In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who, for decades, has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after breaking parole, agrees to care for a factory worker's daughter. The decision changes their lives forever.
University of Greenwich - Greenwich Campus, Romney Road, Greenwich Town Centre, East Greenwich, Greenwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London, England, SE10 9LS, United Kingdom
College Tunnel, Park Row, Greenwich Town Centre, East Greenwich, Greenwich, Royal Borough of Greenwich, Greater London, England, SE10 9NB, United Kingdom
Petersfield Road, Itchen Valley, Winchester, Hampshire, England, SO21 1HW, United Kingdom
Stradling's Hill, Cannington, Somerset, England, TA5 2QD, United Kingdom
Coventry Road, Sapcote, Blaby, Leicestershire, England, LE9 4JU, United Kingdom
Bothel and Threapland, Sunderland, Blindcrake, Cumberland, England, CA7 2JN, United Kingdom
Chatham Historic Dockyard
Boughton House
Tom Hooper’s musical epic of revolutionary France was filmed almost entirely in England, its Paris barricades and harbour docks conjured from Greenwich, Portsmouth and Winchester – and famously, its cast sang live on set rather than miming to a pre-recording.
Where was Les Miserables filmed?
Les Miserables was filmed across England – Greenwich and Portsmouth (as Paris and the docks), Winchester Cathedral, Chatham and Pinewood Studios.
Every Les Miserables location, explained
1
Greenwich – the streets of Paris
The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich in London stood in for the grand streets of Paris.
2
Portsmouth – the harbour
The opening dock scenes, where prisoners haul a ship, used the Historic Dockyard at Portsmouth.
3
Winchester Cathedral – the bishop
The scenes with the merciful bishop used Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire.
4
The barricade – Pinewood
The revolutionary barricade was built at Pinewood Studios near London.
Planning a visit
The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich and Winchester Cathedral are both magnificent, visitable landmarks, and Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard is a major maritime attraction.
Les Miserables Fun Facts
1
They sang live on set Rather than mime to a recording, the cast sang live during filming, a rare and demanding choice.
2
Greenwich played Paris The Old Royal Naval College stood in for the streets of revolutionary Paris.
3
Portsmouth opened the film The prisoners-and-ship opening used Portsmouth’s Historic Dockyard.
4
Hathaway won an Oscar Anne Hathaway won Best Supporting Actress for her one-take ‘I Dreamed a Dream.’
5
Based on a stage phenomenon It adapts one of the world’s longest-running musicals, itself from Victor Hugo’s novel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What played the streets of Paris?
The Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich in London.
Did the cast really sing live?
Yes – the actors sang live on set rather than miming to a pre-recording.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – Greenwich, Winchester Cathedral and Portsmouth’s dockyard all welcome visitors.
