Menton: The Citrus Capital of the French Riviera

Discover Menton, the jewel of the French Riviera, famous for its citrus fruits. Explore lemon gardens, artisanal delights, and the sun-soaked elegance of this Riviera gem with Olea Voyages.

A Sun-Kissed Citrus Paradise

Nestled between the Italian border and the sparkling Mediterranean, Menton is a sun-drenched village where citrus trees bloom year-round. Known as the “Citrus Capital of the French Riviera,” this charming town is bathed in golden light, pastel-hued houses, and the intoxicating scent of lemons, oranges, and bergamot. For travelers seeking a refined and sensory experience, Menton offers a rare blend of natural beauty, gastronomic delight, and French art de vivre.

Here, slow travel takes on a fragrant dimension. Wander through the citrus gardens, where rows of trees yield fruit renowned for its sweetness and aromatic complexity. Stroll along the promenade, pause in hidden courtyards, and let the perfumed air guide you through a town that feels like a living postcard of the Riviera.

Menton’s Citrus Heritage

The cultivation of citrus in Menton dates back centuries, nurtured by the town’s mild microclimate and fertile soil. Local lemons, celebrated for their fragrance and flavor, are considered some of the finest in the world. Beyond gastronomy, Menton’s citrus has inspired perfumes, candies, and artisanal liqueurs, offering travelers an immersive sensory journey.

This year, 2025, Fragonard has chosen the lemon flower as its Flower of the Year, highlighting its delicate fragrance and vibrant presence in Riviera perfumery. Visitors can discover exclusive scents inspired by this iconic blossom, connecting Menton’s citrus heritage to the artistry of French perfume.

Walking through the Jardin Biovès or the Serre de la Madone, visitors witness the artistry of citrus cultivation. Every tree, carefully pruned and cultivated, tells a story of tradition, patience, and elegance, qualities that mirror the French Riviera itself.

The Fête du Citron: A Celebration of Color and Flavor

Each year, Menton comes alive with the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival), an event unlike any other. Sculptures, floats, and elaborate displays are made entirely from citrus fruits, transforming streets and gardens into a luminous wonderland. Visitors can explore themed exhibitions, enjoy parades, and witness the creativity of artisans who elevate lemons and oranges into works of art.

While the festival draws crowds from across the world, Olea Voyages curates exclusive experiences, offering private guided tours of the exhibits and gardens, ensuring a refined, intimate experience of this iconic event.

Experiencing Menton as a Luxury Traveler

For those seeking a private and immersive Riviera experience, Menton offers a wealth of sensory delights:

• Explore private citrus orchards with local experts. Wander through fragrant groves of lemons, oranges, and bergamot, learning the secrets of cultivation and tasting the fruit straight from the tree. Each orchard visit offers insight into the artistry and heritage that make Menton’s citrus so exceptional.
• Visit artisan perfumers and chocolatiers. Discover creations infused with local citrus, including limited-edition scents inspired by Fragonard’s Lemon Flower of the Year 2025. From delicate chocolates to bespoke perfumes, these encounters reveal the craft and passion behind Menton’s most refined flavors and aromas.
• Enjoy fine dining experiences. Savor meals where chefs highlight the delicate, sun-kissed flavors of Menton lemons and oranges, transforming local produce into sophisticated culinary compositions that delight the palate and celebrate the Riviera’s gastronomic elegance.
• Discover the town and its boutiques. Stroll through narrow streets filled with charming shops offering local delicacies, candied citrus, olive oil, artisan jams, and handcrafted products. Taste your way through Menton, enjoying the joy of discovering small treasures while soaking in the town’s pastel-colored charm.
• Relax by the beach. Menton’s coastline offers secluded spots and gentle Mediterranean waters, perfect for a leisurely afternoon. Whether strolling along the Promenade du Soleil, dipping toes in the sea, or resting under the sun, the Riviera’s light and tranquility invite reflection and calm.

The charm of Menton lies not just in its flavors but in its rhythm. The town encourages leisurely exploration, letting travelers savor every detail, from the fragrance of citrus blossoms to the golden glow of a Riviera sunset. Every moment is designed to celebrate the sensory pleasures of life on the French Riviera.

A Photogenic Riviera Escape

Menton is a haven for photography and inspiration. The pastel-colored old town, the vibrant citrus groves, and the sparkling Mediterranean create a palette that is both timeless and photogenic. Every alley, every garden, every citrus-laden courtyard offers a story, perfect for travelers who wish to capture the essence of the Riviera in both memory and image.

Menton is more than a destination, it is a celebration of light, flavor, and the leisurely elegance of the French Riviera. Every journey with Olea is designed to reveal the very essence of Menton, creating unforgettable moments of luxury, discovery, and Riviera charm.