Straddling two departments, Bouches-du-Rhône (59%) and Var (41%), the Sainte-Victoire massif benefits from several classifications linked to its protection. The Tholonet road, known as Cézanne road, has been classified as early as 1959 among the picturesque sites of France on the initiative of André Malraux. The gigantic fire that ravaged the rocky southern slope of the mountain from August 28 to 31, 1989, urged the creation of the intercommunal union of the Massif Sainte-Victoire in 1990 to ensure its reforestation. The Grand Site Sainte-Victoire was also created in August 2000 and labeled Grand Site de France in 2004. It is responsible for enhancing and protecting the natural and cultural environment of the massif as well as managing the visitors of this territory of nearly 82,251 acres (34,500 ha) that includes the 16,124 acres (6,525 ha) of the original listed site. A special conservation area (ZSC) named Montagne Sainte-Victoire was also defined under the Habitats, fauna and flora European directive.