As he approaches a milestone birthday, former cabinet minister and broadcaster Michael Portillo embarks on a journey of self-discovery, walking stretches of the Pyrenees. On the first leg of his quest, Michael explores the Spanish Basque region.

Michael's quest continues with the challenge of the French High Pyrenees. He enters this wilderness at one of Europe's most spectacular natural barriers, the Cirque du Gavarnie, a 1,700-metre-high wall of limestone forming a natural amphitheatre.

Former Conservative cabinet minister Michael Portillo continues his Pyrenean challenge, this time in the wild beauty of southwest France's Ariege region. He visits a young couple from Luxembourg who left city life behind to become pig farmers.

Continuing across the Emporda Plain, Michael meets others who share a special bond with the area. Vineyard owner Jordi left city life to return to his great grandparents' roots, and Joan runs a sanctuary for endangered tortoises.