Cycling Across Italy & France: Milan to Bordeaux On The Olive Route

Is there a more perfect way to spend 2 weeks in the early summer than cycling across Italy and France from Milan to Bordeaux? Maybe, but I doubt it! Along the way the riders will spin along the winding Po River before climbing up and over the Alps into France. The route continues through the picturesque French countryside, weaving through forests, small villages and rolling hills before arriving in the welcoming vineyards around Bordeaux.

Of course, the start and finish line cities of Milan and Bordeaux are by themselves worthy of the ride (can you say, Da Vinci’s Last Supper!) but this section, Niçoise, offers so much more…

Turin

Home to the iconic Italian carmaker, FIAT, and the popular football team, Juventus, Turin sits along the Po River in the shadow of the Italian Alps. Perhaps best known for the Shroud of Turin, this elegant city has much more to give. Explore the fabulous Automotive Museum. Climb the Mole Antonelliana for an unmatched panorama of the city. Enjoy an aperitivo on the bustling Piazza Castello. Taste the local chocolate. Sample the homegrown vermouth. Explore the vibrant street art.

Wikipedia Fun Fact:  Turin is known for the so-called bicerin, a traditional hot drink made of espresso, drinking chocolate and whole milk served layered in a small rounded glass.

Grenoble

After a couple days climbing up into the Alps, the cyclists will arrive at the French resort city of Grenoble, famous for hosting the 1968 Winter Olympics. Canadians of a certain age will remember Nancy Greene winning the Giant Slalom by a massive 2.64 seconds! While the slopes will be free of snow, the riders can take spherical cable cars called “Les Bulles” (Bubbles) up to the top of La Bastille for an amazing view of the surrounding mountains.

Fun Fact:  The area around the city is famous for the quality of it walnuts.

Lyon

The historic city of Lyon is justly famous for its Medieval and Renaissance architecture, old city, cathedral and museums but what really makes it so special is the food. The local Bouchon restaurants (only 20 are officially certified) serve up traditional Lyonnaise cuisine which began in the 19th century when women created a style that was based on wasting nothing and using everything in simple, hearty dishes. Today, Bouchon menus may offer up sausages, coq-au-vin, salade lyonnaise, duck pâté and roast pork. Bon Appétit!

Lonely Planet Fun Fact:  In 1933, Eugénie Brazier, a former farm girl from l’Ain, a single mother who’d worked her way up the ranks in service and Bouchon kitchens, became the first person ever to be awarded six Michelin stars.

Aubusson

The small French town of Aubusson is famous for its tapestry and carpets, honoured as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. The craft began way back in the 14th century and has become known around the world. The popularity of the tapestries has changed over the years, being highly prized by the royal courts, then declining when wallpaper was created but rising again when artists like Dali and Picasso became interested in the medium. A visit to the local Tapestry Museum is highly recommended.

Wikipedia Fun Fact:  Coventry Cathedral ‘s famous Christ in Glory tapestry, designed by artist Graham Sutherland , was woven in nearby Felletin. Installed in 1962, this was the world’s largest vertical tapestry up until the 1990s.

Limoges

Continuing with the artistic theme, the next stop is Limoges. This city is known for it fine porcelain, accounting for over 50% of France’s current production. In the 18th century a deposit of the mineral, kaolin, was discovered near the city which led to the creation of a local ceramics industry. Limoges porcelain is valued for its elegant and sophisticated style and is highly prized amongst collectors around the world.

Wikipedia Fun Fact:  The city has a basketball club, Limoges CSP, which has won several French championships and the European championship in 1993.

RELATED
TOUR

Olive Route

The Olive. The food most closely associated with Western European civilization. Olive oil. One of the most important ingredients in European cuisine...