1er REG, 2e REG: 2025 Saint Barbara Day | French Foreign Legion Information

In early December 2025, the combat engineers of the 1st Foreign Engineer Regiment (1er REG) and the 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (2e REG) of the French Foreign Legion once again commemorated their patron, Saint Barbara (Sainte Barbe in French).

Although the religious feast day of Saint Barbara falls on December 4, operational commitments often force Legion units to hold the celebrations a few days earlier or later.

For the 1er REG, stationed at Quartier Général Rollet in Laudun-l’Ardoise, southern France, the main ceremony took place on December 4, 2025. The Commander of the Foreign Legion (COMLE), General Youchtchenko, reviewed the troops, delivered a speech, and oversaw the traditional program: the recounting of the legend of Saint Barbara, the presentation of decorations, the Legion parade, and a naturalization ceremony for several legionnaires. Before the shared Saint Barbara lunch, the regimental commander presented General Youchtchenko with a check for €1,522.70 ($1,772) — the amount collected from the public during a recent Foreign Legion Band concert and donated to a charitable cause. The event was attended by local civilian authorities.

A few days earlier, on December 1, the 2e REG also celebrated Saint Barbara, on the cold plateau d’Albion at Quartier Maréchal Koenig. The day began with a regimental run in the crisp winter weather, followed by the traditional meal. In the evening, General Youchtchenko presided over a night ceremony accompanied by the Foreign Legion’s military band. Three officers and NCOs received decorations for valor and service. After the reading of Saint Barbara’s legend, the regiment paraded by torchlight. Eight mountain-qualified legionnaires were then awarded the coveted “Scout-Skier” star for outstanding performance in alpine operations. In addition, eight legionnaires were granted French citizenship.

—