🍋 Fête du Citron: Menton’s Dazzling Lemon Festival

Every winter, the French Riviera town of Menton transforms into a citrus wonderland during the legendary Fête du Citron® (Lemon Festival). For over 90 years, this vibrant celebration has drawn visitors from around the world to marvel at giant lemon sculptures, parades, and golden sun-soaked festivities.

If you’re planning a trip to the Côte d’Azur between mid-February and early March, here’s why this zesty festival should top your list—and how to experience it like a local.

🍊 A Festival Born from Sunshine

Menton’s microclimate makes it France’s lemon capital—with over 300 days of sun per year, the town’s orchards produce some of Europe’s sweetest citrus. The festival began in 1934 as a simple fruit exhibition, but today, it’s a world-famous spectacle:

✔ 140+ tons of lemons & oranges used in sculptures
✔ Elaborate themed displays (2025: “Cinema”—honoring film history!)
✔ Nighttime parades with dancers, fireworks, and citrus-covered floats

Fun Fact: It takes 3 weeks for artists to build the sculptures—all held together with rubber bands and wooden frames!

🏆 Must-See Highlights

1. The Giant Citrus Sculptures (Jardins Biovès)

Stroll through the Biovès Gardens, where larger-than-life lemon and orange creations depict everything from famous movie scenes (2025’s theme) to mythical creatures.

📸 Best photo spot: The golden archway made entirely of lemons!

2. The Golden Fruit Parade (Corso des Fruits d’Or)

A dazzling daytime procession featuring:

• Costumed performers tossing citrus into the crowd
• Music, acrobats, and giant fruit-covered floats
• Free samples of Menton’s famous jams & candied lemon

🎟️ Pro Tip: Book grandstand seats early—they sell out!

3. The Nocturnal Parade (Corso Nocturne)

Even more magical after dark, with LED-lit floats, fire dancers, and fireworks over the Mediterranean.

4. The Lemon Market & Local Delicacies

Don’t leave without trying:

• Citron de Menton (the town’s PGI-protected lemons)
• Lemon-infused olive oil
• Tarte au citron from a patisserie (our favorite: Pâtisserie Jean-Luc Pelé)

📍 Planning Your Visit

📅 Dates: February 15 – March 3, 2025
🚂 Getting There:

• Train: 35 min from Nice (TER line)
• Car: Parking fills fast—arrive early or take the shuttle
  💶 Tickets:
• Daytime garden access: €12 (kids under 6 free)
• Parade seats: €20–€40

Insider Hack: Stay in Menton or nearby Cap Martin to avoid crowds—we can help you book a cozy apartment!

🍋 Why It’s Better Than Any Other Festival

Unlike crowded summer events, the Fête du Citron offers:
✔ Winter sunshine (avg. 15°C in February)
✔ Unique photo ops (no Instagram overkill yet!)
✔ Local charm—meet farmers who’ve grown lemons for generations

✨ Make It a Full French Riviera Trip

Pair your visit with:

• A day in Monaco (20 min away)
• A hike on the Sentier du Littoral (stunning coastal path)
• Dinner in Ventimiglia, Italy (just across the border!)

🎟️ Ready to Go?

Book your 2026 stay early—Menton’s best rentals fill fast for the festival! DM us “CITRON2026” for curated apartment picks.