When completed, , "Jean de Vienne", and formed the 3rd Cruisers Division, flagship "Marseillaise", attached to the Mediterranean Squadron, and based in Bizerte. At the start of World War II, "Jean de Vienne" had completed a major refit at Toulon and had returned to the 3rd Cruiser Division, still at Bizerte. Her formation was to protect French interests in North Africa, should Italy enter the war. As Italy remained neutral, the 3rd Cruiser Division's role was limited, the main event being to transport French gold bullion to Halifax, Nova Scotia in December 1939. After Italy's entry into the war on 10 June 1940, there was a major French sortie to prevent anticipated attempts by the "Kriegsmarine" to force the Straits of Gibraltar. The only sight of the enemy was a failed attack by the .