Great Continental Railway Journeys

The programme follows Michael Portillo as he journeys from the châteaux of the Loire Valley, starting in Orléans in north‑central France, to reach Reims, the centre of the Champagne region. He travels across the landscape linking the two historic areas.

Orleans to Reims is a single‑episode programme that forms part of a travel‑focused series. It is presented in a straightforward documentary style, with the episode’s title indicating the route that will be followed. The show is framed as a journey through two of France’s most celebrated regions, moving from the Loire Valley up to the Champagne heartland. The episode follows Michael Portillo as he sets out from the historic city of Orléans, situated in north‑central France. From there he heads eastward, travelling past the grand châteaux that dot the Loire Valley. His aim is to reach the famed city of Reims, which sits at the centre of the Champagne‑producing area. Along the way, the programme highlights the transition from the gentle river landscape of the Loire to the rolling vineyards that define the Champagne region. Portillo’s route showcases the contrast between the architectural splendor of the valley’s castles and the industrial heritage of the wine‑making capital. By the end of the episode, the journey culminates in Reims, positioning the city as the logical conclusion of a trek that began among the Loire’s historic estates. The episode therefore offers a concise yet comprehensive look at a north‑to‑east French itinerary, linking two iconic cultural and gastronomic zones.