Jean Béraud de la Haye Rion

What people wore

Standard Men's Attire

In the late 17th century, ordinary men wore a three-piece suit consisting of a justaucorps (coat), veste (vest), and culotte (breeches), often made from simple, durable wool fabrics.

Daily life

Homes had one dim room

Many households had little space and light, with a single main room heated by a fireplace/cheminée that also provided much of the light.

Work

Common Jobs in the 17th Century

Workers in cities were often artisans like bakers, masons, and tailors, while domestic servants, porters, and boatmen were also common, often relying on household ties and daily labor. In the countryside, most people were peasants who worked in fields or as day laborers performing heavy tasks like harvesting and woodcutting.

Music

The Popular Bourrée Dance

The bourrée was a popular, quick, and joyful dance performed in couples, which originated in regions like Auvergne or the Basque Country.

At the table

Special Occasion Wine Price

Ordinary people bought high-quality wine for special occasions at popular weddings for ten sous per pint.

Getting around

Barque de poste canal travel

In 1674, the barque de poste service was introduced, allowing passengers to travel from Toulouse to Castelnaudary in one day. The journey included scheduled stops for meals and overnight rests.

What it cost

Cost of shoes and bread

A servant paid 10 livres and 5 sous for a new pair of shoes in May 1703, while bread prices fluctuated significantly, such as when he paid 7 livres 9 sous 9 deniers for bread in May 1705.