Le Musée du Compagnonnage (Crafts Museum), Tours (must see)

Crafts Museum (Le Musée du Compagnonnage), nestled in the historic Saint-Julien de Tours abbey, stands as a vibrant testament to the traditional French craft guilds, known as the Compagnons du Tour de France. Recognized as a "Museum of France," this cultural gem showcases the rich legacy of skilled tradesmen from their medieval origins to the contemporary era, making it an essential visit for those interested in artisanal history and craftsmanship.

Originally founded in 1911, the museum was housed within the Museum of Fine Arts before the guild associations took over the collections in the 1950s. The establishment saw a significant transformation when it relocated to its current location in the former abbey in 1968. Since then, the museum has undergone further expansions and renovations, notably in 1975, adding modern facilities including a reception, a shop, educational workshops, and a conference and exhibition room.

Today, the museum boasts around 3,000 items spread across 700 square meters of exhibition space, including two main exhibition rooms formerly used as hospitality and monks’ dormitory areas. The collections comprise a diverse array of artifacts such as masterpieces crafted by guild members, ritualistic items like canes and gourds, and intricate models and tools that demonstrate the high level of skill and creativity inherent in the guild trades. Notable pieces include a lock with traps and secrets, miniature park gates, and the sugar pagoda, all displayed under the arches resembling an overturned ship’s hull from the 13th-century abbey.

The museum does not only serve as a repository of physical artifacts but also as a lively cultural venue. It hosts periodic events, thematic exhibitions, and activities tailored for children, enriching visitors' understanding of the companions' history, traditions, and craftsmanship. This dynamic programming, along with the visually and historically rich displays, underscores the museum's role in celebrating and preserving the unique cultural heritage of the Compagnons du Tour de France.