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Background and Objectives of the Event
?Let?s Talk About the Sea? is designed as a forum for reflection and dialogue on maritime issues in the Mediterranean, in a region where the sea is:
- an economic pillar (ports, tourism, fishing, boating, maritime industries),
- a major environmental issue (biodiversity, climate, erosion, flooding),
- a rich cultural heritage and strong sense of identity (history, maritime heritage, sports, and recreational activities).
The goal is to foster dialogue among scientists, entrepreneurs, elected officials, sailors, organizations, and citizens in order to:
- to better understand the challenges (climate, ecological transition, employment, geostrategy),
- share local solutions and initiatives,
- to collectively envision the future of the Mediterranean coastline.
Dates, Locations, and Formats
"Let's Talk About the Sea" Week: 22%E2euros%93September 26, 2026
Main location: La Provence headquarters, Grand Central Building, 19 rue Henri Barbusse, 13001 Marseille.
Period: Monday, September 22, through Friday, September 26, 2026.
Audience: Open to everyone (the general public, school groups, professionals, and organizations).
"Professional" events: 23%E2euros%93September 24
A section focused more on ?lectures and discussions? is spread over two days:
September 23 and 24, 2026, at the La Provence headquarters in Marseille.
Topics highlighted over the two days:
- Employment and Training in Maritime Occupations,
- Defense and Geostrategic Issues (security, sovereignty, maritime routes),
- Civic engagement (nonprofit organizations, local initiatives, education),
- Maritime heritage (history, memory, traditions).
These events feature lectures, roundtable discussions, and meetings with regional, national, and international witnesses and experts.
The 5 Main Themes of the Week
The program is structured around five areas:
Ecology
Ecological transition, decarbonization of ports, protection of biodiversity, and the impact of climate change on the Mediterranean.
Jobs
Marine industries (fishing, aquaculture, boating, port logistics, marine energy, etc.),
Training, career transition, job matching, partnerships with France Travail and the Cité des Métiers PACA.
Environment
Water quality, coastal erosion, storm surges, sustainable coastal management, marine protected areas.
Territory & Heritage
Role of the 68 coastal municipalities, ports, and beaches,
Maritime heritage (traditional boats, local history, naval history).
Culture & Sports
Boating, offshore racing, water sports,
Stories from sailors, skippers, explorers,
The Cultural and Emotional Dimensions of the Sea.
Types of Activities Offered
In addition to the lectures, the week includes:
Conferences and Roundtables
Examples cited:
?In the Face of the Ecological Transition, What Are the Sustainable Solutions?? (September 24, 9:30 a.m.?12:30 p.m.),
?The Sea: Our Opportunity and Our Responsibility? (civic engagement, organizations, local institutions).
Job Dating and Job Matchmaking
Organized in partnership with the Aix-Marseille-Provence Metropolitan Area, France Travail, and the Cité des Métiers PACA,
Dedicated to maritime professions and the local maritime economy.
Exhibits and Maritime Heritage
Model boats, historical exhibitions,
Promoting naval heritage and local traditions.
Coastal Walks and Explorations
Site visits, guided tours, and open houses at locations related to employment, training, and workforce integration along the coast (Aubagne, Fos-sur-Mer, Istres, La Ciotat, Martigues, etc.).
Immersive Experiences and Family Activities
In La Ciotat, as part of the Nauticales festival, a 3,000-square-meter space features:
"Let's Talk About the Sea" talks, virtual reality, community village, maritime heritage (traditional rowboats), and water sports village (foil, wing, surfing, paddleboarding, etc.).
Who is "Parlons Mer" intended for?
The event is aimed at three main audiences:
- Professionals in the maritime sector: ports, logistics, boating, fishing, aquaculture, marine energy, defense, environment, etc.
- People passionate about the open sea: sailors, recreational boaters, water sports enthusiasts, and members of organizations.
- Curious members of the general public: coastal residents, schoolchildren, and families who want to better understand maritime issues and discover the local heritage.
