The Sainte-Baume massif and its forest are protected by the ZNIEFF (Natural zone of ecological interest, fauna and flora) inventories and the Natura 2000 network, as well as by the classifications as an Integral State Biological Reserve of the Old Forest of Sainte-Baume and a Mixed State Biological Reserve of the Vallon de Castelette. The forest generally presents a strong contrast between the slope and the shade, with a sudden break on the ridgeline. It is home to a flora mainly composed of oak forests, beech forests, pine forests of Scots pines which mixes Mediterranean forest and alpine forest of medium altitude. A rare flower, the sandwort of Provence or Gouffé grass (Gouffeia Arenariodes), can be found on its premises.