The Filles à Marier were single girls of marriageable age who arrived in New France between 1634 and 1662. They must have been extremely brave as they generally went alone with no relative and no family waiting for them. They had been promised nothing other than the possibility of a better life. The "Filles à Marier" preceded the "Filles du Roi" (Daughters of the King) who came to New France dowered by the King.

They were recruited or were sponsered by religious groups or individuals to go to Québec, Montréal or Trois-Rivières. There were 262 of these girls. Their average age was 22 and about 57% were from rural areas of France. Their age ranged from 12 to 45 years. At this time 12 years was a marriagable age for women.

The trip to Canada was no pleasure cruise. There were no passenger ships, only mechant ships. The girls were in the hold with the livestock that feed everyone on the voyage. Also in the hold were any men who had been hired to go to New France. There were no facilities, so the smell must have been awful. About 10% of the passengers died during the crossing.

Once in Canada they were living in a wilderness. There was grave danger from the Iroquois, epidemics of smallpox and fever and extremely harsh winters. After marriage they would have lived in a log cabin and had to face the dangers of childbirth.

These ladies were of very sturdy stock!

  • Fillà Marier - List of women who are considered Fille à Marier (marriage girls) who are on the website