We take you to discover some of the wonderful fragrances from the south of France. The herbs of Provence add a taste of summer to all our dishes. From rosemary to savory, the charms of Provence never fail to work their magic.

France's western Brittany region is home to a mysterious phenomenon, a series of “standing stones” known as megaliths. These fascinating structures are proof of a civilization that existed 7,000 years ago. Questions are still being asked about why they were built, what they symbolise and what they tell us about how people lived at that time. Many experts like Yves Coppens, who co-discovered the skeleton Lucy in 1974, are still trying to unlock the stories behind the vertical stones.

With its plains, valleys and rocky peaks, France's central Auvergne region has something of the Wild West about it. It's a paradise for horse riders, be they beginners, old hands or even celebrities like French actor Thierry Lhermitte. He says the sport allows him to relax and commune with nature. More than 13,000 horse riders come here to make the most of this little slice of America nestled in rural France. We take you on an equestrian tour of the region.

At just 21 years old, François-Henry has left his family and friends behind to join the prestigious French military academy of Saint-Cyr. In a few years from now, he will lead an army battalion. In the meantime, François-Henry must learn how to become a good officer, with both combat training and lessons in the classroom. Some 3,000 people take the Saint-Cyr entry exam each year, but only 180 of them manage to bag a place.

Some French factories truly embody the identity and history of their local area. In Normandy, the Valois rope factory made drum rope for almost two centuries. It closed back in 1978 and its workshops are now museums. We also head to the Creuse region and to one of the last spinning mills in France, which has been run for four generations. Its wool is still spun into yarns which are then dyed different colours.

Some gardens look like something out of a dream. The garden of Roscoff, in France's western Finistère region, is one of them. It was created 35 years ago by a roaming botanist who brought back exotic plants from as far away as New Zealand and South Africa. Meanwhile, at Saint-Paul in the Oise region, painter André Van Beek is also a gardener. The result is a life-size Impressionist painting. The stunning garden boasts a thousand species of flowers of all different colours.

France's south-western Périgord region comes in four colours: green, purple, black and white. First stop: the green Périgord and its bike rail to contemplate the richness of the meadows. Next comes a wine-tasting session in Bergerac in the purple Périgord, a region of orchards and vineyards. It's impossible to miss out on the black Périgord, where the famous prehistoric Lascaux cave is located. Our colourful trip ends in the white Périgord, where we discover Roman ruins.

Musicians, painters and photographers all try to bring out the tranquil beauty of the River Somme, in northern France. It's an ideal destination for those who appreciate walks rich in history, thanks to the Haute Somme little train. This railway line was built by soldiers for the famous Battle of the Somme during World War I. Visitors can also discover the Chateau de Long, an 18th-century wonder that has been entirely renovated by its owner, Claude. FRANCE 24 takes you on a tour.

Everyone knows France's Cannes Film Festival, but few are aware that hundreds of "little hands" work hard to make it come alive every year. Aline, the head of a sewing school, makes sure that all the celebrities look perfect in their outfits on the red carpet. For the past 15 years, she has been the one everyone calls when there is a little emergency stitching to do. FRANCE 24 went to meet her.

In the French region of Normandy, we meet a family who have decided to live on a barge. Moored in the town of Vernon, they enjoy life in front of the River Seine. It's an idyllic setting that can also be a challenge for those with young children. Perhaps a better option for tourists are the bungalows along the canal linking Nantes to Brest. They are located in the Brittany countryside, near the Saint Jacques de Compostelle pilgrimage route. It's a little corner of paradise for visitors.