as asked....
The Foreign Legion has it's roots in Algeria. Basically when it was founded, foreigners werent allowed in any French forces, as in the past, they usually had sucked and barely had training. So they made them their own branch because there was an influx of foreigners at the time. It was founded in 1831, and first went to algeria...in 1831.
So needless to say, they trace their roots back there. Of course it isnt well publicized, and quite frankly could be completely false, I have read from various accounts that much of the training still occurs in algeria, despite the fact that its no longer a french colony. This is possible because as soon as you join the legion, you lose your identity. You can't leave, you can't contact anyone outside, and you have no ID, money or any documents. Contrary to popular belief, you can no longer be a criminal and join though.
I'd highly recommend watching "Escape to the legion" the series with Bear Grylls. It's a very narrowed down series showing a quicker training process. Absolutely insane. Any respect i lost for bear from man vs wild was immediately made up for and doubled by this series.