The 39th Congress Union compagnonnique held in VersaillesForty days under the sign of the transmission, fraternity and future of the trades
Of the 20-23 August 2026,Union compagnonnique Companions of the Tour de France des Devoirs Unis brought together its members to Versailles, on the occasion of its 39th Congress.
Held at the national headquarters of Versailles for the plenary sessions, several meetings were also organised within the exceptional framework of the Campus Versailles, in the heart of the King's Great Ecuries. This Congress was a highlight of the Union's life. For four days, companions, young people, Mothers and Lady Hostesses, delegates of the Cayennes and heads of the institution found themselves around what constitutes the heart of the companionship: the profession, transmission, commitment and fraternity.
A future-oriented meeting
The Congress made it possible to to take stock of the action taken by the Union compagnonnique for the last three years and exchange views which are opening up for the coming years.
Particular emphasis was placed on young people and trade groupsso that their words and aspirations can fully participate in collective reflection. This will reflects an essential conviction of the Union: preparing for the future of companionship is above all to give a place to those who will tomorrow be the actors and transmitters.
The Congress was also punctuated with many moments of meeting and conviviality, Recalling that the Companion is not limited to the practice of a trade. It is also based on a human community, on links built through the Tour de France and on a common desire to foster the values of solidarity and fraternity.
Delegates renewed their confidence for a new three-year term of office to outgoing President Dominique Saffré, Nantais the Philosophy of the Union, and to his office. The composition of the Council, partly renewed, sees the arrival of young Companions.
Consolidate the present and prepare the future
In particular, this congress confirmed the modernising our accompanying tools and our national network with The upcoming opening of new sections in Clermont-Ferrand, Bayonne and Brest.
Since 2020,Union compagnonnique welcomes women of trades on the Tour de France and four of them have been received « Companion of United Duties ». Aspirants and members represent 15% of our workforce and have helped to revitalize certain crafts within the Union. The congressmen thus confirmed the need to strengthen the « Committee on Mixed Affairs » to provide the Companions with the necessary tools to welcome and support young people in their diversity.
Delegates also mandated the Advisory Council to implement the General Interest and Public Utility recognitions.
A conference by François Icher
Among the highlights of the Congress, the conference of the historian François Icher, devoted to « Corporations, trades and companionships », has made it possible to place companionship in the long history of trades and their organizations. In front of a large audience, François Icher evoked the evolution of corporations, the emergence of companion societies and the transformations of the world of trades, providing valuable historical insight into the roots and evolutions of companionship.
A living memory, a future to build
This 39th Congress will also have been the opportunity to celebrate those who, through their commitment, have been contributing for many years to make life a reality Union compagnonnique. Among the particularly noteworthy moments during the banquet organized in the major salons of the city hall of Versailles, is the tribute paid to Jean-François Girardin, Best Worker of France, for Fifty Years of Companions, the transmission and defence of the values of the profession. Joel Baudoin, a ferry companion of the Cayenne de Châteauroux, also received the white scarf in recognition of his commitment to the Union compagnonnique. Michel Blanc, electrician companion of the Cayenne de Tours, received the medal of honor from the City Hall of Versailles which thus rewards 40 years of work in the maintenance of our national headquarters.
We also thank Mrs. Catherine Roland, President of the Société nationale des Meilleurs Ouvriers de France, and Bernard Merguel, President of the Confederation of European Companions, for their support and presence alongside us.
At the end of these four days, a conviction was again affirmed: Companioning is a living tradition because it can transmit while renewing itself.
In Versailles, between the memory of the professions and the aspirations of the new generations,Union compagnonnique thus reaffirmed its determination to continue its action on the basis of an essential ambition: Transmit the trade, foster solidarity and build the future.
The 39th Congress has now been completed, but the work he has undertaken continues in the Cayennes, the trades and young people who, in turn, will have the responsibility to make this legacy live and evolve.
Thank you to our supporters and partners who made this conference a success: Versailles Town Hall, Versailles Campus, Maison Le Borvo, S.Pellegrino, Pernod Ricard, Bridor, Vittel, Bistrots des Familles, Disperéré Rungis, Chédeville Paris, M. Charraire, Andros, Valrhona, Transgourmet, Elle&Vire Professionnel, Maison Milan, Coup de Pates, Armara, Nespresso, Maison Reynaud.
