Teachears
In 1850, at a time where industrial development was turning the world upside down, two researchers, Dr Charcellay and Dr Giraudet, find evidence of a distant past and travel backwards.
Gallo-Romans
Under the Loire sky, Governor Marcellus welcomes Centurion Cerialis. They remember the beneficial effects of the Roman protectorate which has brought peace and prosperity around Tours. Life is pleasant, lulled by the spring which supplies the city's thermal baths and irrigates the flourishing crops it dominates...
Foulques Nerra and the crusades
In the late 10th century, Pope Urban preaches the holy crusade in Tours. Pilgrim processions and crusaders troops (come to) draw their fervour from the pure water of the spring. Peasants live in fear of God and warlike Foulques Nerra, conqueror of territories, who builds castles and abbeys, goes on crusades, tortures and kills those who stand in his path. At the twilight of his life, he feels remorse and fears God too.
Medieval scene
Life has little importance in the Middle Ages. When death is not lurking near them, nobles and peasants need to feast. The court dances in its finery. Knights, on their fiery steeds, show bravery during colorful tournaments. Entertainers and jesters enchant the court with their performances. Finally, joy reigns over their present, enjoying these moments… The great plague will make no distinction between the small and the powerful. Carts collect dead of the day, crossing towns and villages to take them to the pyre.
Renaissance
François 1st opens France to Italian art. Renaissance combines wealth and beauty in all areas of creation. Jacques de Beaune, superintendent of finances, hold a grand feast in his honor on his domain. A pond, reflecting court’s splendours, collects ater that gushes from a rock at the foot of the lordly dwelling…
18th century
The peddler arrives in Semblançay. He comes from Paris where, in the mid-18th century, great minds profess new ideas without complacency towards the powerful of the kingdom. Present in their words, the philosophers echo the voices of the humblest people...
Revolution
Long contained, revolt explodes. Murmur turns into a roar, and barely born, the stream, turned red with the blood of the battles, carries away the clamor of a people who rise up to gain their freedom.
Final
The grandfather finishes his story and takes his grandson Benjamin to the spring, a witness to history, passions, fears, and hopes. They enter into an imaginary and magical world where characters from all eras meet those of today in a deluge of music, lights, and fire. What a show!
