This paper analyzes the trajectory of Duarte Ribeiro de Macedo (1610-1680), who was initially a Secretary of Embassy and then led a mission in Paris as Envoy Extraordinary. The reports drawn up by him and sent to the Portuguese Crown reveal another side of diplomatic life of that period. The financial difficulties faced by Duarte Ribeiro de Macedo to afford his visit to the French court were often grounds for complaints to the king. Moreover, the ambassador turned out to be a keen observer of the modus vivendi of the French court. Being in a foreign court required much from Portuguese diplomatic representatives, who, even in the impossibility of staying abroad, always cared to honorably represent the Portuguese Crown. Missions to European courts required not only political knowledge, but also the ability to move comfortably in different courts, and deal with quite distinct social and cultural habits.
diplomacy; Restoration; Portugal; ambassador; Duarte Ribeiro de Macedo.