A RICH SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNOLOGICAL CONTEXT:

The Marseille area has developed into a major centre for tertiary sector industries, located at the hub of an international crossroads linking the European Union to the Greater Mediterranean area:

■ France’s second biggest centre for scientific research and higher education (more than 100,000 students);
■ France’s leading centre for Microelectronics (ST Microelectronics, Atmel, Gemplus), and for Photonics (Alcatel Space, SESO, and more than 100 SMEs);
■ A major industrial centre: petrochemicals and chemicals, metallurgy, aeronautics (Eurocopter, Dassault), robotics;
■ Cadarache chosen as the site of the ITER international nuclear fusion research centre.
Located on the Technopôle de Château-Gombert science park, Centrale Marseille benefits from a stimulating industrial and business interface.

A UNIQUE NATURAL AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT:

Provence’s rich cultural heritage, sunny climate, Mediterranean lifestyle, impressive range of natural landscapes, historic towns and villages:

■ A paradise for outdoor sports and activities: rock climbing and scuba diving in the Calanques natural park; sailing and sailboarding ; skiing and mountaineering
(major Alpine resorts within four hours’drive).
■ A strategic position: Easy access to Barcelona, Genoa, Nice, Lyon and Paris (3 hours by the TGV high-speed train).