Anton Renault, 21-year-old apprentice mason, winner of the Grand Prix Pèlerin du Patrimoine

“Mason is a great profession, because you do everything: paving, laying stone on the facade, whitewashing… The materials change, we work outside, on buildings that are very different from each other.” At 21, Anton Renault, who found his vocation with a grandfather who was a stonemason, already knew that he wanted to “work on historical restorations”.

But the young Angevin is mature enough to be patient: “I have been moving from company to company for five years, and I must continue to learn techniques and varied regional know-how for another three years with Les Compagnons du Devoir.”

These qualities have earned him the Pilgrim’s Heritage Apprentice prize, awarded with the Group of Historic Monument Restoration Companies and consisting of a high-level toolbox. The young mason needs it for his professional competitions: after winning a bronze medal at the Worldskills 2025 national competition at the end of October, he is preparing for the world championship.

In the meantime, he enjoys changing employers and regions each year: “Traveling opens your mind and allows you to build a network of friends and colleagues.” Later, Anton would see himself creating his own business: “I am training in administration, in the management of work, all essential know-how if I take on responsibilities.” Determined, we tell you!