Rick Stein's French Odyssey : Complete BBC Series [DVD] [2005][Two-disc]

I can't praise this series enough. When it was first broadcast on BBC Television in 2005 I thought it was a very good but after getting the DVD I have to say it is fantastic. I find Rick Stein fascinating particularly as he adds stories or anecdotes about the various dishes that he prepares during the course of his journey from Bordeaux to Marseilles onboard the "Rosa" and the "Anjodi" which incidentally are canal barges. What is also great is that in his quest to get to Marseilles, he does not forget Brittany which gave him so much inspiration during the early days of his seafood restaurant. You can expect to see Rick indulging in great food (eels in cider for example) at truck stops to roadside cafes which highlights the different attitude that the French have for food ie in Britain at a truck stop it would be Beans and egg, beans on toast or just....beans!The food that he prepares during each episode is, as always, wonderful but what stands out is the journey that Rick has through the wonderful South Western French countryside and the people he meets on the way. The whole journey unfolds like a storybook rather than a cookery programme and as indeed the title suggests, it is most certainly an Odyssey and so much better than his previous Seafood Odyssey which took him to various places around the world.If you want to escape from the hum-drum for a few hours then throw this DVD in the player and relax with a glass of "the red stuff" in one hand and the DVD remote control in the other as you will want to replay all those glorious bits of food and France again and again!

Inspiring. Classic Rick Stein

Can't argue with this dvd for the price.One of Ricks Steins best 👍

I've been watching Mr. Stein's shows for some years now, currently enjoying his odyssey in Vietnam, courtesy of BBC2. French Odyssey is certainly enjoyable and bears a stamp of Mr. Stein's distinctive style, combining outstanding scenery, stories and food. I was somewhat dissapointed about the recepies though, these seemed less creative than in his Food Heroes and less imaginative than in Far Eastern Odyssey. I've been to the parts of France where Mr. Stein is sailing and have to say that food was far more colourful and less peasant-y than Mr. Stein versions, did not seem like a fair homage to the skills of local growers/producers.Verdict: worth seeing

The fact that this voyage through the canals of central France is hosted by Rick Stein is bound to have an emphasis on food and associated culinary subjects is no surprise. This is not a cookery programme but a wonderful travelogue which gives a gastronomic flavour of the regions. The characters with whom Rick engages and learns from are the very essence of France and enable the viewer to be transported to that wonderful country which is still far from the 21st century in it's rural areas. The scenery is magnificient, the food mouthwatering and so simple, the markets are full of the the freshest and best produce of the country, the wine . . . well the wine! As you watch it is impossible not to be transported and saviour the whole culture of that wonderful country. A superb antidote to an English winter.

Rick Stein rides a barge slowly through the southern French country side on the Canal du Midi, sampling local dishes and visiting local markets. He cooks local dishes and his usual down to earth patter makes it so easy to follow the recipes.This is also a travelogue, and you cannot help but feel you've been on a holiday to southern France yourself. There is the same feeling of anticlimax when the dvds finish. I often play this on Sunday mornings and have been known to put them on again when it is wet and rainy outside.I lived in southern France myself off and on for 20 years and can find no fault with Rick's presentation, nor the food he cooks. He gets away from the obvious tourist cliches, and stops en route for some fascinating gastronomic trips.Gave it 5 stars because I simply cannot fault it.

I was lucky enough to see this series on tv when it was first broadcast back in 2005. I’ve watched it on tv and online a couple of times since and am always disappointed as they cut approximately half an hour of really interesting footage from it. However all is present on this dvd and it’s well worth it. You meet the barge crews and get to know them a bit more, you see more of the film crew and see more of the banter that goes on behind the camera. Also they visit more places and get more opinions and views of the locals. Well worth the money

Rick Stein's French Odessey is a must for anyone who loves France and french food. The relaxing journey by barge down through France to the Mediterranean is a joy to watch just for the scenary. Add to that Rick's relaxed presenting style ,and good food demonstrated by both him and the local chefs he meets on the way it makes very enjoyable viewing. Lovely to snuggle up and watch on a cold winters evening with a glass of french red wine,crusty bread and french cheese- a real taste of summer. Enjoy.

Just returned from a 7 day barge trip on the Cher (Loire Valley) captained by Leigh Wootton (last half of French Odyssey) and run by the same operator (gobarging.com) so we had a special interest in the DVD. I'd been prepared for something a bit hokey, but the food, views of French life along the waterways, and the barging were awesome. Eat before watching this. Otherwise, you'll need to stop and fix snacks before finishing. Rick Stein is a knowledgeable chef who has a no-nonsense attitude about French cuisine and the value of using fresh, local ingredients. No 3-star Michelin restaurants... just excellent local cuisine along the canals. The DVD that I viewed was Region 2 which won't play on standard players in North America so check it out before buying.

Resentment nous Sommes allée en vacances au Canal du Midi, et nous nous souvenions avoir regardé ce programme télévisé. C’etait superb, Il a montré le canal et le region toute sa splendour. Il a également présenté la nouriture régionale .

Whats there not to love about Rick Stein? He takes you on a culinary journey complete with history, stories, awesome recipes - it not just a cooking doco, its fabulous scenery, interesting people all wrapped up in great local food explorations. Exceptional as always

An excellent video journey on the canal du Midi . In conjunction with the book it really brings to life the region , its people and , of course , the cuisine lovingly presented by Mr Stein .

Thoroughly entertaining and magical escapism. I've watched an episode a day after work and it has felt like I have been able to accompany Rick and his crew along the canals of Burgundy. Utterly charming. You won't regret it.