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Michael travels across Paris, learning about the avant-garde artists of Montparnasse, going backstage at the legendary Folies Bergere and heading east to explore the cellars of Champagne country.

Arriving in Paris at the Champs de Mars station, Michael takes in an epic view of the city from the top of the Arc de Triomphe before heading for Montparnasse, where wildly creative artists and writers of the 1920s and 1930s spawned new art movements. In one of the area’s elegant cafes, Michael learns about dada and the avant garde during the Crazy Years after the First World War.

Backstage at the legendary Folies Bergere, Michael asks the 'enfant terrible' of fashion, Jean Paul Gaultier, about his homage to the black American dancer, Josephine Baker, and goes backstage to meet the stars of the show.

East of Paris, in Champagne country, Michael finishes his journey in style with a tour of the cellars at Domaine Pommery and a glass of fizz with the owner.

29 minutes

Music Played

  • Rainman

    Summer of Love (Girls Like Boys Mix)

  • Russ Conway

    Love Is The Sweetest Thing

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Michael Portillo
Director Ben Rowland
Series Editor Alison Kreps
Executive Producer John Comerford
Production Company Fremantle

Broadcasts

Steam Railways

A collection of programmes from the Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ archives on the beauty of steam locomotives.