The vineyards of the Rhône Valley stretch over 200 km, from Vienne (just south of Lyon) to Avignon. The total area is 60,000 ha. The area under cultivation is divided into two sub-areas: The Côtes-du-Rhône Septentrionales (north), from Vienne to Valence and the Côtes-du-Rhône Méridionales (south) from Montélimar to Avignon. The climate in the north is continental with mild spring and hot summer. In the south, the climate is Mediterranean with a cool wind, the Mistral, which soothes the heat. The strong, full-bodied red wines from the north are produced only from the Syrah grape variety. The white wines from the Viognier grape variety produce fruity, elegant wines. The Marsanne and Roussanne varieties stand for robust, opulent wines. In the south, the main grapes are Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. For white wines, the varieties Viognier, Clairette, Picpoul, Marsanne and Roussanne are cultivated.