UPDATED November 13, 2026 BY Michael Coo IN Olive Route no comments Nioise: Cycling Italy & FranceIn our previous post on the Olive Route Cycling Tour, we looked at what made the Kalamata section of the Olive Route, from Athens to Milan, special. This time, lets move on to the Nioise section.The olive itself, is native to southeastern France. They are small and dark and have a slightly bitter, earthly flavour. Youve probably enjoyed them in their namesake Nioise salad.So what is it about the Nioise section, an 1180 km route from Milan to Bordeaux, that makes it so unique?The AlpsAs soon the cyclists leave the Italian city of Turin, they begin to climb up into the Alps on the way to the French Olympic city of Grenoble. Surrounded by daunting, snowcapped peaks, the riders will cycle through the Col du Lautaret mountain pass at 2,058 metres above sea level, marvelling at the incredible scenery. The first few days in France are some of the most spectacular of the entire route. In 2025, one rider exclaimed, It felt like you were riding through a Game of Thrones set.Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse, LyonOn the 2025 Olive Route, Founder Henry Gold wrote that Today in Lyon, I came upon a huge mural. I had no idea who was on the mural, so I took a picture and decided to look him up. And I learned that it was Paul Bocuse, who Wikipedia calls, the pope of gastronomy. The biennial world chef championship, the Bocuse dOr is named after him. If you love good food, and there is plenty of that in Lyon, you will appreciate that Paul Bocuse held a 3-star Michelin Guide rating for 55 years!One of the most popular things to do when you are in the city is to visit Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse. Marketed by Lyons tourist board as the culinary treasure in the heart of Lyon, a name that resonates like a gourmet melody in the ears of food lovers around the world. Nestled in the heart of Lyon, this iconic indoor market is much more than just a place to sell food products; it is a true temple dedicated to gastronomy. And so, I entered and had my lunch.Clermont-FerrandSituated in the beautiful Massif Central region of France, Clermont-Ferrand is one of the countrys oldest cities, has a vibrant student population and is surrounded by extinct volcanoes. Riders should be sure to visit the the 13th-century Cathedrale Notre-Dame-de-lAssomption, built from black volcanic lava. It is also home to the fascinating LAventure Michelin, where they will learn that, amongst its many other accomplishments, the company was responsible for the invention of the detachable bicycle tire in 1891.WineAs the section comes to a close, the cyclists will have the opportunity to sample some very fine wines, like a classic Bordeaux blend which combines Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Cycling through the endless vineyards approaching Bordeaux, riders will note that merlot is the most widely planted varietal (despite the movie Sideways!) and are more than likely to make a stop at at a chateau or two for a guided tour and a relaxed tasting.RELATEDTOUROlive Route The Olive. The food most closely associated with Western European civilization. Olive oil. One of the most important ingredients in European cuisine... Related Posts:Leave a Comment for "Nioise: Cycling Italy & France" Cancel reply