FRANCE / Contents of Méditerraneo in March

• In Galicia, Northwest Spain, Galician has been an official language since 1983, on an equal footing with Castilian. But in reality, teachers and associations are fighting to keep this part of their identity alive.
• Boosting Morocco’s date harvest by using advanced research techniques: that’s why the country is investing €650 million in the sector between now and 2020. Unfortunately the palm-trees have been decimated by disease. To reverse the trend, several valuation units have been created.
• In Marseilles, MuCEM (photo opposite), the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations, is taking a close look at mapping and colonization. The exhibition «Made in Algeria, the Genealogy of a Territory», is one way of looking at the complex relationship between France and Algeria.
• France is the world’s fourth largest producer of oysters – and the first in Europe. Not as well-known as the Atlantic oysters, the Mediterranean variety from the Thau lagoon are second to no one. But to remain competitive, in recent years the oyster farmers have had to cope with new economic and health challenges.
• Jordan now produces its own craft beer. A challenge to the people making it, in a conservative country with a Muslim majority – although consumption of alcohol is legal. Today Carakale is sold everywhere in the kingdom: bars, restaurants, supermarkets – and it’s doing well.
• A hundred years ago the extraction of ochre was in full swing and made the reputation of the Apt region. Today, the sale of pigments has refocused on decoration and construction, but visiting the quarries of Rustrel is a must in the Luberon.
• An emblematic place in Galicia. It is where pilgrims arriving at Santiago de Compostela gather their thoughts as they gaze up at the cathedral. The Praza do Obradorio, with its different architectural styles from different eras, welcomes three million visitors every year.
• The Mediterranean is a great place for anyone who loves classic sailing regattas. From Monaco to Saint-Tropez, via Malta or Corsica, these annual events bring together yachts which combine elegance and respect for tradition.

Méditerraneo Transmissions:
On France 3 Corse ViaStella
First broadcast Saturdays at 11:30am
Repeated on Sundays at 8:10pm, Mondays at 1:20pm, Tuesdays at 6:00pm, Wednesdays at 11:55 pm
On France 3 Provence-Alpes and France 3 Côte d’Azur
Sundays at 11:30am