Imagine strolling through a town on the Côte d’Azur (French Riviera) in late February. Suddenly, on the streets appear a larger-than-life elephant, a regal giraffe, and an enormous lion leading a parade of Carnaval-type dancers. The parade floats would be impressive enough at any festival, but what makes the Fête du Citron (Menton Lemon Festival) unique is that most of the structures are created from actual citrus fruits.
The Menton Lemon Festival is a can’t-miss experience if you happen to be near Nice or Northern Italy in late February. The Ville de Menton (Town of Menton) and various organizers put on two weeks worth of spectacles and experiences that are unlike any other.
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Where is Menton?
The coastal town of Menton, France is situated between the Mediterranean, the city of Nice, and Monaco and Italy, so it’s an incredible spot to visit, even outside of the two-week festival. From the blue waters of the sea to the colorful houses up to the hilltops, the city is full of culture, charm, and history.
Its temperate microclimate allows plant life to flourish, so locals and visitors can enjoy plenty of public outdoor spaces, such as the Jardins Biovès. The celebrated “Menton lemon” variety is the inspiration for the Menton, France, lemon festival, when the gardens and streets are transformed into a celebration of all things lemon and citrus.
What is the Menton Lemon Festival?
A celebration of cultural heritage, creativity, artisanal products, and, of course, les agrumes (citrus fruits), the festival is a joyous experience for anyone with a zest for life.
Visitors can experience two weeks of fun from February 14 to March 1, 2026, including:
- parades and floats called corsos in French
- exhibitions of huge artistic displays made of lemons and oranges
- winter gardens full of orchids
- educational and outdoor activities
- creative workshops
The festival began as a small celebration in 1934 at a hotel and has since grown into a popular event that fills the streets. In 2026, during the 92nd Fête du Citron, the town will welcome an estimated 200,000 visitors! So, if the Menton lemon festival is your pick of French festivals, this guide will ensure you don’t miss any of the fun.
Things to do at the Menton Lemon Festival
There is so much to do and appreciate during the lemon festival. While other French food-based holidays like La Chandeleur (aka “crêpe day”) might focus more at home, the Menton Lemon Festival brings all the fun to the streets. It’s spaced out over two weeks, so you can take your time and enjoy all that the area has to offer, but be sure to get your tickets early for the main events.
Exhibitions des motifs d’agrumes (exhibition of citrus patterns)
All throughout the Jardins Biovès, a rectangular public garden with no admission fees, experience giant sculptures made of citrus fruits. It takes countless tons of fruit to create the floats and astonishing scenes, so they don’t use the prized Menton lemon variety.
Past themes have varied from Bollywood to rock and opera to Olympic sports, and have featured replicas of the Taj Mahal palace, an enormous swimmer doing the butterfly stroke in a huge pool of lemons, and nods to the fêtes du monde (festivals of the world) with iconic characters from cultures around the globe.
The 2026 theme is Merveilles du Vivant (Wonders of the Living Things), and you’ll have to see for yourself what the artists will create.
Corsos des fruits d’or (golden fruit floats)
Shades of yellow and orange fill the streets with joy and sunshine as the défilés de chars (float parades) transform the humble citrus fruits and float participants into tableaux vivants (live works of art) with costumed characters, giant sculptures, fanfares, dancers, musicians, and artistic expression brought to life.
The parades take place on three Sundays at 2:30 pm on the Promenade du Soleil, a seafront walkway. You can get tickets for seats in the tribune (grandstand) or standing room on the promenoir (walkway).
The float parades might remind you of the many Mardi Gras parades and celebrations that take place around the world at this time of year, but with a golden citrusy flair.
Corsos nocturnes (nighttime float parades)
Fiery, enchanting, and magical, add illuminations and flame to the already amazing floats parading down the streets. The two Thursday night events begin at 9 pm on the promenade, and conclude with a spectacle pyrotechnique (pyrotechnic show) at 10:30. This is also a ticketed event.
The parades are the headline events, so you’re encouraged to plan ahead and take public transportation or use covoiturage (carpooling).
If the idea of artistic expression at night sounds appealing, but you can’t make it to Menton, check out Nuit Blanche celebrations. There might be one closer to home.
