Marseille, France’s second-largest city and a major Mediterranean port, faces unique challenges and opportunities in early childhood education. Like the rest of France, Marseille follows the national “école maternelle” curriculum ([Reference 1]), emphasizing early language development, socialization, and creativity.
However, given its high level of social diversity and economic disparity, Marseille is heavily involved in the “Réseaux d’Éducation Prioritaire Plus” (REP+) system ([Reference 2]), which provides additional funding and specialized support to preschools serving disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Initiatives such as “Parcours d’Éducation Artistique et Culturelle” ([Reference 3]) are particularly prominent in Marseille, introducing young children to arts and culture early on, seen as a way to bridge social divides and foster integration.
Many preschools also prioritize outdoor learning, utilizing Marseille’s unique coastal environment to enhance children’s physical and environmental education.
As a kindergarten director, I am deeply moved by Marseille’s efforts to ensure that all children—regardless of their background—can access a nurturing, rich, and inspiring educational environment from their earliest years.

References:

• [1] French Ministry of Education: National Curriculum for École Maternelle

• [2] REP+ Priority Education Networks Overview

• [3] French Ministry of Culture: Artistic and Cultural Education Pathways (Parcours EAC)

フランス第2の都市であり、地中海に面した大港湾都市マルセイユは、幼児教育においても独自の課題と機会を抱えています。全国共通の「エコール・マテルネル（école maternelle）」のカリキュラムに沿い、言語発達、社会性、創造力の育成が基本方針です。
しかし、マルセイユは社会的多様性と経済格差が特に大きい都市であるため、「優先教育ネットワークプラス（REP+）」の対象地域が多く、教育機会の均等化に向けた特別支援体制が強化されています。
また、「芸術文化教育プログラム（Parcours d’Éducation Artistique et Culturelle）」にも積極的に取り組み、幼少期から芸術・文化に触れる機会を提供することで、社会統合と子どもたちの自己表現力の育成を図っています。
さらに、マルセイユ特有の海辺の自然環境を活かし、屋外学習を重視する園も多く見られます。
すべての子どもに、豊かで意欲を育む教育環境を届けようとするマルセイユの取り組みは、私たちの理念にも深く響くものです。

Lyon, France’s third-largest city, faithfully follows the national “école maternelle” framework ([Reference 1]) while adding strong local initiatives to support early education. Preschool attendance from age three is nearly universal, and many municipalities, including Lyon, offer additional wraparound services such as before- and after-school care (“garderie”) ([Reference 2]).
The national curriculum emphasizes early mastery of the French language, introduction to mathematical thinking, artistic expression, and motor development. Lyon also actively promotes inclusive education, ensuring that children with special educational needs (SEN) are integrated and supported within mainstream settings, through specialized structures like “ULIS École” ([Reference 3]).
Moreover, Lyon’s municipal authorities have invested in early bilingual exposure programs, especially French-English or French-German, reflecting the city’s international community and regional ties to Europe.
As a kindergarten director, I admire Lyon’s commitment to academic rigor balanced with emotional well-being—a model that respects every child’s right to a rich, equitable educational experience from the very first years.

References:

• [1] French Ministry of Education: National Curriculum for École Maternelle

• [2] Ville de Lyon: Early Childhood Services and Garderies

• [3] French Ministry of Education: ULIS École (Special Needs Integration Program)