Cayenne de Genève

Companion Union, Geneva Section
House of Companions
25, road to Colovrex
1218 GRAND SACONNEX

Jean-Luc Juglaret
06 85 05 53 44
contact@lecompagnonnage.com

LUnion compagnonnique (U.C.) in Geneva
1. The context of arrival (late 19th – early 20th)

ImplementationUnion compagnonnique in Geneva did not happen by chance.

  • Political and economic exile: At the end of the 19th century, many French workers (highly skilled craftsmen) settled in Geneva to escape political tensions in France or to meet the high demand for labour for the city's major works.
  • The radiation of Agricol Perdiguier: Avignonnais la Vertu lived in exile in Geneva between 1851 and 1855. His passage left a very strong intellectual and fraternal imprint, preparing the ground for an official structure.
2. Birth of the Cayenne de Genève

Founded in 1892 as part of the development ofUnion compagnonnique, the Cayenne de Genève structure the presence of companions in Switzerland, attested since the seventeenth century. By establishing contacts with other Cayennes and especially those of Lyon, on 1 March 1892 the Cayenne de Genève became the first Swiss section.

Her first local, rue de Acacias, was held by Madame Dufour, who will be the first Mother consecrated according to the ritual.

3. The official foundation 1912

Although Companions were present in Geneva long before, the Cayenne de Genève was formally organized in its present form at the beginning of the 20th century.

  • 1912 : Creation of the "Cooperative Society of theUnion compagnonnique Geneva". It is a Swiss particularity: unlike the French sections which are often associations law 1901, Geneva chooses the cooperative model, very rooted in the Swiss culture of the time.
  • Objective: Provide a roof and work for young homeless people. At the time, the Companions were actively involved in the construction of the Eaux-Vives and Plainpalais districts.
4. La Cayenne today

After several moves and wishing to build their own walls, it was in 1967 that the Benziger Genevois Country the Friend of Youth, discovered in Grand-Saconnex, an old building to renovate. On 6 May 1976, the Union of Companions of All Trades which invested body and soul completed the work of this masure and thus inaugurated: The House of Companions.

Today, members organize their monthly meetings, rituals, instructions and there is also a museum.

5. The Youth House

The Youth HouseUnion compagnonnique Located at 220 rue du Foron, La Roche-sur-Foron is a hotspot for companionship in Haute-Savoie.

Although it is geographically located in France, it is directly linked to the Cayenne de Genève. Since 2000, this building has consisted of an apartment, four bedrooms and small work spaces where young people can improve and prepare their size.

A large room makes it a meeting place, gathering with families and transmission. It is open to the public during the Heritage Days and on request, several masterpieces are exhibited there.

6. The life of Cayenne

For further details, contact our President, Country Juglaret.

  • Monthly meeting: 2nd Friday night of the month at the Cayenne (Grand-Saconnex)
  • Informational meeting: 4th Monday night of the month at the Maison des Jeunes (La Roche sur Foron)
  • Festival of Cayenne named « Spring Day » : 1st or 2nd weekend in May
  • Heritage Day end of September
  • Family Christmas Party: December
  • Galette des rois en famille : cours January
  • Winter outing with family: in February
  • Summer outing in the family : during June
  • Museum visit, on request
7. Useful contacts and addresses

Cayenne: 25, road to Colovrex 1218 GRAND SACONNEX. Switzerland
Youth House: 261 rue du Foron 74 800 La Roche-sur-Foron France
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