Puyloubier, a land of remembrance
Fraternity and renewal
By Christian Morisot
We had carpooled to the commemorative pilgrimage to the Battle of Camerone, organized at the Foreign Legion headquarters in Aubagne, on April 30, 2026.
Since our return was scheduled for May 1st, we had to forgo completing our trip with the highly symbolic visit to the Foreign Legion Veterans' Home in Puyloubier. This disappointment, however, gave rise to an idea that quickly gained unanimous support: to return as soon as possible to reconnect our Puy-de-Dôme branch with the Puyloubier branch, known as the "Pays d'Aix and Sainte-Baume" branch.
This prospect seemed all the more appealing as the Legion had recently been revived with the arrival of a new president, Captain (ret.) Louis Perez y Cid, a figure already known and appreciated for his commitment and welcoming nature.
And so, on Thursday, June 11, we found ourselves in the early hours of the morning at the Legion section of the Puyloubier cemetery, accompanied by members of the local branch. A wreath was laid there before a moment of reflection in this emblematic place of our Institution, where General Paul-Frédéric Rollet, considered the father of the Legion and the first Legionnaire in France, is buried.
We had carpooled to the commemorative pilgrimage to the Battle of Camerone, organized at the Foreign Legion headquarters in Aubagne, on April 30, 2026.
Since our return was scheduled for May 1st, we had to forgo completing our trip with the highly symbolic visit to the Foreign Legion Veterans' Home in Puyloubier. This disappointment, however, gave rise to an idea that quickly gained unanimous support: to return as soon as possible to reconnect our Puy-de-Dôme branch with the Puyloubier branch, known as the "Pays d'Aix and Sainte-Baume" branch.
This prospect seemed all the more appealing as the Legion had recently been revived with the arrival of a new president, Captain (ret.) Louis Perez y Cid, a figure already known and appreciated for his commitment and welcoming nature.
And so, on Thursday, June 11, we found ourselves in the early hours of the morning at the Legion section of the Puyloubier cemetery, accompanied by members of the local branch. A wreath was laid there before a moment of reflection in this emblematic place of our Institution, where General Paul-Frédéric Rollet, considered the father of the Legion and the first Legionnaire in France, is buried.
Under the leadership of its president, the local branch had organized this day with meticulous care. Our program began with a visit to the Institution's ceramics workshop before we gathered at the branch headquarters.
We then had the privilege of meeting Mr. Guy Paris, who founded this workshop in 1957 and dedicated over forty-two years to its development, serving the residents. With passion and expertise, he presented the history and operation of this iconic workshop. We couldn't have hoped for a better guide.
Following the visit, we gathered in the Association's meeting room, where the president presented the association's projects and strategic directions. His remarks were complemented by those of Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Daniel Bouchez, the new regional delegate of the FSALE, who confirmed the perfect alignment of these initiatives with the current objectives of strengthening the Association's practical support for the residents of the Institution.
This wonderful day, rich in discoveries and exchanges, concluded with a meal. Legion songs accompanied much of the afternoon, perpetuating the traditions that forge esprit de corps and maintain the simple and sincere fraternity that unites former legionnaires and members of the same family.
We then had the privilege of meeting Mr. Guy Paris, who founded this workshop in 1957 and dedicated over forty-two years to its development, serving the residents. With passion and expertise, he presented the history and operation of this iconic workshop. We couldn't have hoped for a better guide.
Following the visit, we gathered in the Association's meeting room, where the president presented the association's projects and strategic directions. His remarks were complemented by those of Lieutenant Colonel (ret.) Daniel Bouchez, the new regional delegate of the FSALE, who confirmed the perfect alignment of these initiatives with the current objectives of strengthening the Association's practical support for the residents of the Institution.
This wonderful day, rich in discoveries and exchanges, concluded with a meal. Legion songs accompanied much of the afternoon, perpetuating the traditions that forge esprit de corps and maintain the simple and sincere fraternity that unites former legionnaires and members of the same family.
"Reaction of the Puyloubier Association to the visit of the AALE 63."
By Louis Perez y Cid
The Puyloubier AALE was particularly pleased to welcome the members of the Puy-de-Dôme AALE, led by their president, Gérard Roux. This meeting resulted in warm and fraternal exchanges, perfectly illustrating the spirit that animates our associations.
Our day began at the Legion section of the Puyloubier cemetery, an exceptional place of remembrance and the true spiritual heart of the Legion community.
Together, we paid our respects at this site steeped in the history of the French Foreign Legion. Among the items on display are the ossuary gate from Camerone in Mexico, marble plaques bearing the names of those who died for France, transferred from Sidi Bel Abbès, and four immortal tombs, including that of General Rollet, the father of the modern Legion, also brought from Sidi Bel Abbès.
