Sandi Toksvig's "Great Riviera Rail Trip" is a bibliophile's fantasy, and for good reason – this travelogue has more literary allusions than a Bronte novel. As she sets off on her four-part journey along the French south coast, the writer-turned-traveler enthusiastically extols the charms of Marseille, Sanary-sur-Mer, Hyères, and Saint-Tropez, weaving in witty observations about everything from boules to brioche.
Toksvig's infectious enthusiasm is impossible to resist as she explores picturesque fishing villages, posh resorts, and quaint nooks, often giggling with glee at the sheer pleasure of it all. Her first stop, Sanary-sur-Mer, offers breathtaking views of a gentle sea and delightful harbour, setting the tone for an indulgent sojourn.
When Toksvig strolls along the waterside, meeting intriguing locals who transcend language barriers, her excitement is palpable. She meets Inspector Clouseau-esque locals, sipping azure-hued wine, and recounts conversations that falter but never fail to delight.
Throughout the series, Sandi bounces between discussing writers' haunts (Aldous Huxley, Bertolt Brecht) and relishing literary history, like discovering Edith Wharton's chateau in Hyères. While Toksvig might have inadvertently reduced her Riviera Rail Trip to a Great Literary Riviera Tour, for bibliophiles this is pure bliss.
However, beneath Toksvig's effervescent narration lies some predictable cliches and repetition. The author's enthusiasm sometimes borders on sentimentality as she extols the charms of bouillabaisse or Saint-Tropez. Yet, her irreverent wit injects a dose of levity into these scenes, preventing the series from becoming too syrupy.
Toksvig's greatest asset is her storytelling prowess, particularly when she shares whimsical anecdotes about obscure topics. When asked about how Saint-Tropez got its name, for instance, she leaves us with a delightfully trivial tidbit that had our QI senses tingling.
While the more 'artsy' aspects of the series, such as visits to exclusive beach clubs or vineyards, feel slightly formulaic, they're offset by Toksvig's charming interactions with genuine travelers from Bradford who share in her enthusiasm. The organic rosé at a hilltop vineyard is indeed something to write home about.
Ultimately, Sandi Toksvig's "Great Riviera Rail Trip" has become an indulgent fantasy for book lovers – one that is equal parts entertaining, informative, and indulgently bibliophilic.
Toksvig's infectious enthusiasm is impossible to resist as she explores picturesque fishing villages, posh resorts, and quaint nooks, often giggling with glee at the sheer pleasure of it all. Her first stop, Sanary-sur-Mer, offers breathtaking views of a gentle sea and delightful harbour, setting the tone for an indulgent sojourn.
When Toksvig strolls along the waterside, meeting intriguing locals who transcend language barriers, her excitement is palpable. She meets Inspector Clouseau-esque locals, sipping azure-hued wine, and recounts conversations that falter but never fail to delight.
Throughout the series, Sandi bounces between discussing writers' haunts (Aldous Huxley, Bertolt Brecht) and relishing literary history, like discovering Edith Wharton's chateau in Hyères. While Toksvig might have inadvertently reduced her Riviera Rail Trip to a Great Literary Riviera Tour, for bibliophiles this is pure bliss.
However, beneath Toksvig's effervescent narration lies some predictable cliches and repetition. The author's enthusiasm sometimes borders on sentimentality as she extols the charms of bouillabaisse or Saint-Tropez. Yet, her irreverent wit injects a dose of levity into these scenes, preventing the series from becoming too syrupy.
Toksvig's greatest asset is her storytelling prowess, particularly when she shares whimsical anecdotes about obscure topics. When asked about how Saint-Tropez got its name, for instance, she leaves us with a delightfully trivial tidbit that had our QI senses tingling.
While the more 'artsy' aspects of the series, such as visits to exclusive beach clubs or vineyards, feel slightly formulaic, they're offset by Toksvig's charming interactions with genuine travelers from Bradford who share in her enthusiasm. The organic rosé at a hilltop vineyard is indeed something to write home about.
Ultimately, Sandi Toksvig's "Great Riviera Rail Trip" has become an indulgent fantasy for book lovers – one that is equal parts entertaining, informative, and indulgently bibliophilic.
her enthusiasm is infectious and she's literally the best! but can we talk about how much i love all the literary references? like, aldous huxley and bertolt brecht? that's some serious bookworm cred 
what was it about those authors that made her think of them in the first place? 
also, i kinda get why she'd be excited about bouillabaisse, but sometimes it feels like she's overdoing it on the food reviews 
and btw, who knew saint-tropez got its name from... some ancient greek hero? 
, even if it means getting lost in a quaint French village! Her storytelling skills are top-notch, and sharing those fun facts about Saint-Tropez's name is just genius 
. The fact that she gets to hang out with travelers from Bradford makes the whole thing feel super relaxed and friendly 
. Can't wait to see where her next adventure takes her 
It sounds like Sandi Toksvig's enthusiasm is totally infectious and I love how she weaves in literary references throughout the trip. The idea of visiting all these picturesque towns along the French coast sounds amazing, especially with her stories about meeting locals and sharing laughs together 
The way she weaves in all those literary references is genius 
and her observations about everyday life are so witty 
Toksvig's travelogues are always a joy to watch, but this one feels like a greatest hits album of all her best bits 
. The literary references are plentiful, but sometimes feel like a fun fact overload 
like that time she talked about Saint-Tropez getting its name... genius! 
️ - it's got layers, and sometimes they get a bit too layered, if you know what I mean. While her enthusiasm is infectious, there are moments where it feels like she's reading from the same old script 
! The stories about obscure topics have me hooked, and those QI senses of mine are tingling 
.
. still tho her storytelling skills are 
and i loved all the little tidbits she shared like that one thing about Saint-Tropez's name 
. And don't even get me started on the clichés about French cuisine... bouillabaisse this, brioche that 
. Give me a break! Still, I guess if you're into that sorta thing, Toksvig's storytelling skills are on point and she does have some fun anecdotes up her sleeve 
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. If you're anything like me, you'll devour this series in one sitting and be dreaming of a Rosé-tinted Mediterranean getaway 
. The way she weaves together stories of writers' haunts and locals is pure magic 
! I've always loved Sandi's sassy humor and her passion for words is infectious 
. The fact that she's geeking out over literary history and sharing fun facts is just the best 
- but overall, I think Toksvig's enthusiasm and charm make up for any flaws. And who can resist a good story about obscure topics? 
. I'm all about indulging in some bookish fantasy this winter 
!
The only thing that keeps me from giving it a 10/10 is maybe a few predictable cliches and repetition 
. She effortlessly weaves together history, culture, and literature, making this journey a true bibliophile's dream come true 
. If you're a bookworm looking for a leisurely escape, Toksvig's "Great Riviera Rail Trip" is the perfect companion 
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just watched sandi toksvig's riviera rail trip on netflix 
i'm obsessed with the literary references lol so many authors and books mentioned from breton to wharton 
her enthusiasm is infectious! 
