Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip: A Bibliophile's Dream Come True
As she gazes out at the picturesque harbor of Sanary-sur-Mer, Sandi Toksvig lets out a squeal of delight, her infectious enthusiasm immediately conjuring images of a idyllic sojourn. The Danish comedian and writer has embarked on a four-episode journey along the French south coast, and it's clear that she's thrilled to be there.
Toksvig's travelogue is less a traditional documentary and more a bibliophile's fantasy, with her love of literature guiding her through each stop on the route. In Sanary-sur-Mer, she meets a local boatman who becomes fast friend, despite their language barrier being no obstacle to their lively conversation. The azure waters provide a stunning backdrop for their chat, which is punctuated by Toksvig's witty observations and giggles.
As the journey progresses, Toksvig delves into the history of writers who found refuge in the Riviera during the 1930s, including Aldous Huxley and Bertolt Brecht. Her eyes light up at the prospect of visiting the chateau and gardens established by Edith Wharton, author of The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth. While her visit may have been more fantasy than fact for some viewers, Toksvig's enthusiasm is undiminished.
However, not every aspect of the program lives up to its promise. The scenes in Saint-Tropez feel formulaic, with a game of boules with French locals failing to deliver any memorable insights or conversations. It's only when she encounters a couple from Bradford who are fans of her QI show that Toksvig is able to connect with them on a meaningful level.
Ultimately, the highlight of the program comes at a hilltop vineyard, where the owners' hospitality and the organic rosé's refreshing flavor make for a memorable finale. If you're a bibliophile or simply looking for a travelogue with a literary twist, Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip is a pleasant fantasy that will leave you smiling.
Toksvig's narrative voice is occasionally marred by repetition and clichés, but her love of literature and enthusiasm are infectious. If she has any weaknesses, it's in the lack of depth in some of the scenes, which feel more like traditional travelogue fare than the literary-themed journey promised at the outset. Nevertheless, fans of Toksvig will likely find themselves swept up in her whimsical world, where the beauty of the Riviera is matched only by its rich cultural heritage.
As she gazes out at the picturesque harbor of Sanary-sur-Mer, Sandi Toksvig lets out a squeal of delight, her infectious enthusiasm immediately conjuring images of a idyllic sojourn. The Danish comedian and writer has embarked on a four-episode journey along the French south coast, and it's clear that she's thrilled to be there.
Toksvig's travelogue is less a traditional documentary and more a bibliophile's fantasy, with her love of literature guiding her through each stop on the route. In Sanary-sur-Mer, she meets a local boatman who becomes fast friend, despite their language barrier being no obstacle to their lively conversation. The azure waters provide a stunning backdrop for their chat, which is punctuated by Toksvig's witty observations and giggles.
As the journey progresses, Toksvig delves into the history of writers who found refuge in the Riviera during the 1930s, including Aldous Huxley and Bertolt Brecht. Her eyes light up at the prospect of visiting the chateau and gardens established by Edith Wharton, author of The Age of Innocence and The House of Mirth. While her visit may have been more fantasy than fact for some viewers, Toksvig's enthusiasm is undiminished.
However, not every aspect of the program lives up to its promise. The scenes in Saint-Tropez feel formulaic, with a game of boules with French locals failing to deliver any memorable insights or conversations. It's only when she encounters a couple from Bradford who are fans of her QI show that Toksvig is able to connect with them on a meaningful level.
Ultimately, the highlight of the program comes at a hilltop vineyard, where the owners' hospitality and the organic rosé's refreshing flavor make for a memorable finale. If you're a bibliophile or simply looking for a travelogue with a literary twist, Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip is a pleasant fantasy that will leave you smiling.
Toksvig's narrative voice is occasionally marred by repetition and clichés, but her love of literature and enthusiasm are infectious. If she has any weaknesses, it's in the lack of depth in some of the scenes, which feel more like traditional travelogue fare than the literary-themed journey promised at the outset. Nevertheless, fans of Toksvig will likely find themselves swept up in her whimsical world, where the beauty of the Riviera is matched only by its rich cultural heritage.
I mean, can you imagine exploring the French south coast while discussing books with a local boatman? It sounds like a dream come true for a bibliophile like me. The idea of visiting the chateau and gardens of Edith Wharton is giving me major goosebumps 
And don't even get me started on the organic rosé - I need to try that ASAP! 
However, I did feel like some parts of the program were a bit formulaic... but honestly, who cares? The enthusiasm and love for literature are what make this rail trip so special 
! They're always just a bunch of pretty pics strung together with some bland narration thrown in for good measure 
. But you know what would make it better? A dash of literary flair, that's what 
.
. It felt like they were just phoning it in to get to the next location or meet with another famous person 
. And don't even get me started on how formulaic Saint-Tropez felt 
. A game of boules with French locals? How original 
.
and it's clear that she's having the time of her life 
. And let's be real, who doesn't love a good rosé 
.
. It's not perfect, but it's a fun and lighthearted watch that'll leave you feeling happy and inspired 
.
Sandi Toksvig's enthusiasm is totally contagious and I loved how she geeked out over writers like Huxley and Wharton - I mean, who wouldn't want to explore the chateau of Edith Wharton?! 
. I mean, it's okay, but if I'm paying attention to travel vids, I want to see some actual depth or insight, not just a bunch of people hitting balls around 
.
️. The way she weaves the history of writers who found refuge on the Riviera into the journey feels really organic, like a treasure trove of literary tidbits waiting to be discovered 
.
.
. Toksvig's enthusiasm might be a bit all over the place at times, but that's just part of her charm - she's like a breath of fresh air on your daily commute 
!
i mean what's even more amazing than sandi toksvig being all excited about books? the fact that some cat can play piano, right?! anyway back to sandi toksvig... i think her travelogue is kinda cool, but like, who needs a boatman friend when you have cats playing piano? also i heard edith wharton's house has the most gorgeous gardens and i would totally wanna visit there one day 
she sounds like the perfect traveler - all about soaking up the culture and having a good time 
but i agree with the reviewer that some scenes felt kinda formulaic 
i mean, who hasn't had a game of boules in saint tropez 
can we get a full episode on just that?! 
. Even though some scenes felt a bit formulaic (I mean, who doesn't love boules? 
), it was still so much fun to watch her connect with the locals in Bradford – that QI show fan couple was adorable! 
. Can't wait for more Sandi Toksvig adventures 
!
Also, I'm curious about how much research went into selecting those specific authors and locations – was it a mix of personal interest and thorough research, or more of a whim? 
. And can we talk about how formulaic those scenes in Saint-Tropez were? Like, I've seen more engaging stuff on YouTube 
.
. It's like she finally connected with people on a real level and didn't have to resort to being all superficial or whatever 
after that refreshing organic rosé at the hilltop vineyard. seriously though, Toksvig's enthusiasm is super contagious - even when the scenes get a bit formulaic, she's still got some wicked witty one-liners 
. all in all, it's like watching a bibliophile's dream come true... minus the depth, but who needs that when you've got sand, sea, and Sandi Toksvig's infectious laughter? 
. I mean, who wouldn't wanna explore the French Riviera with a love for literature? But, let's be real, it felt like some parts were just glossing over the real deal 
. Formulaic is one way to put it, but I'd say it was more like they just phoned it in 
. The whole thing felt like a watered-down version of what could've been if Toksvig had really dug into the literary side of things 
.
. Just a chill, laid-back vibe that'll make you smile, right? 
. The scenes with the French locals felt a bit forced, but I'm sure they were just trying to accommodate her bubbly personality