In this unique place, which can rightfully be considered the Pantheon of the French Foreign Legion, lie side by side the great leaders who forged the history of our institution and the humblest of legionnaires. This proximity is itself a lesson. It reminds us that the greatness of the Legion was built on the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of all, without distinction of rank or origin. Before these tombs steeped in history, each person feels the weight of the legacy received and the duty to pass it on to future generations.
After visiting the Foreign Legion Veterans' Home, we welcomed our fellow legionnaires to the Association's premises. This meeting provided an opportunity to present the "Legio Patria Nostra" project and to discuss the numerous possibilities for exchanges and cooperation between our associations.
The discussions highlighted a shared desire to strengthen ties between former legionnaires, to keep our traditions alive, and to provide concrete support to the residents of the Home. Beyond the projects discussed, it was above all the moments of sharing, the reminiscences, and the naturally rediscovered camaraderie that marked this day.
This visit will remain a cherished moment of fraternity, remembrance, and sharing. This demonstrates that the veterans' associations are more than ever an essential link between generations of legionnaires and fully contribute to promoting the values that constitute the strength and uniqueness of the French Foreign Legion.
The Puyloubier AALE was particularly pleased to welcome the members of the Puy-de-Dôme AALE, led by their president, Gérard Roux. This meeting resulted in warm and fraternal exchanges, perfectly illustrating the spirit that animates our associations.
Our day began at the Legion section of the Puyloubier cemetery, an exceptional place of remembrance and the true spiritual heart of the Legion community.
Together, we paid our respects at this site steeped in the history of the French Foreign Legion. Among the items on display are the ossuary gate from Camerone in Mexico, marble plaques bearing the names of those who died for France, transferred from Sidi Bel Abbès, and four immortal tombs, including that of General Rollet, the father of the modern Legion, also brought from Sidi Bel Abbès.
In this unique place, which can rightfully be considered the Pantheon of the French Foreign Legion, lie side by side the great leaders who forged the history of our institution and the humblest of legionnaires. This proximity is itself a lesson. It reminds us that the greatness of the Legion was built on the dedication, courage, and sacrifice of all, without distinction of rank or origin. Before these tombs steeped in history, each person feels the weight of the legacy received and the duty to pass it on to future generations.
After visiting the Foreign Legion Veterans' Home, we welcomed our fellow legionnaires to the Association's premises. This meeting provided an opportunity to present the "Legio Patria Nostra" project and to discuss the numerous possibilities for exchanges and cooperation between our associations.
The discussions highlighted a shared desire to strengthen ties between former legionnaires, to keep our traditions alive, and to provide concrete support to the residents of the Home. Beyond the projects discussed, it was above all the moments of sharing, the reminiscences, and the naturally rediscovered camaraderie that marked this day.
This visit will remain a cherished moment of fraternity, remembrance, and sharing. This demonstrates that the veterans' associations are more than ever an essential link between generations of legionnaires and fully contribute to promoting the values that constitute the strength and uniqueness of the French Foreign Legion.
True to its mission of unity and fraternity, the AALE (Association of Former Legionnaires) of Puyloubier invites all veterans' associations to come and share a moment of exchange, remembrance, and reflection on this exceptional legionary land, a true PK 0 of legionary solidarity.
We are committed to welcoming them in the purest tradition of hospitality of the French Foreign Legion. The Capitaine Danjou estate is the home of all legionnaires; each will find there an opportunity to reconnect with their history, their traditions, and the values that unite us under the same motto, "Legio Patria Nostra" (The Legion is our Fatherland).
Beyond a simple visit, we hope to make these gatherings a true legionary pilgrimage. Coming to Puyloubier is to pay respect to those who have gone before us, to rediscover the spirit of Camerone, and to share, among brothers-in-arms and friends of the Legion, moments of fraternity that give full meaning to our association's commitment.
Our doors are open to them, and we will be proud to welcome all members of the Legion's veterans' association who wish to experience this time of remembrance and sharing in this unique place where the memory of the past, the fraternity of the present, and the hope for the future converge in service to the great Legion family.
We are committed to welcoming them in the purest tradition of hospitality of the French Foreign Legion. The Capitaine Danjou estate is the home of all legionnaires; each will find there an opportunity to reconnect with their history, their traditions, and the values that unite us under the same motto, "Legio Patria Nostra" (The Legion is our Fatherland).
Beyond a simple visit, we hope to make these gatherings a true legionary pilgrimage. Coming to Puyloubier is to pay respect to those who have gone before us, to rediscover the spirit of Camerone, and to share, among brothers-in-arms and friends of the Legion, moments of fraternity that give full meaning to our association's commitment.
Our doors are open to them, and we will be proud to welcome all members of the Legion's veterans' association who wish to experience this time of remembrance and sharing in this unique place where the memory of the past, the fraternity of the present, and the hope for the future converge in service to the great Legion family.