Once Upon a Time... The Explorers

Once Upon a Time... The Explorers is a family friendly animated documentary that invites viewers to learn how people across history and cultures have made discoveries that change the world. In this 1996 entry by Albert Barillé, a steady narrator known as Maestro leads a small cast through a mosaic of moments from science, travel and daily life. The show breaks history into concise, self contained episodes that explain ideas behind tools, maps, medicines, ships and microscopes without assuming prior knowledge. With a light touch and clear explanations, it treats curiosity as a shared human trait. The result feels like a lively lesson that sparks questions as much as it satisfies them.

Created by Albert Barillé, this installment sits within the Il était une fois... franchise. It was released in 1996 and features Roger Carel as Maestro along with Olivier Destrez, Hélène Levesque, Patrick Préjean and Daniel Beretta in key roles.

Reception and themes
Although specific reviews from the period are hard to cite here, the show is commonly seen as a calm, accessible entry point into history and science for families. Its themes center on curiosity, cross cultural exchange and collaborative problem solving.

Cultural impact
As part of Barillé's Il était une fois... franchise, The Explorers helped popularize educational animation across Europe. The Maestro narrator and the ensemble cast became recognizable hallmarks that families associate with gentle instruction and exploration driven by questions about how the world works.