Juliette et les Misérables

Juliette et les Misérables: An Exceptional Sound and Light Show

For over 25 years, Montreuil-sur-Mer has maintained a special connection with Victor Hugo's work. It is in this town that the writer set part of the action of Les Misérables, and it is here that Monsieur Madeleine — alias Jean Valjean — became mayor. This unique literary heritage is celebrated every summer through a grandiose sound and light show in the majestic setting of the Citadel.

A New Staging Since 2023

In 2023, the show was completely reimagined under the title 'Juliette et les Misérables'. This new version offers a discovery of the novel through the lens of the extensive correspondence between Victor Hugo and Juliette Drouet, his companion and the manuscript's first reader. Juliette comments on the narrative with her natural frankness, providing an intimate and touching perspective on the novel's characters and events.

A Total Spectacle

The show, lasting 1 hour and 40 minutes, involves dozens of volunteer and professional actors who bring Hugo's iconic characters to life: Jean Valjean, Fantine, Cosette, the Thénardiers, Javert, Gavroche. The pyrotechnic effects, monumental video projections on the Citadel walls, and orchestral music create a total spectacle that transports the audience to 19th-century France.

The Citadel: A Majestic Natural Setting

The Citadel of Montreuil-sur-Mer, a 16th-century fortification redesigned by Vauban, offers a spectacular backdrop for the show. Its stone walls, bastions, and moats form a natural setting that enhances the audience's immersion in the world of Les Misérables. The stands are set up facing the ramparts, providing a panoramic view of the stage.

Exemplary Community Engagement

The show is driven by the association Misérables & Cie, which brings together hundreds of passionate volunteers: actors, technicians, costume designers, makeup artists, stage managers. This collective commitment gives the show an energy and authenticity that contribute to its popular success, attracting over 8,000 spectators each summer.