The Menton Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron) transforms the French Riviera each February. Here’s what to know — history, timing, tickets, and how to plan a visit.
Well-known in France. Not-so-much Beyond
My first visit to Menton’s Lemon Festival was on a February birthday trip to the Cõte d’Azur with my Atlanta friend, Cheryl. We had visited Menton earlier together on a summer trip to Nice. Needless to say, we had no idea what we were in for — except for lots of lemons.
Fête du Citron draws major crowds in France, the festival remains largely unknown outside Europe — particularly among American travelers planning Riviera trips. That’s surprising, because it is one of the region’s most established winter events.
The Lemon Festival transforms Menton’s central gardens and waterfront into large-scale installations made entirely with lemons and oranges. Sculptures rise several meters high. Parade floats are covered in citrus. Each year follows a defined theme, and the event typically runs for two to three weeks from mid-February into early March.
Why Menton Celebrates Lemons
The festival began in 1934, when Menton was known for its lemon production. Protected by mountains and warmed by the Mediterranean, the town’s microclimate allowed citrus to flourish. Lemons became central to the local economy and identity.
Although large-scale production declined in the mid-20th century, the lemon remains symbolic of Menton. The festival reflects that agricultural history rather than inventing something decorative for visitors.
February is not random. It aligns with the citrus season.
What You Actually See
The main installations are located in the Jardins Biovès, directly across from the seafront promenade. Steel frameworks are constructed first, then covered piece by piece with fresh fruit. The scale surprises most visitors. These are engineered structures that require daily maintenance to replace fruit exposed to sunlight and coastal winds.
Weekend parades take place along the waterfront, with both daytime and illuminated evening events. Reserved seating is available, and tickets are required for entry to the garden exhibition. At the end of the festival, everything is dismantled. The fruit is removed. The gardens return to normal use.
Beyond the Festival: Menton’s Marché des Halles
No visit to Menton is complete without stepping into the town’s covered market, the Marché des Halles de Menton, located just below the old town.
Open year-round, it reflects the same agricultural rhythm that gave rise to the Fête du Citron. Vendors sell seasonal produce — including local lemons when available — alongside olives, tapenades, fresh herbs, tomatoes, zucchini, and regional greens. You’ll also find socca batter, fresh pasta, Italian cheeses (the border is minutes away), seafood from the Mediterranean, charcuterie, and jars of citrus preserves and honey. It’s compact, orderly, and practical — less a tourist attraction than a functioning daily market where residents shop alongside visitors.
Tickets and Planning Your Visit to the Menton Lemon Festival
Because the Menton Lemon Festival takes place every February, you really need to plan ahead.
- Tickets: Required for entry to the Jardins Biovès exhibition and for reserved parade seating. Purchase online in advance during peak weekends.
- Dates: Held annually in February (exact dates vary slightly each year).
- Best Days to Visit: Weekdays are quieter; weekends are busier but include parades.
- Getting There: 40-minute regional train from Nice. Parking is limited.
- Accommodation: Book early for parade weekends.
February on the Riviera is cool but often bright, and significantly less congested than summer.
Is it Worth Planning Around?
Yes! Particularly if you want to see a different side of the French Riviera.
Summer defines the coast in most travel narratives. The Menton Lemon Festival defines winter. It is structured, seasonal, and rooted in local history rather than spectacle alone. For a few weeks each February, citrus becomes architecture.
It’s “what to do” on the French Riviera in winter; this event anchors the season.
Visit the Nice Carnival and Menton Lemon Festival in One Trip
If you’re visiting in February, it’s worth noting that the Carnaval de Nice takes place at the same time as the Fête du Citron in Menton.
The two cities are about 35–40 minutes by regional TER train, making it entirely possible to experience both in a single trip. Nice offers large satirical floats and its famous flower parades along the Promenade des Anglais, while Menton focuses on citrus-built installations and themed parades.
Together, they make February one of the most fun times of the year on the French Riviera.
One Response
What a fascinating trip that was! Ythanks for the memories!