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Les Compagnons du Devoir et du Tour de France : The Aristocrats of Handicraft

Photo du rédacteur: Bureau Irina BokovaBureau Irina Bokova

Dernière mise à jour : 27 déc. 2024

The History of Companionship

Modern-day Companions of Duty are the descendants of the companionship movement that emerged in the 12th century during the grand constructions of the Middle Ages. At that time, majestic cathedrals were being built, and large-scale constructions required specialists with unique knowledge and skills. There was a high demand for such professionals, who moved from one construction site to another, passing on their experience to younger specialists. This process developed a specific approach to training and nurturing masters, leading to the formation of an organization with strict rules and traditions.


The duties of the Companions of Duty include training and welcoming young colleagues in workshops that form the Tour de France of crafts—a multi-year journey with specific route options aimed at mastering professional skills. From the 16th to the 19th century, facing the life difficulties of masters, the Companions took the initiative to create the first mutual insurance societies and pension funds, and took charge of organizing production relationships at construction sites and in workshops.





The Path of a Companion of Duty

The journey that a young and inexperienced worker embarks on is a crucial component of any Companion of Duty's experience. Historically, "apprentices" moved along rivers, but today future companions go from company to company, from region to region, from country to country, perfecting their professional knowledge. They live in "kayenas" (dormitories) and "chambers," which are managed by experienced representatives of all directions.

The house is managed by a hostess—"mother"—who prepares food, maintains comfort and order. All companions treat her with great respect, offering their help whenever possible. Impeccable manners and politeness are characteristics that have always distinguished the Companions of Duty from other workers.





Hard and Fascinating Work

Young masters learn through practice—they are immediately involved in real projects. Part of their salary compensates for food and lodging, which, on average, costs about 500 euros per month. During their training, they try themselves in many roles and perform tasks of various scales and complexities. Their main goal is to master a particular material to perfection, which will then become their life's work.


From Monday to Friday, and sometimes on Saturday, they get up at 6 am and work diligently. Each of them spends the whole day on the construction site in their specialty, and in the evening, they attend evening courses where they are taught both theory (for example, art history) and practice.


Each student has a mentor, a senior companion, who not only teaches but also educates, passing on companion values. The apprentice must come to work even if sick. His senior colleague will decide his ability to work in such a condition. By the way, all senior companions conduct training and give lectures for free. They believe that knowledge is capital they received from other masters and passing on experience further is their direct duty.




Modern Companions of Duty

Today, the Companions of Duty organization is present on five continents, in 45 countries, although the term "Tour de France" is traditionally still used. At the end of the journey, which lasts from three to six years, young people create a "graduation project." This creative work, summarizing everything the master has learned over years of hard and fascinating labor, is evaluated by senior companions. They deliver a verdict on entry into the fraternity of Companions of Duty. After this, the master looks forward to a promising career as a worker or entrepreneur.


To be a companion of the Tour de France means to be a true professional. If a member of the companionship laid the roof on your house, rest assured it will serve you faithfully for many, many years. Balancing tradition and high technology, the Companions of Duty form the elite of the working class and proudly carry the title of members of the Brotherhood of Masters of Applied Arts.





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