When I rolled into Menton for the Fête du Citron, I found myself surrounded by sculptures built entirely from lemons and oranges. Parades exploded with color, and the sweet scent of citrus hung everywhere.
Every year from mid-February to early March, Menton transforms for a festival that celebrates all things lemon, and honestly, there’s nothing quite like it anywhere else. I couldn’t help but feel amazed at the creativity and energy poured into each float, sculpture, and street decoration.
Walking the streets felt like stepping into a citrus wonderland. Locals, families, and travelers crowded together, everyone buzzing with excitement for the festival’s lively events and vibrant mood.
The whole town seemed to wake up, and everywhere I turned, something new or totally unexpected caught my eye.
What Makes the Lemon Festival in Menton Unique?
Bright citrus arches overhead, the smell of fresh lemons drifting by, and colors popping everywhere—Menton’s Lemon Festival just isn’t like any other parade or fair I’ve seen. There’s creativity and local pride packed into every corner, spilling into the streets, gardens, and even the air.
A Multisensory Citrus Wonderland
Stepping into the festival, I honestly felt like I’d landed in another world—one built from lemons and oranges. Towering sculptures, parade floats, and archways shimmered under the sun, all covered in fresh, vibrant fruit.
Families gathered beneath citrus displays, music playing all around. The air was thick with a sweet, sharp lemon scent—so strong I could almost taste it. Bright yellow lemons and oranges made up giant, themed designs everywhere I looked.
It’s not just about seeing the art. I could smell it, sometimes taste it, too—lemon candies and fresh lemonade tempted me at every turn.
Wandering through the Biovès Gardens, I reached out to touch fruit-covered animals, castles, even cartoon characters. Local musicians and costumed dancers kept the energy up, and the shows never really stopped. For me, the festival hits all five senses.
The History and Origins of Fête du Citron
Back in 1934, Fête du Citron started as a way to celebrate Menton’s amazing citrus crops. Local hoteliers kicked things off with a citrus exhibition, hoping to attract visitors during the winter.
The first real parade happened in 1935 in the Biovès Gardens, with citrus floats and flower displays. Farmers and artists teamed up to design colorful fruit decorations, and the whole thing just grew from there.
Now, more than 200,000 visitors show up every year, and the theme changes each time. The festival has kept its original charm, though. It celebrates both local artists’ creativity and the importance of citrus to the region.
Each year feels rooted in tradition, but there’s always something new.
Significance of Lemons to Menton’s Identity
Lemons really are at the heart of Menton’s culture and economy. The mild climate helps growers produce a unique variety—bright, oval lemons with thin skin and a strong aroma. These “Menton lemons” are famous throughout France for their flavor and quality.
Local growers tend the groves with care, and the lemons even have their own protected label. Citrus culture pops up everywhere—little lemon emblems on shop windows, groves covering the hillsides, and food stalls, bakeries, even perfume shops celebrating lemon in their own way.
During the festival, I saw just how proud people in Menton are of their lemon heritage. It shapes their traditions, recipes, and their sense of community. The festival isn’t just an event—it’s a bright, joyful expression of what makes Menton special.
Parades, Sculptures, and Artistry on Display
Menton’s Lemon Festival pulled me in with its wild energy and creativity. Streets came alive with vibrant floats, massive citrus sculptures, and live music that seemed to follow me everywhere.
It felt like a feast for the eyes and all the senses.
Citrus Float Parades Through Menton’s Streets
Every year, the parades roll through Menton’s main avenues, and crowds pack the sidewalks, eager for a good view. I remember the buzz as colorful floats passed by, each one shining with fresh lemons and bright oranges.
The floats usually follow a theme. In 2025, “Journey(s) into the stars” turned each float into a space adventure.
Floats moved slowly, letting everyone soak in the citrus details. Some were as tall as two-story buildings, covered top to bottom in perfectly arranged fruit.
Kids waved at the performers, and the smell of oranges and lemons drifted through the crowd. It was basically impossible not to grin as confetti rained down and feathered dancers led the way.
Each parade lasted about two hours. Here’s what I looked forward to:
- Spectacular citrus-covered floats
- Dancers, musicians, and acrobats in themed costumes
- Fruit-scented confetti bursts
- Night parades with glowing lights and sound effects
Honestly, grabbing a spot early made all the difference.
Giant Lemon and Orange Sculptures
In the Biovès Gardens, I found myself dwarfed by some of the wildest sculptures I’ve ever seen—each one made entirely from citrus fruit. Some stood over ten meters tall, using literal tons of lemons and oranges.
The sculptures always matched the festival’s yearly theme, so I snapped photos of rocket ships, astronauts, and planets—all built from citrus. Workers spent weeks building these, using metal frames and carefully attaching fruit in crazy patterns.
The attention to detail blew me away. Even up close, the designs stayed sharp and clear.
These sculptures changed completely from day to night. In the evening, colored lights made the fruit glow and cast dramatic shadows. I’d definitely recommend visiting both during the day and after dark—it’s a totally different vibe.
Street Performers and Musical Entertainment
Alongside the floats and sculptures, street performers just filled the festival with even more life. Jugglers and acrobats in wild costumes mingled with the crowd, handing out sweets or twisting balloons into lemon shapes.
Live music played everywhere. Bands switched between local tunes and international hits, and I couldn’t help but tap my feet. Dancers performed routines inspired by the festival’s theme, and sometimes they pulled kids or adults in to join.
At night, DJs set up near the gardens and blended modern tracks with traditional music. Some highlights:
- Dancers in sparkling suits
- Musicians on saxophone, trumpet, and drums
- Fire breathers and stilt walkers
- Pop-up stages with small shows every hour
The mix of music, movement, and surprise acts just made the festival feel so alive. I never knew what I’d run into next, and that’s part of the fun.
