Statue and plaque dedicated to Victor in town center.

Victor came in from the woods in San Sernin on January 8, 1800, and spent several months in this region of France before being transported to Paris, where Itard assumed the task of teaching and civilizing him. Harlan Lane’s The Wild Boy of Aveyron documents Victor’s story, from initial sightings in this region to his death in Paris in 1828. The Truffaut film L’enfant Sauvage presents an interesting but somewhat misleading interpretation of the outcome of Itard’s work with Victor.

San Sernin lies about 25 miles east of Albi in the beautiful Tarn region of France, northeast of Toulouse. Most easily reached by auto along the scenic D 999 from Albi, or by bus from Albi. Albi’s bus station is a considerable distance from the rail station, so commercial travelers might want to taxi from rail to bus.

San Sernin is a small hill town, off the scale for ambience and hill-town charm. Restaurants with outside service afford one a leisurely look across the road (through occasional traffic) toward the Victor statue in the main square. When I arrived at mid-morning, the farmers’ market filled the square. By noon, the square had cleared, and I had both plaque and statue to myself.

Statue of Victor, central square, San Sernin, France
Sculpted by Remi Coudrain

Plaque commemorating Victor, central square, San Sernin, France

The NOVA documentary Genie includes brief footage of the Victor statue and of the surrounding countryside, as well as extensive commentary on the Victor case by Harlan Lane.

Paris, France

The Institute for the Deaf, Rue Ste. Jacques. (5^th arrondissement); Mme Geurin's residence.

The Institute for the Deaf is located a short walk along Rue St. Jacques, beyond the Sorbonne.

Victor lived at the Institute for several years under the tutelage of Itard. It was here that Itard developed his innovative techniques for teaching children with a variety of difficulties.

Courtyard entrance, Institute for the Deaf, Paris

#4 Impasse des Feuillantines, where Victor lived out his life with Mme Geurin.

This building is literally around the corner from the Institute for the Deaf. Walk to the left as you face the Institute, to the next intersection. Cross to the left and you are there. At the entrance to #4 are signs advertising some sort of school currently active at this location.

#4 Impasse des Feuillantines.

Victor was sent to live with Mme Geurin after Itard had completed work with him. Until his death in 1828 Victor lived here, apparently in obscurity.

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