Museum Of The Foreign Legion

Don’t go if: 1) You don't speak French, and 2) You’re not REALLY into this subject matter. Non-French speakers unwelcome. 3 euro brochure is a waste, a few pieces of color-printed paper that does not actually translate anything but instead offers tiny descriptions for large exhibit areas. Then you’re left on your own. I learned more following along on Wikipedia. Museum has no top-level narrative, no story to tell aside from, “Here’s a bunch of stuff that’s really meaningful to us presented in chronological order.” One would be hard-pressed to gain insight as to why the Legion was created, how it differs from regular military, how it is controlled, and why it was downsized. Yes, museum is “free entry," but it’s not free if you take a 4 euro train from Marseille (times two ways), buy their 3 euro useless translation, and waste half a day. As mentioned elsewhere, staff is lackadaisical and seemed to resent my presence, or perhaps it was just that I didn’t speak French. Museum has no website to convey accurate information (it did until 2018 then disappeared). I emailed in advance to confirm they were open and did receive a response with operating hours. Unfortunately response did not mention museum *closes* promptly at 12pm for lunch and happily kicks everyone out. Response stated there is a “possibility" someone could give a tour in English for enough people but did not state a magic number. VISITED: 25 November 2021; operating hours 10am-6pm with lunch 12pm-2pm.