Sandi Toksvig Embarks on Literary Riviera Adventure in Charming New Series
Sandi Toksvig has kicked off her new travelogue, Great Riviera Rail Trip, with a jolly enthusiasm that's impossible not to be swept up in. This is no your run-of-the-mill celebrity documentary; instead, it's a bibliophile's fantasy, where the writer and comedian explores the French south coast's picturesque fishing villages, posh resorts, and quirky nooks.
Toksvig's journey begins in Sanary-sur-Mer, where she finds the harbour view to be an enchanting welcome to her sojourn. Her interactions with local colour are lively and engaging, even if language proves a challenge at times. One particular encounter with the man maintaining the region's wooden boats is marked by a charming awkwardness that's hard not to enjoy.
However, it's when Toksvig delves into the literary history of the Riviera that things become truly captivating. Her conversations about writers such as Aldous Huxley and Bertolt Brecht are infused with her signature wit and enthusiasm. A visit to Edith Wharton's chateau and gardens is a particular highlight, where Toksvig discovers the perfect blend of art, literature, and joie de vivre.
While Toksvig's narration occasionally falters into repetition or cliché, her infectious energy makes up for these minor missteps. The series has a clear focus on literary sophistication, although one can't help but feel that this is only part of the story being told. The more lighthearted scenes, such as Toksvig's solo sampling of tarte tropézienne or her encounter with the Bradford couple who share her love of QI, are enjoyable if not particularly insightful.
Ultimately, Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip is a charming travelogue that will delight bibliophiles and anyone looking for a feel-good series. While it may not be entirely immune to clichés or repetition, its warmth and enthusiasm make up for any shortcomings.
Sandi Toksvig has kicked off her new travelogue, Great Riviera Rail Trip, with a jolly enthusiasm that's impossible not to be swept up in. This is no your run-of-the-mill celebrity documentary; instead, it's a bibliophile's fantasy, where the writer and comedian explores the French south coast's picturesque fishing villages, posh resorts, and quirky nooks.
Toksvig's journey begins in Sanary-sur-Mer, where she finds the harbour view to be an enchanting welcome to her sojourn. Her interactions with local colour are lively and engaging, even if language proves a challenge at times. One particular encounter with the man maintaining the region's wooden boats is marked by a charming awkwardness that's hard not to enjoy.
However, it's when Toksvig delves into the literary history of the Riviera that things become truly captivating. Her conversations about writers such as Aldous Huxley and Bertolt Brecht are infused with her signature wit and enthusiasm. A visit to Edith Wharton's chateau and gardens is a particular highlight, where Toksvig discovers the perfect blend of art, literature, and joie de vivre.
While Toksvig's narration occasionally falters into repetition or cliché, her infectious energy makes up for these minor missteps. The series has a clear focus on literary sophistication, although one can't help but feel that this is only part of the story being told. The more lighthearted scenes, such as Toksvig's solo sampling of tarte tropézienne or her encounter with the Bradford couple who share her love of QI, are enjoyable if not particularly insightful.
Ultimately, Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip is a charming travelogue that will delight bibliophiles and anyone looking for a feel-good series. While it may not be entirely immune to clichés or repetition, its warmth and enthusiasm make up for any shortcomings.
. It had a moat, a drawbridge, the whole nine yards! I was like, "Dude, you're 75 years old, why are you still chasing that childhood dream?" 
But then I thought, maybe he's just really good at building castles... or maybe he's just trying to escape his own thoughts 
. I mean, have you ever tried to build something with your non-dominant hand while trying to keep a straight face? 
! she has this amazing energy that makes you wanna join her on the Riviera adventure immediately 
. i loved how she explores the literary history of the area, it's so fascinating to learn about the connections between writers like Huxley and Wharton 
. and can we talk about how charmingly awkward she is in those interactions with locals? 
I think what's great about Sandi Toksvig's new series is how she seamlessly weaves together her love of literature with the beauty of France's Riviera coastline. It's like you're right there with her, sipping coffee in a quaint café or exploring the historic towns and villages. The way she interacts with locals and discovers hidden gems is so relatable and fun to watch 
It's clear Toksvig has a deep passion for literature and history, but she also makes it accessible and enjoyable for everyone else. The only thing that keeps me from giving it a 10/10 is maybe a few too many feel-good moments 
, but overall it's a lovely watch! 
I'm not saying it's perfect (I mean, who loves repetition 
?), but it's just so darn enjoyable to watch her bumbling around and chatting with locals. Plus, can we talk about how gorgeous Sanary-sur-Mer looks? 
It's not perfect, of course - some parts can feel a bit formulaic or reliant on familiar clichés - but overall, it feels like Toksvig is genuinely sharing her passion for the region and its writers with us. That alone makes it worth watching, if you ask me! 
I'm so down for Sandi Toksvig's Great Riviera Rail Trip! 
. And who wouldn't want to visit Edith Wharton's chateau? 
It sounds like a dreamy, escapist series - just what I need after a long year 
. I mean, a literary Riviera adventure sounds nice on paper, but is it really anything more than just a fancy travel show? 
And don't even get me started on the repetition - how many times can you mention the same literary greats in one episode before it gets old? 
. Toksvig's warmth and enthusiasm make even the more cheesy bits hard to resist 
And those quaint villages, posh resorts, and quirky nooks are calling my name!