China Eastern Airlines will launch direct flights between Shanghai and Marseille, France, on July 2, becoming the first carrier to operate regular air routes between the two cities, according to the Shanghai-based carrier.

The Shanghai-Marseille flights will run every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday, with the return flights operating on the same day local time.

Marseille, the second-largest city of France, is the largest port in Southern Europe as well as an important shipping and trade center in the Mediterranean. Shanghai and Marseille became sister cities in 1987.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, and the two nations are celebrating the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism as well.

The tickets for the Shanghai-Marseille flight are available at China Eastern's official website and app.