"La Noblesse de servir" exhibition at the legion

Since 25 April 2026, the Foreign Legion Museum in Aubagne has been hosting a new temporary exhibition entitled “The Nobility of Service – White Kepi and Crowned Heads“. Inaugurated on the occasion of the traditional Camerone ceremony, this exhibition invites visitors to discover a little-known aspect of the history of the Foreign Legion: its links with royal, imperial and aristocratic families from all over the world.

Open free of charge until 3 January 2027, this exhibition is a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of the values, traditions and historical heritage of France’s most emblematic military institution.

Strong links with royalty

This original exhibition retraces the links between the Foreign Legion and the many sovereigns, princes, kings and emperors who have worn or supported the white kepi throughout history.

These figures from major European and international dynasties have sometimes served in the ranks of the Legion or maintained special relationships with it. Visitors will discover how these royal destinies intersected with that of the Foreign Legion, helping to forge some of its earliest pages of glory.

Around a hundred exceptional objects to discover

The exhibition brings together nearly a hundred objects from the museum’s collections and from exceptional loans.

Among the items on display are

• Royal insignia and ceremonial objects
• Historical documents and drawings
• Uniforms and military memorabilia
• Portraits and archives relating to the sovereign families

Each object tells a part of France’s political, military and diplomatic history, while highlighting the values of service, commitment and loyalty that have characterised the Foreign Legion since its creation in 1831.

Located at the heart of the Maison Mère de la Légion étrangère, the museum retraces almost two centuries of military history through a permanent exhibition rich in collections and personal accounts.

Among the most emblematic pieces is the famous articulated hand of Captain Danjou, a sacred relic of the Legion, presented each year at the Camerone ceremony.

The Foreign Legion Museum is one of Aubagne’s most emblematic cultural sites, offering visitors the chance to discover almost two centuries of Legion history and traditions.