Best Craftsman of France: a celebrated label now open to global talents
For many years, the Best Craftsman of France label has epitomised French excellence in manual trades. This prestigious award, marked by its distinctive symbols, including a tricolour ribbon and medal, currently honours top craftsmen and women across more than 140 professions. It is now open to non-French nationals too.
There are two organisations that oversee the Best Craftsman of France title: the COET, responsible for organising the labour exhibitions, exams, and administering the diploma on behalf of the Ministry of Education, and the National Society of the Best Craftsmen of France (SNMOF), which has been promoting the title and associated opportunities since 1929.
The concept originated with Albert Lebrun, before he became president of France in 1932, and Lucien Dior, the minister of the economy at the time and cousin of Christian Dior's father.
They envisioned a competition to recognise craftsmanship, highlighting both established and innovative techniques across a spectrum of trades, from the simplest to the most complex, with excellence in execution its key focus.
The association's statutes were filed in 1923, leading to the first labour and trades exhibition at Paris City Hall in 1924. The inaugural awards ceremony was held in January 1925 at the Grand Amphitheater of the Sorbonne, recognising 144 laureates, who are now known as "MOF" (Meilleurs Ouvriers de France).
Passing on knowledge
The diploma ceremony at the Sorbonne is traditionally followed by a reception at the Elysee Palace with all the laureates.
Promoting talent
