The Cayenne de Paris is the first Cayenne of the Tour de FranceUnion compagnonnique Companions of the Tour de France des Devoirs Unis.If its official foundation dates from 1889, its history is part of a much older movement.
By 1848,under the leadership of Companion Agricol Perdiguier, the « Club of all Duties united » is created in Paris. This precursor movement aims to bring together the various companion rites and lays the foundations for lasting unification. Although of short duration, it profoundly marked the evolution of the Companionage by drafting a first constitution adopted by the Paris Companions.
The 1870 war interrupted this dynamic.At the recovery, the Parisian companion societies are reorganising, particularly under the impetus of Escolle « Nice Heart of Salermo ». In 1874, Paris joined the Companion Federation of All Duties, joining a broader movement of fraternization between rites. Around 1880, the headquarters of the former Companions were located at 8 rue Mouffetard in Paris.
In September 1889,a great congress is held in Paris and acts the creation of theUnion compagnonnique. It was officially structured on 7 January 1890 and founded the Cayenne de Paris.
On February 22, 1890,historical date, the first reception is held: 12 Companions are received according to a common protocol, marking the unit found.
During the 20th century, the Cayenne de Paris continued its development.In 1913, the adoption of the cooks marked an important step, with the creation of a dedicated Cayenne and the development of activities related to the oral trades. The two world wars temporarily slow down this dynamic, but do not interrupt the commitment of the Companions.
After 1918, the newspaper « The Companion » is created,participating in the dissemination of ideas and companion values. Over the decades, especially between 1950 and 1975, the Parisian cooking companions played a major role in the influence of French gastronomy, in close association with the Académie Culinaire de France.
In 1988, Jacques Chirac, then Mayor of Paris, handed over the keys to the current headquarters located at 45 rue Berger in the 1st arrondissement.Located in the heart of the Halles district, historically linked to artisanal and commercial activities, the Cayenne enjoys a central location in the capital.
For more than a century, the Cayenne de Paris has maintained its vocation of reception and transmission.It is an essential place for the Tour de France, promoting exchanges between trades and generations. Many masterpieces of the Paris section are exhibited at the Companion Museum of the National Headquarters of the ParisUnion compagnonnique Versailles.
Recently, several Companions of the Cayenne de Paris participated in the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, thus continuing their commitment to the service of heritage.
Life of the Cayenne
La Cayenne de Paris brings together some 60 Companions and 31 young people, including 10 women. It has nine beds to accommodate young people and travelling companions.
The meetings are held on the first Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. for the Young Members and Aspirants. It is also on this occasion that the new candidates meet the Companion for the first time.
Evening classes are held some Wednesdays at 7 p.m. They are accessible only by reservation and are reserved for young people who are on the Tour de France. During these meetings, it is possible to discover work pieces as well as masterpieces made by young people and Companions.
Activities and highlights
Youth Easter Meals
Commemoration of Agricol Perdiguier at the Père-Lachaise cemetery
Admission work in June
Reception work in November with traditional banquet
To join theUnion compagnonnique in Paris:
For information or to start a tour of the Tour de France, you can contact the Cayenne de Paris at the following address:
unioncompagnonniqueparis@gmail.com
It is also possible to get closer to the Premiers in the city (year 2026):
Mouth jobs (all culinary occupations)
Alexandre Chambat,Savoyard The Example of Companions
Tel: 06 31 64 81 09
Email:alexandre.chambat@gmail.com
Construction and other trades (including jewellery and crafts)
Jules Lévêque,Parisian child of the Fraternity
Tel: 06 27 95 07 01
Email:levequejules123@gmail.com
Trades represented (2026)
La Cayenne de Paris is distinguished by a strong representation of the crafts, especially the cooks, as well as by a wide variety of crafts:
- Cooker
- Pastry
- Baker
- Charcutier
- Plumber / Driver
- Locker – Metallic
- Cover / Zinginger cover
- Carpenter
- Cabinetist
- Stone tailor
- Graver on stone
- Sculptor (wood and stone)
- Vitrailist
- Doror / Golden
- Decorative painter
- Jewellery / Jewellery
- Prosthetist
- Glass burner
The Companions of Paris are committed to perpetuating the fundamental values ofUnion compagnonnique Companions of the Tour de France des Devoirs Unis :transmission, excellence of the profession, fraternity and openness.
Youth activity in the Cayenne de Paris can be followed on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/young uc paris/
