On the Albion plateau, a harsh place in winter, the Koenig barracks in Saint-Christol-d’Albion opens its gates on Christmas Eve to show visitors the nativity scenes made by soldiers of the 2nd Foreign Engineer Regiment (2e REG). At the entrance, visitors receive a map locating around ten displays in different barracks buildings. Each platoon creates a nativity scene in its free time, using available materials, imagination and enthusiasm.
Christmas in the Legion goes beyond religion. Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus and Buddhists serve together as brothers-in-arms. At Christmas they celebrate humanity and fraternity, symbolised by the vulnerable newborn Jesus in his stable. It is an important time of warmth and fellowship, shared with comrades who may be a legionnaire's only family, as well as relatives, friends and local people.
The nativity scenes reflect the legionnaires' lives: soldiers' difficult, dangerous work and moments of loneliness far from loved ones. Their settings draw on places where they have served. Visitors share a generous, moving moment with the legionnaires, giving real meaning to the Christmas spirit.
Getting to Saint-Christol: GPS coordinates N 44°01’46’’ – E 5°29’34’’