It was 1555 and,in the midst of the war between the Sienese and the Florentines, Siena capitulated, and the exiles took refuge in Montalcino which became the capital of the Republic of Siena. They were led by a French leader, Blaise de Monluc. On one side, the Spanish allies of the Medici and on the other the French of King Henry II, allies of the Sienese. In between, as always, soldiers were sent to die and people starved. For the record, the Spanish won, taking possession of the keys to Montalcino and the treasures of the Val d'Orcia.

The bike excursion that bears the name of this French leader can be easily faced in a single day or, if you like, in a single morning or afternoon. The roads are all paved and mark places that are partly new as they are not affected by celebrated routes such as the Eroica Montalcino. For this reason too, it is worth knowing them.