Patricia explains in detail the tradition of the galette des rois (kings' cake), which predates Christianity. The tradition is linked to a Roman pagan celebration called Saturnalia, during which a lucky slave was crowned "king" for the day.

Patricia discusses the galette des rois (kings' cake), a classic holiday delicacy associated with the festival of Epiphany. A small figurine is placed inside the cake, and whoever finds it in his or her slice is crowned "king" or "queen" for the day.

This video takes an in-depth look at the curious French idiom mener une vie de bâton de chaise (to lead a chair-pole life). Though the life of a chair pole might not seem very interesting, the history behind the idiom certainly is!

It's been said that Paris is the most romantic city in the world. In this video, you will discover the origin of the word "romantic" and learn about the romanticism movement, which originated not from France as one might expect, but from England and Germany and later took hold in France.

This video is all about the people of France, from the ancient Franks and Gauls to the present-day population, which currently numbers over sixty-six million inhabitants.

This last part of the Il était une fois episode on George Stephenson deals with the Rainhill Trials, a competition that determined what kind of trains (steam engines or locomotives) would be used on the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. Stephenson proves to be the best competitor.

In this third episode on the medieval town of Senlis, Daniel Benchimol introduces us to the Venery Museum or hunting museum. The museum displays not only traditional uniforms of the Spahis but also the special architecture, painting, music, and art linked to the "venery" activities.

The explorers arrive at Gondar, the former imperial capital of Ethiopia, and marvel at the wonders of the palace. But a deadly illness is threatening the lives of the children of the royal family...

The explorers discover Abyssinia and the customs of its inhabitants, who have been cut off from the rest of the world for centuries. Will their visit bring a clash of cultures or a peaceful understanding? Find out in this episode.

Daniel Benchimol walks us through one of Paris's most charming neighborhoods, the Campagne à Paris (Countryside in Paris). This small, quiet corner of the 20th arrondissement is made up of only 89 houses built in 1906 and gives the impression of a quaint village inside a major city.

The Maestro has made his final journey and will not join the next expedition. It's time to bid him farewell!

It's one thing to have to track down a woolly mammoth for food, but it's another thing to cook it! Luckily these prehistoric Americans just discovered how to make fire.

Vespuccia or America? In the last episode of this fun cartoon, we find out how the name of the new continent now known as "America" came about.

The explorers are exploring a new territory, full of lush vegetation, exotic wildlife, and, to the joy of a few explorers, gold! Perhaps they could use a lesson on the dangers of greed...

He may not know it yet, but Amerigo Vespucci's life is about to change. Though he works as a successful banker, Amerigo feels restless and aspires to greater things. Luckily, Lorenzo de' Medici has offered him the opportunity of a lifetime: a trip to Spain to help Christopher Columbus prepare for an expedition to the Indies.