Henriette Catherine de Joyeuse

At the table

Bread and soup as staples

Ordinary families relied on grain-based foods, with bread and soups made of bread soaked in broth, water, or vegetable mixtures providing up to 80 percent of daily calories.

What people wore

A Parisian wine seller's attire, 1586

In 1586, a Parisian wine seller wore a loose jacket gathered by a leather belt from which a money bag hung, and narrow breeches with stockings held up by garters.

Getting around

Common travel methods in late 16th century

Travelers typically walked, rode horses or mules, or used rare public carriages operated by universities. Roads were often unmaintained and lacked suspension, making travel in heavy carts uncomfortable and slow.

What it cost

Seasonal worker compensation package

In 1589, a seasonal farm worker received 3 gold écus, a shirt, a pair of leggings, and a new pair of shoes for several months of work.

Music

One-man band instruments for dancing

For informal settings, many people used the pipe and tabor, as a single musician could play both instruments simultaneously to accompany dancing.

Daily life

Modest homes lacked modern interior conveniences

Ordinary homes often featured wooden facades and roofs with attic windows called lucarnes, while interiors had large, drafty rooms and oversized fireplaces. Significantly, even in wealthy residences, private bathrooms or nightstands did not exist.