Just off the French city of Marseille, the Chateau d'If fortress (pictured) was made famous by "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas. Two centuries after the book's release, visitors from around the world still follow in the footsteps of the character Edmond Dantès. Meanwhile, in his novel "In Search of Lost Time", Marcel Proust was inspired by his memories at Illiers-Combray. This is the town where his Aunt Leonie lived, the woman who regularly gave him a madeleine dipped in linden.

France's southern Drôme region is a land of inspiration for artists. It's home to a string of medieval citadels nestled high over the valley. Some were still in ruins until around six decades ago, when painters and sculptors gave them a renaissance. Since then, subsequent generations have worked hard to preserve their beauty. Meanwhile, every week in Chabrillan, residents take turns to look after the botanical garden, while the forest of Saoû attracts geologists from around the world.

Cambrai, in northern France, is the birthplace of the colourful French sweets known as "bêtises" (pictured), with a recipe that dates from 1830. Meanwhile, in the eastern city of Metz, the "chardons lorrains", thistle-shaped candies filled with liquor, are a particularly tricky sweet to make. These sugary delights are exported and enjoyed all over the world. FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes of this unique French craftsmanship.

France's Peaugres safari park brings together animals from all over the world. Spread over 80 hectares, it's the largest wildlife park in France's southern Rhône-Alpes region. All year long, keepers and vets take care of more than 1,000 animals, many of them endangered species. FRANCE 24 takes you behind the scenes of this impressive zoo where felines, rhinos and bears coexist.

High up in the French Alps, the Queyras valley boasts the largest number of sundials in France. The oldest dates back to 1698. Most date from the 19th century, when Italian artists crossed the border to paint these colourful clocks. We meet Rémy Potey, the last sundial maker still working in France. He restored almost all of these clocks of yesteryear in the local village.

France's central Auvergne represents almost a quarter of the country's cheese production. Cheese lovers there are spoiled for choice. Out of all of Auvergne's delicious cheeses, King Louis XIV had a soft spot for the Saint-Nectaire. FRANCE 24 takes you to discover its secrets.

The Esterel mountain range, in France's southern Var region, was formed millions of years ago. Made up of red volcanic rocks stretching over 32,000 hectares, lining the Mediterranean coast, the Esterel is ideal for hiking. Famous French writers like Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and Victor Hugo are among those who have spent time here. FRANCE 24 takes you to discover it.

Tignes, in the French Alps, is one of the largest ski areas in the country. Every winter, tourists come to enjoy its slopes. While they sleep soundly, men and women are up before dawn, busy securing the ski area. FRANCE 24 went to meet some of these seasonal workers with an unusual but highly enjoyable job!

The Dunkirk Carnival is one of the largest and most popular in France. In the three days before Mardi Gras, people dress up in costumes, sing in the street and gather in front of the town hall to catch the herring thrown at them. Meanwhile, over in Normandy, the streets of Granville look like the Rio carnival despite the freezing cold. The Granville Carnival is on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Originally a fishermen's festival, it has been for celebrated for 144 years.

Located just off Brittany, France's Iroise Sea has the largest concentration of lighthouses in the world. Almost all have been classified as historic monuments. These silhouettes of stones were nicknamed "lighthouses of hell" by their guardians because of the strong currents surrounding them. Built more than a century ago, they are no longer inhabited, but continue to fascinate locals and visitors alike. FRANCE 24 takes you on a tour of this maritime heritage.