In part two of this series, "Once upon a Time... the Discoverers," Maestro talks about Cugnot, the inventor of the steam traction engine.

Over thirty French bakeries from the Vendée region show off their skills in a galette des rois (Kings' cake) contest. The lucky judges, whose onerous task is to taste those delicious galettes, go to great lengths to explain their choices and make our mouths water. The galette des rois is traditionally served at Epiphany and is notoriously difficult to make. It comes in two varieties, flaky or brioche, and is available at French bakeries throughout the month of January.

In the series "Once Upon a Time... the Discoverers," the Maestro lets off some steam. Some two thousand years ago, Heron invented the steam machine in Alexandria, but it took two millenia to perfect the invention and put it to practical use.

Oldelaf, aka Olivier Delafosse, sings "Je mange" (I Eat). This darkly humorous video paints a portrait of a modern man's dysfunctional relationship with food. If it sounds a little too familiar to you, that could mean it's time for a game of table tennis (with a partner)!

With Christmas just around the corner, it's time to think of decorations and a festive table. You will learn how to fold a napkin in the shape of a flower, which is sure to dazzle friends and family. Do try this at home!

Cortés sets out to conquer Mexico with his four hundred men, sixteen horses, and seven cannons. He is joined later by native forces, the Totonac warriors.

Losing weight is one of the most common New Year's resolutions, probably due in part to the richness of holiday feasts. As you'll see in this video, a lot of French people switch to a diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, and soups as they get ready for the new year or recover from holiday indulgences. Clementines are an especially popular and low calorie wintertime snack.

In the music video for "Tous les mêmes" (All the Same) Stromae impersonates both the man and the woman in a stormy relationship. He wants children. She doesn't want any because she thinks "men are all the same" and can't be trusted to raise them. Stromae concludes the song with a beautifully choreographed dance equal to none—except for the late Michael Jackson, perhaps.

In this Micro-Trottoir episode, people are asked whether they are for or against snow. Most of the interviewees welcome snow and find it very pretty; it also makes them look forward to Christmas. But some people pointed out that snow has its drawbacks: it complicates things on the road for those who have to drive to work.

Tension is building between the Aztecs and the Spaniards, not to mention within Cortés's own ranks. Despite this, the conquistador rallies his troops to conquer Mexico.

In this last video on Rambouillet, Daniel shows us around the beautiful and enchanting Espace Rambouillet nature preserve, a large forest filled with deer, birds of prey, and other free-roaming animals. It's a perfect spot for nature lovers and animal lovers alike!

Cortés exchanges gifts with the Aztec Emperor, Montezuma. An excellent diplomatic move on both sides!

The Micro-Trottoir team asks people on the street what it means to age well. For most of them, aging well is staying healthy and being young at heart, not to mention having no wrinkles!