Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 45 minutes
Mobile ticket
Immerse yourself in the daily life and splendor of the La Rochelle merchant elite of the 18th century alongside Suzanne Van Hoogwerff, daughter of a merchant.
From one mansion to another, Suzanne, in costume, will guide you in the footsteps of this merchant elite who made their fortune, like her father, thanks to the white gold of Santo Domingo: sugar. She will tell you about her daily life, meetings in small societies, the role of women, the entertainment of the time, the small arrangements and the strategies to integrate this privileged environment.
Growing up in this environment, she knows all the secrets and will share them with you until the slave revolt which will lead to many bankruptcies including that of her family.
1h45 visit in small groups for adults and children over 8 years old.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Vieux Port de La Rochelle
Our dear Suzanne, daughter of merchants, will begin her visit to the old port, an opportunity to talk to you about triangular trade in the 18th century.
La Rochelle
The visit will then continue in various places having a link with history in the 18th century, in particular the courtyard of the Chamber of Commerce, the district of the private mansions in the streets with arcades, the Intendance, the cathedral to finish at the Hôtel Fleuriau (New World Museum)
Options
Guided tour of La Rochelle The splendor of merchants in the 18th century
What‘s Included
Inset tour guide
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
24 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Superb visit!
Renee R,Jul 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Suzanne is great! She is very familiar with the history of traders in La Rochelle. She showed us some superb mansions!
Discover La Rochelle not to be missed!
Guide51653174602,Mar 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Immerse yourself in history! An outdoor play! I really liked the visit: The pomp of traders in the 18th century. “Suzanne” will take you to discover the Rochelais houses with subtlety, humor and good humor. All for 15 €. This should not be denied.
Discover La Rochelle in the 18th century thanks to the talent of Suzanne, an exciting and passionate guide!
alainv9,Feb 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Discovering the pomp of La Rochelle in the 18th century thanks to Suzanne’s talent is an experience not to be missed! His passion and historical knowledge allow us to better understand the triangular "trade" between West Africa, La Rochelle and Santo Domingo Island, but more! The influence of Dutch traders and the importance of Protestantism at that time are passionately recounted by our guide.
A delight for the spirit
E57GTsophied,Nov 11, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a delight to follow Françoise alias Suzanne Van Hoogwerff through the streets of La Rochelle to discover the life of 18th century merchants and enter into their intimacy. The entire social life of this era is reborn as if by magic with the talent of our guide. We are drawn into the great history of triangular trade, trading with the islands and the little secrets of this hierarchical class. Thank you for this journey through time, which can be recommended without moderation!
Five-star fun and historical experience ✨
Companion41881587170,Sep 28, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I wanted to thank epock tour and especially Séverin who was very pleasant, welcoming and professional. I really liked the playful side. The possibility of immersion very funny and informative at the same time. A very rewarding and fun experience. I highly recommend
A great adventure in La Rochelle with Suzanne.
V3883JEcatherineb,Sep 17, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A journey into the past with an exciting guide. Anecdotes, discoveries... We take a new look at our city. Very good idea for this kind of visit. I recommend and I will make others with pleasure.
Superb discovery of La Rochelle
cahanb2020,Aug 15, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting and exciting visit. Our speaker guide knows her subject perfectly and transmits all her passion to her audience with subtle role play.
Great!
Statiquez,Jul 20, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting visit! The speaker is excellent, very pedagogical, ready to answer all our questions! In short I recommend this visit as well as the visit "La Rochelle, Protestant capital of the Kingdom of France at the Renaissance"
An exciting tour where you learn a lot about the history of La $ochelle
jeanchristopher178,Jun 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very interesting visit led by a speaker who knows his subject well, all in a simple and fun Mood. Very good opportunity to go back inside these beautiful Rocky Mountain houses, with the owners.
Exciting city tour!!
annstev,Jun 6, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00With some American friends passing by, we did two tours: La Rochelle, Protestant capital, then The Pomp of the Merchants. We loved both! Our guide has a great knowledge of the history of La Rochelle, and of France in general, and the way she tells both big events and small anectodes, putting herself in the shoes of a character, was great! She also speaks excellent English and has kindly translated for my friends the words they did not understand. Now, I come to La Rochelle a lot, and I see her from a different angle. Congratulations to our guide, tours of this quality are very rare!
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Operated by Epok'Tour