Mega Building Collection

screenable online: 20 episodes

New Episodes

Across five new episodes of the Megabuilding Collection, we explore the marvels of engineering and history – from the fortified castles built to protect noble owners and their households, to the citadels of the 16th century that defended towns and citizens behind towering walls.

In the 20th century, defensive megastructures moved from land to air and sea. From the aerobatic demonstration unit Patrouille de France, which combines precision engineering with skilled pilots to create breathtaking displays, to the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle, capable of launching 20 fighter jets into the air in 20 minutes, and the commercial airliners that criss-cross the skies, transporting us across continents – the series immerses viewers in engineering and architectural genius, from fortified buildings to aviation and naval wonders.

New episodes:
∙ Record-Breaking Castles
∙ The Patrouille de France Fighter Jets
∙ The Charles de Gaulle Aircraft Carrier
∙ Record-Breaking Airliners
∙ The Genius of Citadel Engineering

Bridges are counted among the most spectacular works of art and hold a special place in the history of engineering. They are the answer to a central challenge in the history of mankind — mastering…

For the second time, the TGV, France’s high-speed train, is the fastest train of the world. Yet, its engineers are continuously pushing for even higher speeds, having launched the new TGV Ocean and…

Taming nature and putting its energy to the service of man…it’s a challenge which has been mastered thanks to the construction of hydro-electric barrages. Three exceptional dams have…

To overcome oceans and mountains that separate us from our neighbors, engineers have pushed the limits of subterranean construction and dug tunnels which were thought impossible to achieve. We follow…

Canals are impressive masterpieces of human engineering. Join us for a closer look at three of the most well-known waterways of great historical and economic relevance. The first is Canal du Midi,…

Millions of cars, thousands of kilometers covered every day, on a network across an entire country. French highways are among the most developed in the world. There's the A40, a dizzying feat that…

The Normandy Bridge, the Chaban Delmas Bridge in Bordeaux and the Ténérez Bridge in Brittany. Three emblematic structures that have broken records in France, Europe and even the world. In 1994, the…

What drives scientists, inventors, and engi- neers to push the limits of what is possi- ble ? These innovators continually strive to design and develop technology, machines, and buildings that help…

Today’s submarines are the pinnacle of technology, the most sophisticated constructions in shipbuilding ever. In 1971, the Redoutable entered active service, a 9,000-ton vessel able to dive to a…

There are dams - and there are mega dams. La Rance, Tignes and Roselend - three emblematic structures that, in their own time, have all broken records in Europe and even the world. With their…

In this gripping documentary, we enter the yards of a European leader in naval defence, where giants of the seas have been designed, developed, and built for almost 400 years. We explore the next…

Waterparks have always been popular destinations, but recent technological advancements have raised the bar to new heights. With innovative technology and designs, some of the most thrilling and…

This programme digs beneath the streets of France’s capital to explore three extraordinary underground networks. The oldest, the catacombs, was created in response to the threatened collapse of…

Offshore Megastructures showcases three remarkable construction projects in one of the most hostile environments – the sea. We take a look at an ambitious project in Monaco, where free building plots…

The Marine Nationale – the French Navy – is known not only for its fleet of ships and submarines but also for its exceptional range of aircraft with diverse and specialised roles. In this intriguing…

Fortified castles are engineering masterpieces designed to withstand the bloodiest battles. The impregnable Beynac Castle stands on the side of a cliff, with its traps and other defensive devices. In…

Breathtaking figures in the sky... crazy crossovers at 500 km/h. The pilots of the Patrouille de France are the real French Top Gun! And to achieve such performances, you need skilled men and…

It's a giant of the seas. The most powerful vessel France has ever designed! The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is the emblem of the French Navy. It can launch 20 Rafale fighter jets in a record…

They criss-cross the skies, traverse oceans and transport us from one world to another, defying the laws of gravity every day: commercial aircraft are technological marvels, constantly pushing the…

Vertiginous... Impressive... and mysterious. The citadels of the 16th century were colossal structures protecting towns and armies from invaders. To repel enemies ready to commit any atrocity, they…

Megabridges - Spanning the Void

Supertrains - The Race for Speed

Incredible Canals