The "Conservatoire" was born in 1999 in the Bouches du Rhône area after a decision of the Bouches du Rhône local council to set up a new euro Mediterranean network devoted to the culinary, touristic and cultural heritage of Mediterranean countries: «Le Conservatoire International des Cuisines Méditerranéennes »(CICM).
 

The Conservatoire is composed by territorial and professional organizations, universities, and also individual prestigious members. In every partner territory (Spain, Italy, France, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Tunisia…), public sector decision-makers, farmers, cookers, instructors, restaurant owners, culinary journalists, experts, research workers, and academic professors, have the opportunity to meet and to exchange each other.

The CICM is working on the creation of a think tank and a Framework to promote the culinary heritage of Mediterranean territories.

Its main goal is to strengthen the preservation and promotion of Mediterranean food product and cuisines. The Conservatoire also supports the development of sustainable agriculture and sustainable tourism, and takes action in the matter of food education.