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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

Limited and basic primary schooling

Primary schooling was often sporadic or unavailable, usually consisting only of basic reading, writing, and catechism taught by a priest or vicar.

Work

Common jobs in 17th-century France

Common occupations in 17th-century France included artisans like bakers, tailors, and masons, as well as day laborers, domestic servants, and various river workers like boatmen. These individuals often worked in small shops, homes, or on the streets rather than large centralized workplaces.

Music

Sunday Dancing and the Pipe and Tabor

In the late 17th century, peasants often enjoyed dancing to the pipe and tabor on the Sabbath, an amusement that was sometimes tolerated by church officials as a necessary relief from a week of hard labor.

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

Walking as common travel

Ordinary people, such as peddlers and pilgrims, typically traveled on foot at a pace of 20 to 30 kilometers per day. Walking was so common that travelers frequently wore out a pair of shoes every 15 days.

What it cost

Medical treatment cost versus cutlery price

A medical enema in the 17th century cost 15 sous, which was the same price as a gross of small whistle knives.