Great Continental Railway Journeys

In the apple orchards of the Calvados region, Michael Portillo discovers how the classic digestif has been distilled since 1865 at the Pierre Huet estate. Over a selection of vintage brandies, Michael learns about the surprising discovery of a wartime cache in one of the orchards. An armour-clad knight greets Michael on the hillside overlooking Chateau Gaillard, built by the crusading king Richard I of England, who was also duke of Normandy but is perhaps better known as Richard the Lionheart. The glorious gardens at Giverny are in full bloom as Michael uncovers the story of their design by Claude Monet, founder of the impressionist group of painters in the late 19th century. Crossing the iconic bridge over the water lily pond, Michael finds himself inside a Monet canvas.