Le Grand Caunet - La Marcouline

This ensemble presents a moving relief whose altitude varies from 0 to 1,000 m and with slopes that are often steep in its most coastal part. It gradually softens towards the North-East (Montagne de la Sainte-Baume) while remaining quite marked.

These three massifs are located in the climatic zone of coastal Provence

The average temperatures are mild (13 to 14°C) with amplitudes attenuated by the maritime influences. Rainfall is low, between 500 and 700 mm/year on average, even if the maritime influences are generally accompanied by an increase in air humidity.

Located within the small natural region of the southern limestone ranges, the Calanques, Grand Caunet and Sainte-Baume massifs are characterized by a rather low average rate of afforestation (47%), with, however, several distinct entities, from the point of view of vegetation:

- the East and South Sainte-Baume as well as the Calanques and Cap Canaille, which have been regularly burned in recent decades and composed of garrigues and young pine forests in regeneration, more or less dense
- the North-East Sainte-Baume and the large area located between La Penne-sur-Huveaune, Aubagne, Gémenos Sud, Roquefort-la-Bédoule, Carnoux, Cassis Est, La Ciotat Est and Ceyreste, made up of mature stands of Aleppo pines or green and white oaks in the North.
- The forest stands are mostly composed of Aleppo pine (90%), the other species are hardwoods accompanying (Holm oak and white oak in particular) or pure stands in the northeast slopes of the Sainte-Baume and Fontblanche.

The Calanques form an emblematic massif. It is very frequented throughout the year, but particularly in the summer period by the attraction that this area represents for tourism.

The Calanques, Cap Canaille and Grand Caunet parts are characterized by very high landscape, ecological and human stakes, linked to a marked peri-urban context, a very attractive coastal situation and particular statuses of classified site (Calanques, Cap Canaille...) and Natura 2000 site (Calanques - Saint-Cyr, Cap Canaille, Grand Caunet).

The sectors of the Marcouline and Grand Caunet, spared by the great forest fires for several decades, are less frequented in summer. Nevertheless, they contribute to the quality of the landscape of the eastern part of the department by standing out for their more forested atmosphere.

This remarkable context has led to the establishment of many ZAPEFs, whether in peri-urban areas or in a more forested context. However, there are still several very frequented areas on the coast, including in periods of risk, which will require specific measures: Ile Verte, Mugel, Figuerolles on La Ciotat, Port Miou, Port Pin, En Vau, Morgiou, Sormiou and Marseilleveyre on the Calanques.

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