TV Tonight: Griff Across the Alps

Griff Rhys Jones is heading for the mountains in a brand-new Channel 4 adventure, exploring one of the most spectacular and historically important landscapes in Europe.

Griff Across the Alps begins tonight, Saturday, October 31, at 8pm on Channel 4, with the presenter setting off on an extraordinary journey from France to Slovenia.

But this is no ordinary sightseeing trip. Along the way, Griff discovers how the Alps have shaped Europe’s history, influenced the movement of people and goods, and provided the backdrop to some of the continent’s most remarkable events.

From ancient military campaigns and medieval trading routes to wartime escape networks, the mountains have played a far greater role in European history than their breathtaking scenery might suggest.

And, as viewers would expect from Griff, there will be plenty of adventure along the way.

What happens in Griff Across the Alps?

The series sees Griff travel across the Alps, getting away from the familiar tourist routes to discover the people, traditions and stories that make the mountain range so fascinating.

Stretching across several European countries, the Alps have been central to human history for centuries. Griff explores their connection to Hannibal’s legendary crossing with elephants, Napoleon’s Alpine campaigns, ancient pilgrim trails and the medieval traders who relied on difficult mountain passes to transport their goods.

The mountains also provided crucial escape routes during the Second World War, helping people flee occupied territories and find safety.

As he travels from France towards Slovenia, Griff explores hidden tunnels, samples famous local delicacies, takes on challenging climbs and meets the people who continue to live and work in this extraordinary environment.

The journey promises a mixture of history, culture, breathtaking landscapes and some decidedly adventurous experiences.

Griff begins his journey in France

The opening episode begins in France, where the Alps are particularly dramatic, with huge peaks, rugged landscapes and some of the most extreme mountain environments in Europe.

Griff gets a close-up view of Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, and joins a mountain helicopter delivery service to discover how supplies are transported to places that are difficult to reach by road.

It is an opportunity to see the scale of the landscape from the air, as well as the challenges faced by people who work in the mountains.

Back down in the valley, Griff takes time to experience the ancient thermal waters of Saint-Gervais, a destination with a long history of visitors drawn by its natural springs.

But there is little opportunity to sit still for long.

The presenter also tackles white-water rafting, gets on his bike and takes on an abseiling challenge, offering viewers plenty of action alongside the historical discoveries.

There is even time for a cook-up with a renowned chef, as Griff explores the region’s food and culinary traditions.

And nature provides one particularly special moment, with a rare sighting of the elusive ibex, a wild mountain goat known for its impressive curved horns and ability to navigate steep rocky terrain.

How the Alps shaped European history

One of the central themes of Griff Across the Alps is the extraordinary influence the mountain range has had on the development of Europe.

The Alps have never simply been a natural barrier separating countries. For centuries, they have also been a route connecting communities, cultures and trading centres.

Hannibal’s famous crossing during the Second Punic War remains one of history’s most remarkable military journeys. The Carthaginian general led an army, including war elephants, across the mountains in an attempt to invade Roman territory.

Centuries later, Napoleon also recognised the strategic importance of the Alps, using mountain routes during his military campaigns.

Griff explores the paths used by pilgrims and traders, discovering how communities developed around the passes and routes that connected different parts of Europe.

The mountains also became important during the Second World War, when their remote valleys and difficult terrain offered opportunities for people escaping persecution and occupation.

The series looks at how these historical events helped shape the identity, traditions and survival of communities across the region.

Where does Griff travel in the series?

The journey takes Griff from France through the Alps towards Slovenia, exploring the different landscapes and communities along the way.

Rather than simply visiting famous tourist destinations, he gets off the beaten track to meet people whose lives are closely connected to the mountains.

There are hidden tunnels to explore, spectacular climbs to attempt and local delicacies to sample, with the presenter discovering how traditions have survived in some of Europe’s most challenging environments.

The series combines the history of the Alps with the experiences of people who live and work there today, showing how this extraordinary mountain range continues to influence European life.

What time is Griff Across the Alps on Channel 4 tonight?

Griff Across the Alps starts tonight, Saturday, October 31, at 8pm on Channel 4.

With Griff Rhys Jones taking on everything from helicopter deliveries and mountain adventures to centuries of European history, the new series promises a fascinating journey through one of the world’s most celebrated mountain ranges.

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