Michael Portillo continues his European rail adventures this Friday on BBC Two, traversing the French countryside from Lisieux to Giverny.
The episode kicks off in the Calvados region, where Michael explores the time-honored tradition of distilling the apple brandy known as Calvados. At the Pierre Huet estate, he uncovers a surprising wartime story involving a hidden cache discovered in one of the orchards. From brandy to battlements, Michael then finds himself face-to-face with an armour-clad knight at Chateau Gaillard, a castle built by Richard the Lionheart. It’s a reminder that Richard I of England also held the title of Duke of Normandy, adding a layer of historical context to the stunning architecture.
The episode culminates in a visit to Claude Monet’s breathtaking gardens at Giverny, now in full bloom. Walking among the vibrant flowers and across the iconic bridge over the water lily pond, Michael finds himself immersed in a living Monet canvas. It’s a fittingly picturesque end to another leg of his railway journey. Catch “Great Continental Railway Journeys” this Friday at 6:30 PM on BBC Two.
