13e DBLE: Exercise Gevaudan 2026 | French Foreign Legion Information

In February 2026, the 13th Foreign Legion Demi-Brigade (13e DBLE), a motorized infantry regiment based at Camp Larzac in southern France, led Exercise Gevaudan 2026 (Gévaudan 26) in the Lozère department.

Conducted from February 9–19, the annual exercise brought together around 1,000 soldiers, including more than 700 legionnaires from 13e DBLE and approximately 120 legionnaires from the Spanish Legion. The large-scale training event focused on high-intensity operations, multinational interoperability, and close coordination with civilian authorities.

During the first phase on the Larzac plateau, the 13e DBLE (commanded by Colonel Brunet) conducted collective live-fire training to validate combat methods at company and battalion level. This phase involved mounted and dismounted maneuvers, integration of supporting arms, and rehearsals designed to prepare units for subsequent operations in more complex terrain and urban areas.

In the second phase, a combined arms task force deployed into open terrain and urban areas across Lozère, with day and night training that culminated in a scenario centered on the seizure of the town of Mende. Units conducted day and night movements, urban warfare training, and free-play scenarios against a capable opposing force. The exercise incorporated helicopters, armored vehicles such as the Griffon, and about 30 unmanned aerial systems to provide reconnaissance, targeting, and continuous surveillance of the sector.

Exercise Gevaudan 2026 also emphasized cooperation with local authorities, which included responding to a simulated hostage situation. The exercise concluded with equipment displays for the public and a naturalization ceremony for ten legionnaires.

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