Guided Tour of La Rochelle: Explore the 18th Century Life of Merchant Elites

Step back in time and join Suzanne Van Hoogwerff on a guided tour of La Rochelle, exploring the 18th century life of merchant elites. Discover the secrets of their daily life, entertainment, and strategies for success, all while immersing yourself in the splendor of this era.

Duration: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Vieux Port - 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…
What's Included
  • Inset tour guide
Additional Information

Experience the vibrant daily life and grandeur of the 18th-century La Rochelle merchant elite with Suzanne Van Hoogwerff, the daughter of a prosperous merchant.
Dressed in period costume, Suzanne will lead you through the opulent homes of this affluent class, who, like her father, amassed wealth from Santo Domingo’s “white gold”: sugar. She will share…

Location
42 Quai Duperré
Quai Duperré
The meeting will be place Barentin, at the foot of the Admiral Duperré statue, in front of the big clock on the port side in La Rochelle
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(24 Ratings)
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Renee_r
Jul 17, 2025
Superb visit! - Suzanne is great! She is very familiar with the history of traders in La Rochelle. She showed us some superb mansions!
Review provided by Viator
Guide51653174602
Mar 1, 2025
Discover La Rochelle not to be missed! - Immerse 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alainv9
Feb 23, 2025
Discover La Rochelle in the 18th century thanks to the talent of Suzanne, an exciting and passionate guide! - Discovering 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
E57gtsophied
Nov 11, 2023
A delight for the spirit - What 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Companion41881587170
Sep 28, 2023
Five-star fun and historical experience ✨ - I 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
Review provided by Tripadvisor
V3883jecatherineb
Sep 17, 2023
A great adventure in La Rochelle with Suzanne. - A 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cahanb2020
Aug 15, 2023
Superb discovery of La Rochelle - Very interesting and exciting visit. Our speaker guide knows her subject perfectly and transmits all her passion to her audience with subtle role play.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Statiquez
Jul 20, 2023
Great! - Very 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"
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jeanchristopher178
Jun 23, 2023
An exciting tour where you learn a lot about the history of La $ochelle - Very 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.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Annstev
Jun 6, 2023
Exciting city tour!! - With 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!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $23
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).