Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip: A Bibliophile's Dream Come True
The Riviera is a land of enchantment, and Sandi Toksvig's travelogue proves that it's a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The first episode of her Great Riviera Rail Trip sets the tone for the series - an unapologetic ode to all things beautiful, fascinating, and literary.
Toksvig's love affair with the region begins in Sanary-sur-Mer, where she finds herself in a quaint harbour surrounded by crystal-clear waters. As she strolls along the waterfront, she meets the locals, including a man who maintains the picturesque wooden boats known as les pointus. The conversation may be a tad strained due to language barriers, but the scenery is too breathtaking to care.
The narrative takes a turn for the whimsical when Toksvig visits Hyères, where she discovers that it was once a haven for European intellectuals in the 1930s. She meets a mysterious character who might have been none other than Bertolt Brecht, and her imagination runs wild with possibilities. The author's connection to Edith Wharton is another highlight of this episode, as Toksvig basks in the literary history that permeates every nook and cranny.
While the travelogue has its moments of genuine charm, it also falls into some clichés - the "beat" towns, the iconic regional dish, and so on. However, when the conversation turns to Saint-Tropez, the atmosphere becomes more artificial, and the programme's attempts at wit fall flat.
It isn't until Toksvig meets a couple from Bradford who are fans of her QI show that the narrative regains its energy. Their discussion about the origins of Saint-Tropez is engaging, if not particularly insightful, but it serves as a reminder that even in the most unlikely of places, connections can be made.
The final segment of the episode takes place at a hilltop vineyard, where Toksvig samples an exquisite organic rosé. While the conversation with the owners may be limited, the wine is indeed divine - a fitting conclusion to this idyllic chapter of her journey.
Ultimately, Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip is less about travel and more about escapism. For book lovers and anyone who has ever fantasized about a tranquil, sun-kissed existence by the Mediterranean, this series is a bibliophile's dream come true - if a tad indulgent at times.
The Riviera is a land of enchantment, and Sandi Toksvig's travelogue proves that it's a place where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The first episode of her Great Riviera Rail Trip sets the tone for the series - an unapologetic ode to all things beautiful, fascinating, and literary.
Toksvig's love affair with the region begins in Sanary-sur-Mer, where she finds herself in a quaint harbour surrounded by crystal-clear waters. As she strolls along the waterfront, she meets the locals, including a man who maintains the picturesque wooden boats known as les pointus. The conversation may be a tad strained due to language barriers, but the scenery is too breathtaking to care.
The narrative takes a turn for the whimsical when Toksvig visits Hyères, where she discovers that it was once a haven for European intellectuals in the 1930s. She meets a mysterious character who might have been none other than Bertolt Brecht, and her imagination runs wild with possibilities. The author's connection to Edith Wharton is another highlight of this episode, as Toksvig basks in the literary history that permeates every nook and cranny.
While the travelogue has its moments of genuine charm, it also falls into some clichés - the "beat" towns, the iconic regional dish, and so on. However, when the conversation turns to Saint-Tropez, the atmosphere becomes more artificial, and the programme's attempts at wit fall flat.
It isn't until Toksvig meets a couple from Bradford who are fans of her QI show that the narrative regains its energy. Their discussion about the origins of Saint-Tropez is engaging, if not particularly insightful, but it serves as a reminder that even in the most unlikely of places, connections can be made.
The final segment of the episode takes place at a hilltop vineyard, where Toksvig samples an exquisite organic rosé. While the conversation with the owners may be limited, the wine is indeed divine - a fitting conclusion to this idyllic chapter of her journey.
Ultimately, Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip is less about travel and more about escapism. For book lovers and anyone who has ever fantasized about a tranquil, sun-kissed existence by the Mediterranean, this series is a bibliophile's dream come true - if a tad indulgent at times.
I'm so over the Riviera right now 
but what caught my attention was how Sandi Toksvig's love for literature and beauty made her journey feel like a fairytale 
The way she weaves stories and connections throughout her travels is pure magic 
But, tbh, some parts felt super cliché - the "quirky" towns, the local specialties... yawn 
I'd have loved to see more depth and originality in her narrative. Maybe that's just me being too critical though 
Anyway, who can resist a wine tasting at a vineyard? 
That part was pure bliss 
I'm loving Sandi Toksvig's travelogue so far, but it feels like she's being herself all over the place 
. It's a bit jarring, to be honest.
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good organic rosé? 
It's all about escapism for me too - the Riviera may not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who adore it, this series is definitely a dream come true.
. But seriously, this travelogue is like a never-ending romance novel - all sunshine and happiness (until you get to Saint-Tropez, lol). The way she weaves together literary history and personal anecdotes is actually kind of charming, even if it can be a bit over-the-top at times. And those locals in Sanary-sur-Mer? So adorbs! 
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! Sandi Toksvig's travelogue sounds like a right lazy holiday for me, and I love it 
). I'm all about escapism myself, and this series sounds like the perfect cure for those Mondays. Can we please get more episodes of this? 
. And that rosé wine at the vineyard? Perfection! 
If a bit cheesy in some parts, but overall it's a feel-good, escapist watch that's all about embracing the beauty of the world and its quirks 
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She's got such a great energy about her and her love for words is infectious 
The wine tasting at that vineyard was a highlight too, who doesn't love a good rosé? 
. My only minor gripe is when she got stuck on some of the more clichéd towns but overall, this series is giving me all the feels 
. It's so heartwarming to see people connecting over shared interests, even in unexpected places! 
. Like, yeah, Hyères being a haven for European intellectuals is cool and all, but it feels like we've seen that before. And don't even get me started on Saint-Tropez 
. Toksvig's passion for books and literature is infectious, and it's great to see her geeking out over Edith Wharton 
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And that part about the Riviera being a hub for intellectuals is like, so fascinating. It's amazing how one place can be full of history and culture. I'm already hooked on this series, can't wait to see where it takes us next! 
. The way she talks about literature and history is like, so soothing - it makes me want to curl up with a good book and a glass of rosé 
. I'm curious, though, how much of the story is scripted vs. real-life encounters? And what's with the 'beat' towns? Are those just touristy clichés or does she really mean it? 
Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip just dropped on Netflix and it's literally a visual feast 
And it's not just about sunbathing on the beach (although, let's be real, who doesn't love a good tan 
) - there are some amazing literary landmarks and cultural attractions to explore 
Not to mention all the beautiful vineyards & wine estates... 
And it's not just bookworms who are loving it - the episode featuring Saint-Tropez reached a record-breaking 1.2 million viewers in one week! 
What do you think about Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip? Have you watched any of the episodes yet? 
. I mean, who needs Bertolt Brecht when there are cats in sunglasses doing Mozart? 
anyway, back to Toksvig's trip... did she try any good restaurants or cafes along the way? I'm more of a pizza guy myself, but I love hearing about all the different cuisines people try on their travels 
. And that conversation with Bertolt Brecht at Hyères? Genius! 
. But hey, if you're looking for a dreamy, escapist watch that will transport you to a sun-kissed Mediterranean paradise, then Toksvig's Rail Trip is definitely worth checking out 
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! The way she weaves together history, literature, and her own passions is just captivating 
It's amazing how much depth there is beneath all the glamour and touristy vibes.