Charlotte de Rohan

At the table

Wine and Cider Over Water

Water was often considered unsafe to drink, leading people to favor wine or cider. Cider was a popular, less-taxed alternative, though it had to be consumed quickly before it spoiled in the spring.

What people wore

Basic Attire of Ordinary People

Ordinary French men typically wore a simple shirt, a frac, breeches, stockings, and leather shoes. Ordinary women wore a shirt under a corset, a skirt, an apron, a fichu, and a bonnet.

Getting around

Travel by mule

A trip between San Remo and Genoa over 90 miles could take three days on muleback due to narrow, rugged mountain paths.

What it cost

Daily wages for ordinary workers

In the mid-18th century, a rural laborer typically earned about 16 sols per day, while city workers could earn between 10 and 30 sols. A full day's work was often required just to afford bread for the family.

Music

Public concert series started in Paris

Starting in 1725, Parisians could attend public concerts organized by the Concert Spirituel society, which performed in the Tuileries Gardens when the Opéra was closed for religious festivals.

Daily life

Modest housing for common people

Most ordinary people lived in simple houses built of mud, known as wattle and daub, and covered with thatched roofs. These homes typically consisted of a single room that functioned as living, working, and sleeping space for the entire family.