France's new cultural season, "Saison Méditerranée," launches on May 15, 2026, in Marseille with two weeks of festivities running through May 24. Organized by the Institut français and announced by President Emmanuel Macron in 2023, it is the first season to focus on an entire region—the Mediterranean and its 21 bordering countries—rather than a single nation. The program includes exhibitions at venues like the [mac], the Vieille Charité, and the Friche la Belle de Mai, featuring artists such as Louisa Babari, Adrien Vescovi, Zineb Sedira, Mona Benyamin, and Abdessamad El Montassir. Highlights also include the inauguration of the transformed Citadelle de Marseille with works by Saber Zammouri and Hugo Mir-Valette, a performance by Mohamed El Khatib at the Mucem, and a concert by Sofiane Saidi and Camélia Jordana. The season continues across France until October, with a major project by Mohamed Bourouissa at the Grand Palais in Paris.
This season matters because it represents a significant shift in France's cultural diplomacy, moving from bilateral exchanges to a multilateral focus on the Mediterranean region, addressing themes like migration, plural identities, and contemporary spirituality. By centering Marseille—a historic Mediterranean port city—and involving artists from across the region, the initiative aims to foster cross-cultural dialogue and highlight diverse artistic practices. The scale and ambition of the program, with events spanning multiple cities and months, underscore France's commitment to using culture as a tool for regional connection and understanding.