Music of the French Foreign Legion

By Louis Perez y Cid
The history of the French Foreign Legion's music begins with the creation of this institution on March 10, 1831.

Throughout the ages, the bands of the foreign regiments have accompanied the lives of legionnaires, providing the rhythm for marches, ceremonies, and gatherings, both in France and around the world.

Behind the instruments and uniforms are men. Virtuoso musicians, certainly, but above all, legionnaires.

Through this book, you will discover their history, their performances, their deployments, and their evolution, in all kinds of environments and in all kinds of uniforms. The uniforms change, the formations evolve, the generations succeed one another… but the instruments and melodies seem to transcend time, perpetuating a tradition deeply rooted in the history of the Legion.

Richly illustrated, this book brings together numerous photographs and documents that allow readers to rediscover the men, uniforms, instruments, and key moments that have shaped the history of the French Foreign Legion's music.

A book written by legionnaires, to bring a legionnaire's history to life.
The author, Mickaël de Prat, and co-author, Lucien Morin, are both veterans of the French Foreign Legion and members of Légion’Arts. Their previous works, well-known to readers of our website, already demonstrate their commitment to the memory, traditions, and history of the Legion.

With *Musiques de la Légion étrangère* (Music of the Foreign Legion), they invite us to discover a particular and sometimes overlooked aspect of this history: that of the men who, in their legionnaire uniform and with instruments in hand, made the music of the Legion resonate throughout the world. Through their concerts, parades, and ceremonies, the bands have also become, over time, true ambassadors of the French Foreign Legion, carrying its image, traditions, and values ​​far beyond its ranks.

A work of remembrance, tradition, and passion, to be discovered by all those who have served, those who still serve, and all those who remain attached to the French Foreign Legion.

Foreword by General Cyrille Youchtchenko, then Commander of the French Foreign Legion.