I’ve talked about it before. Got mugged. most of time spent in British Consulate etc etc…on MY list of things to see was the Place Royale.

Why?

Because I (thought I) knew that Marie de Rohan had once lived there in the 17th century, cheek by jowl with Cardinal Richelieu and Marion de l’Orme. They were all neighbours.

Richelieu is well-known, Marie de Rohan was my main character. Marion de l’Orme connected them both.

Marion was a famous courtesan. She and the Cardinal were…urm…on friendly terms, so to speak. No comment.

What I knew but had completely forgotten was that Marie’s house in the Place Royale was later owned by Victor Hugo.

Fortunately my comrade-in-mayhem was a huge fan of musical theatre. Les Mis is her favourite.

Marie’s house is now dedicated to Victor Hugo. There was the original MS for Les Mis there. And the Hunchback of Notre Dame. He also wrote a play called Marion de l’Orme.

So me and she had a win/win afternoon :o)