What is the Foreign Legion?

The Foreign Legion is a unit of the French Army made up of soldiers from all over the world. It accepts French and foreign volunteers who wish to enlist for service in France. It has its own recruitment criteria, traditions, discipline and often demanding missions, both in France and abroad.

Where is the Legion’s head office located?

The headquarters of the French Foreign Legion is located in the Vienot district of Aubagne.

Is it possible to visit the headquarters of the French Foreign Legion?

The Foreign Legion Museum is located at the headquarters of the French Foreign Legion; it is open to the public and offers guided tours . The museum is open all year round, except during major events such as Heritage Days and the Camerone ceremony .

Is the Mother Legion in Aubagne a recruitment centre for legionnaires?

The headquarters of the French Foreign Legion in Aubagne plays a central role, housing a total of three regiments: the 1st Foreign Regiment, the Foreign Legion Command (the decision-making and organisational centre) and the Foreign Legion Recruitment Group. The latter is the recruitment unit and also houses the selection and induction centre.

The Foreign Legion in Aubagne

Located in Aubagne, the Foreign Legion is home to the 1st Foreign Regiment, the Legion Command and the Foreign Legion Recruitment Group. This emblematic site is the perfect place to discover the history, traditions and career of the Legionnaires. Between the museum, the music of the Foreign Legion and events, explore a unique military heritage site in Provence.

The Foreign Legion in Aubagne

Based in Aubagne since 1962, the Foreign Legion’s headquarters is today the administrative, historical and symbolic heart of this unique military institution. It is home to the 1st Foreign Regiment (1st RE) and the Foreign Legion Command. This name, inherited from Sidi-Bel-Abbès in Algeria, highlights the central role of this site in passing on and preserving the traditions and spirit of the Legion.

The headquarters of the Foreign Legion

A place where memory, commitment and the passing on of traditions come together

The Foreign Legion’s headquarters serves as a command centre, a training ground and a powerful symbol of the Legion’s identity. It bears witness to the history of a unique military corps, made up of men from all over the world, united by shared values and a famous motto: “Honour and Loyalty”.

The 1st Foreign Regiment: a key milestone for legionnaires

Established in 1841, the 1st Foreign Regiment is the oldest regiment in the Legion.

Beyond its long history, it plays an essential role in the legionnaires’ journey. It is here that recruits are selected and enlisted, and it is also here that they return at the end of their training. The Vienot barracks is therefore an essential stage in the life of every legionnaire, spanning enlistment, training and integration.

The legacy of the Foreign Legion: music

Founded in 1831, it upholds a unique musical tradition with its iconic instruments such as fifes and drums. Comprising around 65 musicians, it performs a varied repertoire of traditional military marches, opera arias, overtures and medleys. It performs regularly in France and abroad, giving nearly 70 performances a year, including numerous concerts.

The Foreign Legion Museum in Aubagne

The Foreign Legion’s headquarters in Aubagne houses a museum which is free to visit. Here, visitors can learn about the Legion’s history and traditions, as well as its uniforms, equipment and the daily lives of the legionnaires. For visitors looking for anecdotes and further information, guided tours are available throughout the year.

Discover

Camerone – from remembrance to celebration

Apart from its parent organisation, the Foreign Legion passes on its identity through events and commemorative ceremonies. The best known of these is the Camerone Battle Ceremony, which takes place every year on 30 April.

This commemorative ceremony is an important occasion which: