Diving to great depths was only possible following extensive experiments conducted by Professor Picard with the Batyscaphe off Dakar. The first experiment showed the FNRS II Batyscaphe reaching a depth of 1,500 metres in a non-embarked dive and, despite being watertight, having suffered enormously from the swell. Two years later, the Bathyscaphe FNRS III, built … Continued
“What do you know about Lyon ?” Pretty much what the dictionary says. It is the third largest city in France, spread over two hills and on the banks of two rivers: the ill-tempered Rhône, which is difficult to temper, and the gentle Saône. Lyon is the industrial capital of the south-east, with a commercial … Continued
For almost two centuries, from the 11th to the 12th century, Romanesque architecture covered Western Europe with churches and monasteries. The pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela became almost as important to a Christian as the pilgrimage to Mecca was to a Muslim, and seven centuries later, as we retrace the route to Compostela, we realise … Continued
A favourite hunting ground for wild beasts and images, Africa is also a battleground for those who fight against suffering and death. Every year, thousands of men, women and children are counted and visited by doctors, despite the difficulties they have to overcome to inspire confidence. The causes and development of diseases are known, and … Continued
The slightest agitation, wherever it occurs, sets in motion the dust whose weight in the universe has been determined to be at least equal to that of the celestial bodies. We live in a feverish, agitated age, which makes certain types of dust particularly dangerous, but we have the means to protect ourselves. Industrial dust … Continued
On 4 January 1960, at kilometre 88 of the Nationale 5, Albert Camus had a rendezvous with “the absurd”. Death always seems unfair to us, but this one more than any other. We call on everything that can give us back a little of Albert Camus’ presence. This is what the film sets out to … Continued
Every heartbeat sends out regenerated blood that nourishes living cells and sustains life. Every day, countless pumps, veritable “metallic hearts” whose rhythm sets the pace of modern industrial life, transport not only water but a wide variety of fluids. Through its many examples, this film shows that modern industry can meet every demand in this … Continued
As the first rays of sunlight gleam through the attic windows, Parisians enjoy their best sleep of the day. The spectacle is in the streets. To those who have come from afar, Paris now offers its charms, its monuments and its districts. To those who are sensitive to the art of living, Paris offers a … Continued
“Les Fleurs du Mal” has somewhat obscured the fact that Baudelaire was an art critic. It was in this capacity that he judged and celebrated the work of Delacroix, even though he spoke of it as a poet. The work of the great Romantic painter is presented through the eyes of Baudelaire, whose own words … Continued
The machine at Marly, which supplied water to Versailles and the ponds in the park, was condemned. Its disappearance brings to mind the first machine, whose memory is linked to the Château de Modave, in the Ardennes, 50 metres above the banks of the Houyaux, and for which a lot of water was needed. A … Continued