Sandi Toksvig's Riviera Rail Trip: A bibliophile's fantasy comes alive on screen.
In her enthusiastic travelogue, Sandi Toksvig embarks on a four-part journey along the French south coast, capturing the essence of its picturesque villages, luxurious resorts, and quaint nooks. As she travels by train, Toksvig's infectious joy is palpable as she shares her awe-inspiring experiences with viewers.
The series begins in Sanary-sur-Mer, where Toksvig finds a delightful harbour view that exceeds her expectations. Her interactions with locals, including a conversation with a boat maintenance expert who speaks limited French, are heartwarming and free from awkwardness. The azure waters surrounding the town are so captivating that even language barriers cannot detract from their beauty.
Toksvig's travels take her to other charming destinations, including Hyères, where she explores the 1930s-era chateau and gardens of American author Edith Wharton. While Wharton's literary significance is undeniable, it becomes apparent that Toksvig's series has taken on a distinctly bibliophilic tone, focusing more on the writer's connection to the region than on its cultural or historical depth.
Toksvig's enthusiasm for her destinations is undiminished, and she finds joy in even the most mundane activities, such as sampling local delicacies like brioche-and-buttercream tarte tropézienne. However, some scenes feel formulaic, including a game of boules with French locals that fails to yield memorable insights.
Despite this, Toksvig's series has its moments of genuine charm, particularly when she engages in conversation with an unlikely pair from Bradford who are also fans of her QI show. Her ability to find common ground and share fascinating stories makes their encounter a highlight of the episode.
Ultimately, Toksvig's Riviera Rail Trip is a travelogue that will appeal primarily to bibliophiles and those enamored with literary culture. While its focus on writers like Wharton and Brecht may strike some viewers as overly niche, the series' lighthearted tone and Toksvig's effervescent personality make it an enjoyable watch for fans of the author.
In her enthusiastic travelogue, Sandi Toksvig embarks on a four-part journey along the French south coast, capturing the essence of its picturesque villages, luxurious resorts, and quaint nooks. As she travels by train, Toksvig's infectious joy is palpable as she shares her awe-inspiring experiences with viewers.
The series begins in Sanary-sur-Mer, where Toksvig finds a delightful harbour view that exceeds her expectations. Her interactions with locals, including a conversation with a boat maintenance expert who speaks limited French, are heartwarming and free from awkwardness. The azure waters surrounding the town are so captivating that even language barriers cannot detract from their beauty.
Toksvig's travels take her to other charming destinations, including Hyères, where she explores the 1930s-era chateau and gardens of American author Edith Wharton. While Wharton's literary significance is undeniable, it becomes apparent that Toksvig's series has taken on a distinctly bibliophilic tone, focusing more on the writer's connection to the region than on its cultural or historical depth.
Toksvig's enthusiasm for her destinations is undiminished, and she finds joy in even the most mundane activities, such as sampling local delicacies like brioche-and-buttercream tarte tropézienne. However, some scenes feel formulaic, including a game of boules with French locals that fails to yield memorable insights.
Despite this, Toksvig's series has its moments of genuine charm, particularly when she engages in conversation with an unlikely pair from Bradford who are also fans of her QI show. Her ability to find common ground and share fascinating stories makes their encounter a highlight of the episode.
Ultimately, Toksvig's Riviera Rail Trip is a travelogue that will appeal primarily to bibliophiles and those enamored with literary culture. While its focus on writers like Wharton and Brecht may strike some viewers as overly niche, the series' lighthearted tone and Toksvig's effervescent personality make it an enjoyable watch for fans of the author.