Princess Louise d'Artois

What people wore

Poverty dictated clothing recycling and repair

Common people relied heavily on second-hand markets and repairing worn garments, as purchasing a complete new outfit was an exceptional financial event. Because laundry was infrequent and clothing was limited, many rural workers appeared in dull, monochromatic outfits, often going barefoot during the warm season.

Getting around

Mountain sledding and early rapid communication

Travelers crossed the steep Mont-Cenis pass between France and Italy on muleback, while adventurous passengers slid down snowy slopes in sleds known as ramasse in only fifteen minutes. Meanwhile, the Chappe semaphore telegraph allowed messages to travel across France in hours instead of days, though people still relied on traditional transport.

At the table

Common Drinks: Wine and Beer

Wine was the most common drink, often cut with water to improve its taste because well water was frequently contaminated. Beer also gained popularity in various regions, and in some areas, was even favored over wine.

Music

Music as a daily hobby for everyone

Music was a favorite pastime for all social classes, with many amateurs playing or singing at home, while piano, harp, and singing were particularly popular in wealthy households.

Daily life

Modest homes and simple furnishings

Most rural families lived in modest homes of two to three rooms, often sleeping in a single bed. In cities, apartments were larger, featuring parquet floors, wallpaper, and window drapes for those who could afford them.

What it cost

Cost of Luxury Goods

Luxury goods were quite expensive compared to wages; for example, a pair of boots cost 18 francs in 1801, and a kilogram of sugar cost 4 francs.