The new Region in focus online today, looks at France's independent cultural sector through the viewpoint of the two cities, Nantes and Lille. Banlieues d'Europe collected different perspectives through interviews, images and reflections by various cultural individuals. Added to this, l'Observatoire des Politiques Culturelles undertook a mapping of key French organisations that facilitate cultural cooperation. Both contributions make up an interesting commentary on intercultural delivery in France.

The two cities, Nantes and Lille both share a similar industrial past and have in recent years linked to cultural regeneration as a mechanism to improve and raise profile. Read about the dynamic communities from the two cities and the steps taken to create great events, cultural facilities for the metropolitan areas and thriving networks. There is also an insight into approximately seventy artistic and cultural facilities involved in European, international cross-border exchanges and intercultural projects in France.