With the advantages of a particularly clement climate (an average summer temperature of 22°) and of an altitude ranging from 145 metres in the Lot valley to 500 metres on the heights around Villefranche, the region is made up of three distinct areas: The Lot Valley in the north, dominated by chalk cliffs, with wonderful views from the top of some of them. The Aveyron Valleys and Gorges in the south, with their steep, wooded and unspoilt slopes. The Causses, dry and stony limestone plateaux. With their sparse covering of oaks, juniper and box, they become a breeding ground for rare flowers in spring.