The Pyrenees with Michael Portillo

The Pyrenees with Michael Portillo (2022)

EndedDocumentary showAdventure, Travel

The Pyrenees with Michael Portillo sees Michael embark on an extraordinary voyage of self-discovery, exploring the dramatic mountain range that straddles the border between France and Spain, the Pyrenees. The four-part series is a real adventure for Michael as he walks a stretch of the 270 mile trail through the Pyrenees, from the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast in the West to the shores of the Mediterranean in the East. In each episode, he'll be meeting up with locals who will share their knowledge and introduce Michael to all kinds of new experiences, from stargazing at night from a mountain peak, enjoying a delicious Cassoulet, soaking in a hot spring or attempting to spot a lynx. 

Network
Scheduleevery Tuesday at 21:00 (60 min)

Last Episode

An Emotional Journey
Season 1Episode 460 min

An Emotional Journey

This week, he's back in Spain and the Catalonian Pyrenees, and this journey is a deeply personal one. In 1939, Michael's father Luis Gabriel Portillo Perez fled through these mountains as a political refugee from the Spanish Civil War. At the tiny village of La Vajol, where many refugees headed to cross the border into France, Michael meets Margaret, some of whose family escaped through here. Together, they walk part of the route many refugees took and share their families' stories. Reflecting on what his father must have gone through, Michael says, ‘I hope he might think that my coming here is a tribute to him and to his suffering.' Continuing downhill across the Emporda Plain, he meets other people who share a special bond with this area. Vineyard owner Jordi left city life to return to his great grandparents' roots. Michael samples his organic wine and finds out how a slower pace of life and re-connecting with nature has brought Jordi happiness. At a tortoise sanctuary, Michael discovers how one of the founders, Joan, has a passion to protect this smallest of endangered native Pyrenean creatures for the future. Pressing on, Michael reaches the most easterly point on the Spanish mainland, the Cap de Creus — a protected Natural Park. He's joined by local guide Merce, who was drawn back here by wonderful childhood memories and ‘la alegria' — the joy of the area. Michael finally makes it to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. On this spectacular coastline that once inspired the surrealist Salvador Dali, he reflects on his 12-day adventure and the wonderful people he's met, and he bids farewell to his constant companions throughout his journey — the Pyrenees.

Sep 13, 2022

Recent Episodes

EpisodeNameAirdate
S01E04An Emotional JourneySep 13, 2022
S01E03A Spiritual QuestSep 6, 2022
S01E02A Physical ChallengeAug 30, 2022
S01E01A Quest of IdentityAug 23, 2022
View all episodesView all seasons

Cast

Michael Portillo

Michael Portillo

plays himself
View all cast

Characters

Michael Portillo

Michael Portillo

View all characters

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