Filles A Marier 1634 - 1663
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Before the filles du roi began arriving in Québec in 1663, there were women, collectively called des filles à marier (marriageable women) who emigrated to Canada based solely on their wilingness to marry when they arrived. It is estimated that between 1634 and 1663, 262 filles à marier arrived in New France. They were recruited and chaperoned by religious groups or individuals who had to assure and account for their good conduct. In general, they were young women who took the initiative to change their future which might have appeared bleak to some of them, particularly for those without a dowry. They might never have a chance at family life in France or they would marry well below their station, so they took a gamble on Nouvelle France.
As opposed to the Filles du Roi who emigrated between 1663 and 1673, the filles à marier came alone or in small groups. They were not recruited by the state and did not receive a dowry from the King.
Their descendants contributed to the families and modern family culture of French Canada.