Salon des orchidées et du jardin d’hiver (orchid room and winter garden)
Botany enthusiasts have long appreciated the climate of Menton, which allows orchids, known as the bijoux de la nature (jewels of nature), to flourish. The fragrant garden displays are open daily in the Palais de l’Europe (Palace of Europe), with tickets ranging from free to only two euros.
Marché de l’artisanat (artisan market)
You can’t miss the homemade tastes and treats of the daily artisan market at the Menton lemon festival. The organizers encourage you to do something very French—flâner (to stroll along without a goal, just to enjoy yourself).
Each product is unique, and many have a long family tradition behind them, so take your time and enjoy the stories as much as the free samples.
- fromage (cheese)
- charcuterie (deli meats)
- nougat (a sweet confection known by the same name in English)
- miel (honey)
Continue to flâner and find a local spot to practice ordering food in French.
Randonnées et Excursions (hikes and trips)
If you want to explore more of the picturesque surroundings of the Menton, France, lemon festival, there are many ways to tour the area on foot. Try out lemon-themed hikes, a hike to the top 10 most beautiful views in the area, guided tours of various gardens and farms, or take short trips to visit:
- the villages of Castellar and Castillon
- the Saorge Monastery
- the Vallée des “Merveilles” (the Valley of Wonders, an archaeological site)
- la Casetta (a citrus nursery and orchard)
- the Trophy of Augustus (a Roman ruin)
A few of these are offered in English, but other visites guidées (guided visits) will feature a French tour guide, so it’s a perfect opportunity to practice your French comprehension.
Go behind-the-scenes with ateliers (workshops)
Hands-on experiences are great fun while you’re on your trip and can teach you a new creative skill, such as learning the various French words for food and cuisine while you prepare ravioli with lemon butter sauce.
- biscuits/glaçage (cookies/icing)
- céramique (ceramics)
- cuisine (cooking)
- parfum (fragrance)
- bougies (candles)
There are opportunities for coulisses (behind-the-scenes tours) in immersive experiences with the organizers as they prepare and put on a show.
Practical tips and more fun
Check out the entire brochure for lists of events and concerts during the festival weeks, including tribute concerts to Queen and the Beatles and activities for children. You can also learn about practical information for guests, such as items not to bring, how to get there, parking, maps, and more.
All about the Menton lemon
What makes the Menton lemon so special? This particular variety has a thicker skin, a different shape, and a unique flavor. They have been grown in this area since the 17th century, which in 2015 was recognized with an Indication Géographique Protégée (Protected Geographical Indication), so only lemons from Menton can bear this name.
What is a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) in France?
This is a European label that ensures the quality and geographic origin of a product. It means that part of producing the product, such as cheese, wine, or fruit, has been linked to a specific region. It’s one level away from the Appellation d’Origine Protégée (Protected Designation of Origin), which means that every step of the process must come from the defined area. This is why a sparkling white wine can only be called “champagne” if it’s from the Champagne region of France.
Culinary delicacies are a big part of what France is known for. These labels inform the consumer that what they’re buying has the properties that can only come from certain soil makeups and traditional processes, making this designation a badge of honor for the Menton lemon. They’re rightly considered a delicacy and part of French heritage.
Frequently asked questions about the Menton Lemon Festival
The lemon festival is an interesting part of French culture that, like the product it was named for, is unique to the region.
What was the theme of the Menton Lemon Festival 2025?
The theme of the 91st lemon festival was Voyages dans les Étoiles (Journey through the Stars). It featured astronauts, aliens, rocketships, and France’s most famous little star traveler, Le Petit Prince (the Little Prince).
What should I wear or bring to the Lemon Festival?
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking, wear sunscreen, and dress in layers. Wheeled shoes are forbidden, as are costumes that might be confusing. You are not permitted to bring parapluies (umbrellas), metal/glass water bottles, alcohol, weapons, large bags, or drones.
Can my young child or pet attend the festival?
The float parades and the exhibits would be absolutely magical for children, and they are charged a reduced ticket fee for kids from ages 6-12. Children under age 6 can attend free of charge, but must still have an entry ticket. Pets must not attend according to health regulations.
What time should I arrive for the parades?
Because you’ll need to pass through security and bag checks, it’s a good idea to arrive two hours before the parades begin. While you wait, enjoy the festive atmosphere and practice basic conversation in French.
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