Television viewers are in for a treat as Sandi Toksvig embarks on a charming railway adventure along the stunning French coastline in Sandi's Great Riviera Rail Trip. The four-part series promises to deliver exactly what modern television often lacks - pure, unadulterated joy.
A Celebrity Travelogue With Heart
The programme, which aired on Saturday 29 November at 8.05pm on Channel 4, sees Toksvig joining the ranks of celebrity presenters like Joanna Lumley and Michael Palin who have ventured abroad for television documentaries. However, this isn't your typical celebrity travel show filled with manufactured excitement.
Toksvig brings her unique charm and intellect to this journey, exploring the transformation of the Riviera from sleepy fishing villages to a world-renowned destination. Her mission is simple yet compelling: to discover the region's rich history and vibrant contemporary culture through a railway journey covering just over one hundred miles.
Following in Famous Footsteps
The adventure begins in Sanary-sur-Mer, where Toksvig delves into the area's fascinating pre-Second World War creative boom. This charming port town once served as a literary salon for exiled German writers, creating a hub of intellectual activity that included notable residents like Aldous Huxley, author of Brave New World.
Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to Toksvig's delightful observations and encounters. From sampling bouillabaisse while wearing a bib to meeting donkeys named Justin who help keep Plage de Pampelonne clean, every moment feels genuine and warmly humorous.
Toksvig's Unique Travel Style
This isn't the QI host's first foray into travel programming. Her previous series, Extraordinary Escapes, showcased her talent for what can only be described as perfect pootling - that gentle, curious ambling that makes for compelling television.
There's something particularly heartwarming about watching the diminutive Danish presenter, often clad in sensible headwear and clutching her mysterious brown suitcase, exploring continental alleyways with the enthusiasm of someone discovering hidden treasures around every corner.
The series maintains a jaunty, unfussy tone throughout, though some might notice that certain more intellectual segments feel slightly compressed. Moments where Toksvig reflects on feminist writer Edith Wharton's legacy leave you wishing for more depth, though the programme never loses its essential charm.
Ultimately, Sandi's Great Riviera Rail Trip delivers exactly what it promises: beautiful scenery, engaging history, and the delightful company of one of television's most effortlessly entertaining presenters. As Toksvig herself might say - it's simply marvellous.
