Recognized as a Grand Site de France since 2004, the Sainte-Victoire mountain is a gem of French natural heritage that must be preserved. In 2019, during the renewal of this prestigious label, the name Concors was added to Sainte-Victoire, giving rise to the Grand Site Concors Sainte-Victoire.
The Site
Spanning 50,000 hectares near Aix-en-Provence and Marseille, the Concors and Sainte-Victoire massifs constitute the largest contiguous wooded area in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. This vast territory also includes two communes in the Var: Pourrières and Rians. Forestry, agricultural, and pastoral activities have shaped a typically Provençal landscape, dominated by the remarkable mineral monument of the Sainte-Victoire mountain, dear to the painter Cézanne.
Biodiversity
The biological richness of the site justified the inclusion of three zones in the Natura 2000 network, aimed at protecting natural habitats and the species they host. Located in the heart of an urban region with 1.3 million inhabitants, the Grand Site attracts more than one million visitors each year, 75% of whom come from the local area. This territory, land of Cézanne and natural reservoir, is a major heritage issue.
Preservation Challenges
The Grand Site de France label, obtained in 2004 and renewed in 2011 and 2019, is a recognition of the excellence in the management, preservation, and enhancement of the site. The great fire of 1989, which devastated the southern face of the mountain, highlighted the importance of fire risk prevention, which has become one of the main challenges of the Grand Site. Since its creation, the Syndicat Mixte Départemental des Massifs Concors-Sainte-Victoire has undertaken significant restoration work on built heritage (such as the Priory and the Cross of Provence), landscaped parking lots integrated into the landscape, as well as the maintenance and marking of trails.
Awareness and Safety
A team of park rangers is also active in raising visitor awareness of regulations and fire risks. These ongoing efforts aim to protect this precious environment while allowing the public to enjoy it responsibly.
Management Evolution
In 2019, the management of the label was entrusted to the Métropole Aix-Marseille-Provence, extending the area from 14 to 17 communes and from 34,860 hectares to 48,090 hectares to include the entire Concors massif, classified in 2013. This extension ensures a landscape continuity between the Luberon, the Verdon, and the Durance to the north, and the Monts Aurélien and Sainte-Baume to the south. This label renewal is a recognition of the actions taken in forest management, fire prevention, protection and enhancement of the landscape, natural and cultural heritage, as well as public reception.
Future Objectives
For the next six years, the main areas of focus will include integrating landscape issues with controlled urbanization, strengthening and enhancing the preserved territorial identity, and promoting high-quality local products. The goal is to continue harmonizing the conservation of natural and cultural heritage with sustainable economic and tourism development.
Conclusion
The Grand Site Concors Sainte-Victoire is a remarkable example of how coordinated management and proactive preservation can protect and enhance an exceptional natural heritage. By maintaining a balance between the needs of residents, visitors, and nature, this site continues to be a model of sustainable conservation and innovation in environmental management. Ongoing efforts to raise public awareness, prevent fires, and promote responsible tourism are essential to ensure the longevity of this Provençal gem. The coming years will be crucial in strengthening these initiatives and ensuring that the Grand Site remains a haven of biodiversity, natural beauty, and cultural heritage for future generations.