L'Illustration, No. 2522, 27 Juin 1891

In the bustling streets of Paris at the close of the 19th century, the ancient tradition of the compagnonnage is being reborn as modern syndicates. Bakers, once organized in tight‑knit guilds, now find themselves caught between generous shop owners and a shadowy class of “placeurs” who sell jobs for a fee. Their growing anger fuels a meeting that threatens to spark a city‑wide strike, exposing the hidden profits of those who control placement.

The narrative follows two contrasting figures: the pale, meticulous Viennese cutter who perfects delicate croissants, and the hulking “fourneau” who kneads dough for everyday loaves and even military rations. Both are drawn into heated debates at the Tivoli‑Vauxhall, where speeches stir the crowd and old loyalties clash with new demands. As the bakers weigh their options, the story captures the everyday drama of labor, pride, and the fight for a fair slice of the bakery’s future.