Why the Menton Fête du Citron Is February’s Brightest Escape

 

Every February, while much of Europe is still shaking off winter, the seaside town of Menton quietly explodes into colour, scent, and spectacle. The Fête du Citron (Menton Lemon Festival) is not just a local celebration — it’s one of the French Riviera’s most distinctive cultural events, transforming lemons and oranges into towering works of art and filling the town with parades, music, and Mediterranean flair.

Held February 14 through to March 1, the festival is both deeply rooted in regional history and joyfully theatrical, offering visitors a reason to experience the Côte d’Azur beyond the summer rush.

A Festival Born From Menton’s Golden Fruit

Menton has long been famous for its lemons. Sheltered by the Maritime Alps and warmed by the sea, the town developed a microclimate perfect for citrus cultivation. By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Menton’s lemons were prized across Europe.

What began in the 1920s as a modest citrus and flower exhibition evolved into something far grander. By 1934, the Lemon Festival officially took shape, combining horticulture, artistry, and carnival traditions. Today, it stands as one of France’s major winter festivals, using hundreds of tonnes of lemons and oranges to create elaborate sculptures, arches, and fantastical scenes that change theme every year.

What You’ll Experience

 

The heart of the festival lies in two main attractions:

The Citrus Gardens (Biovès Gardens)

Here, enormous sculptures made entirely from citrus fruits dominate the park — mythical creatures, architectural wonders, and surreal scenes painstakingly assembled by hand. Wandering these gardens feels like stepping into a dream built from lemons.

The Golden Fruit Parades (Corsos)

On select Sundays and evenings, citrus-covered floats roll through Menton accompanied by dancers, musicians, and performers. The night parades, illuminated against the sea air, are especially memorable and give the festival a carnival atmosphere that feels both elegant and playful.

Alongside these highlights, the town buzzes with markets, exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and local food stalls celebrating lemon-inspired flavours — from sweets to liqueurs.

How to Get Tickets

Tickets are required for the main attractions (the citrus gardens and the parades), while many side events and exhibitions around town are free.

• Tickets can be purchased online in advance via the official Menton Lemon Festival ticket office.

• Options typically include garden entry, parade seating or standing areas, and combination passes.

• Reduced rates are available for children, and group bookings are handled separately.

Because peak days — especially weekends and night parades — sell out quickly, booking ahead is strongly recommended.

Getting There (And Getting Home Easily)

One of the festival’s biggest advantages is how easy it is to reach without a car.

By Train 

Menton sits on the main coastal rail line between Nice and Italy.

• From Nice Ville, regional TER trains reach Menton in 35–45 minutes.

• Trains run frequently throughout the day, often every 10–30 minutes.

• On festival days, later evening trains make it easy to stay for night parades and return comfortably.

From Menton station, the festival areas are walkable, passing through the old town and along the seafront.

By Car or Bus 

Driving is possible, but traffic and parking can be challenging during festival weekends. Buses run along the coast, but trains remain the fastest and least stressful option.

Why the Menton Lemon Festival Is Worth Experiencing

The Lemon Festival is joyful without being chaotic, artistic without being pretentious. It reflects Menton itself — refined, colourful, and quietly confident.

This is not a festival you stumble upon elsewhere. No other town turns citrus fruit into monumental art or weaves agriculture, history, and spectacle so seamlessly into everyday streets.

A Bright Reason to Visit the Riviera in Winter

In a season often overlooked by travellers, the Menton Lemon Festival offers warmth, colour, and a sense of place that feels authentic and unforgettable.

Whether you come for the parades, the history, or simply the joy of seeing lemons defy gravity, this is one February tradition that proves winter on the Riviera can shine just as brightly as summer.