The Fête du Citron Menton: A Citrus Wonderland on the French Riviera

Each winter, when much of Europe is wrapped in grey skies and icy winds, Menton bursts into brilliant shades of yellow and orange. The Fête du Citron Menton, or Lemon Festival, is one of the most enchanting events on the French Riviera, a celebration of artistry, tradition, and the sun-kissed citrus that has shaped the town’s identity for centuries. For travellers seeking an unexpected winter escape, this festival offers a uniquely vibrant experience, where creativity blossoms and the gentle Mediterranean climate sets the perfect backdrop.

A Radiant History: How Citrus Shaped Menton

The roots of the Fête du Citron stretch deep into Menton’s past. Benefiting from a micro-climate warmer than anywhere else on the French mainland, Menton has been a haven for lemon cultivation since at least the 15th century. Its groves thrived in the protective embrace of steep mountains rising behind the town and the Mediterranean Sea shimmering at its feet. The famed “Citron de Menton” (lemon of Menton), noted for its thick peel, aromatic oils, and exceptional fragrance, became a prized ingredient across Europe.

But the festival itself began much later. In the 1920s and 1930s, Menton blossomed as a glamorous winter retreat for aristocrats, artists, and European nobility seeking sunshine and serenity. Luxury hotels wanted to captivate this elite clientele, particularly during the wintertime. In 1934, one of the hotels organised a citrus and flower-themed exhibition in its gardens, an idea that charmed the entire town. Soon, Menton embraced the concept, creating elaborate public displays and parades. The Fête du Citron Menton was born, and it has dazzled visitors ever since.

Today, the festival attracts over 200,000 visitors each year, showcasing Menton’s citrus heritage with extraordinary creativity and a joyful Mediterranean spirit.

What to Expect at the Fête du Citron – 2026 Edition

Mark your calendar: for 2026 the festival runs from 14 February to 1 March. Each year features a playful theme, this time “Merveilles du Vivant” (Wonders of Life), the town transforms into an orange and lemon-covered canvas.

Highlights include giant citrus sculptures in the Jardins Biovès, daylight promenades and illuminated night scenes, the spectacular Corsos (parades) of the Fruits d’Or and nocturnes, and a rich artisan market where local flavours shine. Expect artists, fanfares, dancers, lights, and confetti drifting through the air as the town revels in its winter splendour.

Why Visit Menton Beyond the Festival

While the Fête du Citron is a perfect reason to visit, Menton itself is a destination worth lingering in, peaceful, elegant, and bathed in Mediterranean sunshine even in winter. Its long seaside promenades, lined with palm trees and pastel villas, offer gentle views stretching toward Italy, with outdoor cafés welcoming guests even in February. The town is also home to some of the Riviera’s most beautiful gardens, Jardin Serre de la Madone, Val Rahmeh, and Fontana Rosa, botanical sanctuaries filled with rare plants that recall Menton’s turn-of-the-century glamour and its reputation as “the garden of the Riviera.” Wander a little further and you reach the old town, a maze of narrow alleyways painted in ochre, terracotta, and Mediterranean blue, leading to hidden chapels, artisan ateliers, and sweeping views from the Basilica Saint-Michel. Menton’s cuisine is equally irresistible: fresh fish with lemon confit, tarte au citron, and fragrant dishes shaped by both French and Italian influences, here, citrus is not merely an ingredient but a signature. And beyond the town itself, Menton offers immediate access to the Riviera’s jewels: Monaco, Èze, Roquebrune, and even the Italian coast are just minutes away.

A Winter Riviera Experience with Olea

The Fête du Citron is a celebration of sunshine in the heart of winter, vibrant, artistic, and joyfully Mediterranean. Whether you come for the dazzling sculptures, the culinary delights, or the charm of Menton itself, the experience feels timeless. At Olea Voyages, we craft your stay to perfection, never rushed, always curated. From private garden tours and chef-driven citrus tastings to front-row views at the Corsos, we ensure you engage with the Riviera’s finest. Because on the Côte d’Azur in winter, beauty lives in light, colour, fragrance, and the moments you allow yourself to savour.