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Musee De La Legion Etrangere Oti Pays D Aubagne 29

Foreign Legion Museum

The Foreign Legion Museum in Aubagne invites you to discover the history and daily life of the legionnaires since 1831. Join an accessible, historical tour and explore this unique institution, its traditions and its values. It is a must-see for gaining a better understanding of this legendary military corps.

The Foreign Legion Museum in Aubagne

Would you like to discover a unique place in Aubagne? The Foreign Legion Museum opens its doors to you, inviting you to delveinto the history of this iconic institution. Through a clear and accessible tour, you can explore more than 190 years of history, the daily lives of the legionnaires and their values. Whether you’re an enthusiast or simply curious, the museum offers an enriching visit that you shouldn’t miss during your stay in the Pays d’Aubagne region.

An accessible and rewarding visit

The museum has been designed for visitors of all ages, from the simply curious to history enthusiasts.
You can:

        • Take a self-guided tour or book a guided tour (booking required).
        • Explore a wide range of collections: nearly 2,000 exhibits, photographs and uniforms.
        • Enjoy a modern, immersive space covering more than 2,000 m².

If you wish, the Foreign Legion Museum offers free guided tours of the museum. This is an opportunity to hear anecdotes, insights and moving stories.

A straightforward tour to understand the history of the Legion.

The tour follows a clear chronological thread and guides visitors back in time through a simple, elegant exhibition design. From the very first rooms, two eras and two atmospheres are evident:

        • A deep red colour evokes the period 1831–1914 and creates an intimate atmosphere that highlights the ancient and extraordinary military artefacts, as well as the 19th-century works.
        • Shades of grey and white represent the more recent periods, characterised by modern and industrial wars.
          This visual contrast helps us to better understand the key historical developments.

Throughout the exhibition, mannequins depict the legionnaires in action. As they are not mounted on display stands, they appear almost lifelike and help to place the uniforms in context and show how they have changed over the years. The idea is simple: to showthe soldier as he was, and not merely as an exhibit. A model of the famous Battle of Camerone is also on display to show visitors how this battle, which has become the founding myth of the Foreign Legion, was fought.

Not to be missed!

The exhibition

30 April 2026 > 3 January 2027

Until 3 January 2027, the Musée de la Légion étrangère in Aubagne is hosting the special exhibition “La Noblesse de servir – Képi blanc et têtes couronnées” (The Nobility of Service – White Kepis and Crowned Heads). Through a selection of rare objects, historical archives and remarkable artefacts, this exhibition reveals the little-known links between the Foreign Legion and the great royal and imperial dynasties around the world.

Understanding the lives of the legionnaires

Following the historical section, there are certain areas you can explore further. Specifically, you will discover the following

        • The role of the legionnaires as builders, with a direct view of the war memorial.
        • The everyday life of the soldiers, with a particular focus on music and singing, which were integral to their culture.
        • The legionnaires’ unique system of solidarity.

These rooms bring the visit to life and provide a better understanding of the dedication of the men behind the uniform.

A place steeped in emotion

The tour concludes with two particularly symbolic areas: the Hall of Honour, an essential part of a legionnaire’s journey, and the Crypt, an important place of remembrance marking the key stages of their military life. These two sites, together with the War Memorial, have been listed as historic monuments. The museum is regarded as a true place of remembrance, both for soldiers and for the general public.

The shop

Take home a souvenir

Before you leave, do pop into the shop. Here you’ll find souvenirs, books… and even wine produced by former Legionnaires on an estate in the Puyloubier countryside. Proceeds go directly towards supporting mutual aid within the Legion.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Foreign Legion Museum

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The Legion in the Aubagne region