Secrets d'histoire Season 18 Episodes

Episode 1

Arthur et les chevaliers de la table ronde

113 mins

Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table: From the forest of Brocéliande, Stéphane Bern heads off on a journey in the footsteps of a legendary character, one whose very existence is constantly questioned: King Arthur. Who was he really? Which kingdom did he rule, and which court was organised around this incredibly skilled military leader? Presented by: Stéphane Bern.

Episode 2

Au Danemark: le roi, la reine et le séduisant docteur

110 mins

Denmark: the king, the queen and the charming doctor: In the 18th century, the young Caroline Matilda of Great Britain married Christian VII, King of Denmark. With the marriage proving to be a disaster, an illicit relationship secretly began between the queen and the personal physician to her husband, whose mental illness caused hallucinations and extreme mood swings.

Episode 3

Philippe V: les démons du roi d'Espagne

103 mins

Philip V: the demons of the Spanish King: Philip V, grandson of Louis XIV, became King of Spain at just 16. This complex ruler was subject to violent crises of melancholy which forced him to live as a recluse. Great protector of the arts, this music lover had an intriguing and almost fraternal relationship with the castrato Farinelli.

Episode 4

Marie-Madeleine: si près de Jésus...

115 mins

Mary Magdalene: so close to Jesus: While the Bible is full of mysterious and fascinating characters, Mary Magdalene has a special place. Her closeness to Jesus sparks off the wildest controversies. What did she represent for Jesus? Should we believe the theory of an impossible love, or that of more ardent feelings?

Episode 5

Henri II, le dernier roi chevalier

108 mins

Henri II, the last knight king: 1559. During a tournament, Henri II, king of France, receives an eye injury. He dies ten days later leaving Catherine de' Medici a widow. A look back at the life of one of the emblematic figures of the Renaissance, in the troubled period when Protestantism rose to prominence in Europe.

Episode 6

Jean-Paul II, l'athlète de Dieu

104 mins

John Paul II, God's athlete: Karol Wojtyla, better known as Jean-Paul II, left his mark on History. We follow in his footsteps at the heart of the old town of Krakow, in Poland, exploring the background of he who would become, to general amazement, the first non-Italian pope in 450 years.

Episode 6

Spartacus et la révolte des gladiateurs

108 mins

Spartacus and the gladiators' revolt: He is the most famous gladiator of all time. Spartacus embodies rebellion, bravery and freedom, far more than a simple instrument of bloody entertainment. Genuine myth, he has passed through more than two thousand years of history. But who is he really?

Episode 7

Vercingétorix, le premier des Gaulois

108 mins

Vercingétorix, the first Gaul... France is still Gaul, and the formidable Roman army is throwing all its weight into conquering it. Vercingétorix, eloquent and charismatic, prepares to stand against them, bringing his people together to confront the most powerful legions of their time. An immersion in the daily life of Gaulish civilisation.

Episode 7

Robin des bois, le prince des voleurs

113 mins

Robin Hood, prince of thieves: Stealing from the rich to give to the poor: this was the motto of the famous Robin Hood, a generous and insolent hero. Did he really exist or was he just a popular fantasy in an impoverished England?

Episode 8

Napoléon III, le dernier empereur des Français

111 mins

Napoleon III, the last emperor of the French: In the footsteps of his uncle Napoleon I, Prince Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte became the first French president to be elected by universal suffrage, before overthrowing the republic and crowning himself emperor under the name of Napoleon III. He thus realised an all-consuming ambition, despite the innumerable hurdles he faced.

Episode 8

Marie-Antoinette, un collier à perdre la tête!

Episode 9

Vatel, Carême, Escoffier: à la table des rois!

112 mins

Vatel, Carême, Escoffier: serving a king's table. François Vatel, Antonin Carême, Auguste Escoffier: who were they? We look beyond the aprons and chefs' hats to discover the men themselves. Three men, three chaotic destinies, three perfect successes, but one identical passion: haute cuisine. Down the ages, their culinary innovation indelibly marked the gastronomic world.