Savoring Flavors: Citrus-Inspired Culinary Delights
From hand-crafted lemon pastries to bustling market stalls piled high with fruit, the tastes of Menton’s Lemon Festival brought zest to every bite. Sampling these treats let me explore both tradition and creativity, one plate at a time.
Tasting Lemon-Themed Treats and Local Cuisine
Trying the lemon-based dishes was easily one of my favorite parts of the festival. I found everything from simple lemon tarts to fancier plates with preserved lemon slices on top.
Chefs here really get creative, tossing citrus into both sweet and savory recipes. I dug into a light lemon risotto, zesty and fresh, paired with local fish.
Street vendors tempted me with candied lemon peels and tangy lemon sorbet. Even the bakeries joined in, selling cakes and breads loaded with grated rind and tart juice.
Many restaurants roll out special festival menus, all about the local lemon. Farm-to-table ingredients and fresh seafood turned every meal into something memorable.
Markets and Gourmet Experiences
Wandering through the open-air markets, I saw citrus everywhere—lemons stacked high, plus oranges and grapefruits. Local farmers let me try different lemon varieties, each with its own scent and flavor.
Some stands sold homemade jams, marmalades, and preserves—perfect for taking home as souvenirs.
I joined cooking workshops and learned how to make preserved lemons and use zest to boost my own recipes. Chefs shared tips, and I picked up a few new tricks for adding citrus to everyday dishes.
Tasting tables offered samples of olive oils, honey, and liqueurs—all infused with Menton lemon.
Vendors often put together tasting plates or small bites for just a few euros, so I could try a bunch of flavors without overcommitting.
Planning the Perfect Visit to the Lemon Festival
Getting the most out of Menton’s Fête du Citron takes a bit of planning, but it’s totally worth it. From picking the right dates to finding a good place to stay and dodging the biggest crowds, a few smart moves can make the whole experience way smoother.
Festival Dates and Ticket Tips
The Lemon Festival usually pops up in Menton from mid-February to early March. One year, I just barely made it in time for the parade, so now I always check the official festival website before booking anything.
Tickets for parades, gardens, and special events sell out fast. I buy mine online a few weeks ahead, especially if I want to catch the main Sunday or Thursday parades.
Here’s my quick checklist:
- Check festival dates on the official site
- Buy tickets online
- Print or save tickets to my phone
Weekend events cost more, and crowds are bigger. Weekdays are less hectic, and tickets are sometimes cheaper. Getting there early—before 11 am on Sundays or before 6 pm on Thursdays—helped me skip long lines and score better spots.
Best Places to Stay in Menton During Fête du Citron
Finding a place to stay during the festival can be tricky. Hotels and guesthouses fill up months ahead, so I always book early.
I like staying within walking distance of the city center or festival grounds—it makes getting to the parades so much easier.
Here’s what worked for me:
- Boutique hotels: More charm, and usually balconies with city or sea views.
- Apartments or Airbnb: Great for longer stays or small groups.
- Family-run guesthouses: Breakfast included and lots of local advice from the owners.
Staying close to the action meant I could walk back and relax between events.
Navigating Crowds and Getting Around the City
The city buzzes during Fête du Citron, and crowds can get intense. My first time, I learned that walking was the easiest way to get around. Many streets close to cars during parades and main events.
Here’s how I handled busy days:
- I arrived early for big shows.
- I used local buses—they run extra routes for festival visitors.
- Taxis and rideshares were tough to book during peak times, so I saved them for late at night.
A comfy pair of shoes saved my feet. Having a printed map or a charged phone with offline maps helped me find back ways through alleys and winding streets when the main roads got packed.
Beyond the Festival: Discovering Menton’s Charm
Menton’s magic doesn’t fade when the last float passes. The town is full of beautiful places to wander, relax, and soak up nature. It’s honestly an easy favorite if you want to slow down after the festival rush.
Exploring the Old Town and Seaside Promenade
Getting lost in Menton’s old town honestly felt like wandering inside a living postcard. The narrow, winding streets brim with pastel houses and friendly little shops.
Bakeries spill the scent of fresh bread right out the door. I ducked into tiny cafés, grabbed a local coffee, and tried lemon-flavored pastries—because, well, when in a citrus-loving town, right?
As I walked downhill, the maze of streets finally opened up to the broad seaside promenade. Palm trees stretched over wide walkways, offering shade while locals and travelers mingled nearby.
The Mediterranean sparkled right next to an easy-going stone beach. I watched families and couples stroll past, laughing, sun-soaked, and just enjoying the day.
Benches dot the walkway, perfect for a quick rest. There are even little parks if you want to pause and just people-watch.
I followed the promenade all the way to the old harbor. Colorful fishing boats bobbed in the water, and the sound of waves mixed with cheerful greetings from folks passing by.
Botanical Gardens and Scenic Viewpoints
I have to say, Menton’s gardens stuck with me just as much as the festival did. The Jardin Serre de la Madone felt like a hidden retreat, full of rare plants and shaded paths.
I wandered through Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden and found winding trails and flowers I’d never seen before.
When I climbed up to the hillside cemetery, I had to pause more than once to catch my breath. Still, the view from the top? Absolutely worth it.
You get this sweeping scene of Menton—terracotta rooftops, the blue sea, and those distant, hazy hills. It’s honestly breathtaking.
Here are a few of my favorite spots for soaking in the scenery:
- Basilica of Saint Michael: Those wide steps out front are great for snapping photos.
- Cemetery of the Old Castle: The whole town just spreads out below, almost like a painting.
- Boulevard de Garavan: You can see the entire bay, and wow, it’s especially gorgeous at sunset.
These peaceful gardens and scenic stops gave me a chance to slow down between festival events. I felt like I got to see a quieter, softer side of Menton.
