Compagnonnage Museum and Bookshop

Updated on September 30, 2026

In the heart of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Compagnonnage Museum and Bookshop traces the history of the compagnons, craftsmen who train by travelling from town to town on their tour de France. It occupies the former headquarters of the Compagnons charpentiers du Devoir de Liberté, the carpenters nicknamed the “Indiens”. A compagnon welcomes visitors, tells this story and explains the tools and masterpieces on display. Admission is free.

Highlights

The former carpenters’ headquarters

The museum is at 10 rue Mabillon, a short walk from the Marché Saint-Germain. It is run by the Compagnons du Tour de France of the Fédération compagnonnique des métiers du bâtiment. Look for the “Musée-librairie, entrée libre” sign by the street.

The masterpieces and the Lucien Térion plaque

Inside, tools and masterpieces show the skill required of the compagnons. On the façade, a plaque honours Lucien Térion, known as “Tourangeau l’Intrépide”, president of the Paris carpenters of the Devoir de Liberté and Meilleur Ouvrier de France, who died in deportation at Mauthausen in May 1945.

Infos pratiques

Tips

Admission is free. The museum opens only in the afternoon, from Tuesday to Friday, and closes in July and August: check your dates before you come. The bookshop sells books on compagnonnage and its trades.