The Sainte-Victoire massif extends over 11 mi (18 km) long and 3 mi (5 km) wide between the Bouches-du-Rhône and Var departments. Its strict west-east orientation results in a significant difference in sunshine between the north and south faces, with various levels of Mediterranean-type vegetation on the south side and alpine-type vegetation on the north side. As a consequence, the Sainte-Victoire massif is home to a remarkable flora of 900 species, grouping 20% of the French varieties. At the foot of the cliffs on the southern slope, the holm oaks, kermes oaks, and Aleppo pines are slowly growing back after the massive fire of 1989.