A festival to celebrate lemons? Yes, there is! And believe it or not, this event is as unusual as it is attractive. Highly colorful and flavorful, the Fête du Citron® de Menton celebrates its 92nd edition this year. Every year, hundreds of thousands of visitors flock to the Côte d’Azur to witness this unique spectacle. What about you? Will you be there?
A little history: why the Lemon Festival?
The origins of the Fête du Citron can be traced back to the 19th century. In 1875, Menton hoteliers organized a parade to liven up the town in winter. Although lemons were not yet the star of the show, Menton’s entertainment attracted locals and tourists alike.
The citrus fruit made its official debut in 1929, when Menton was still the continent’s leading lemon producer. A hotelier had the idea of organizing an exhibition of flowers and citrus fruits in the gardens of the Hôtel Riviera. Such was its success that the concept was repeated and expanded the following year with decorated carts. This popular triumph led to the official creation of the “Lemon Festival” by the municipality in 1934.
Lemons from every angle
Today, the Fête du Citron is a major international event, attracting some 200,000 visitors every year. Just goes to show, lemons are very popular! In fact, this celebration has been recognized by the French Ministry of Culture and listed as part of France’s Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019.
For over 15 days, the town vibrates to the rhythm of parades, exhibitions and fairs. The famous parades of citrus-decorated floats, known as Corsos, transform the waterfront into a festive, colorful theater. As for the Jardins Biovès, they are home to titanic sculptures in the colors of the sun. Made entirely from citrus fruit, these monumental works transform the park into a veritable open-air museum, accessible free of charge.
Fête du Citron 2026: a festival of “Living Wonders
This year, from February 14 to March 1, 2026, the festival explores the fascinating theme of “Living Wonders” . Get ready for parades that rival the world’s greatest carnivals!
- Les Corsos des Fruits d’Or: on Sundays February 15, 22 and March 1 (from 2.30pm), the Promenade du Soleil comes alive with brass bands and folk groups escorting the citrus floats.
- Les Corsos Nocturnes: on Thursdays February 19 and 26 (from 9pm), the festivities take on a magical dimension. Under the illuminations, a mysterious atmosphere settles in, punctuated by a brass band and dancers, culminating in a grand fireworks display at 10.30pm.
- Serenity and Nature: away from the hustle and bustle, don’t miss the Salon des Orchidées and the winter garden. A gentle interlude, this space celebrates floral elegance and will delight budding botanists.
- The Craft Market: present throughout the 15 days of the festival, it celebrates local delicacies and know-how. An invitation to stroll between the stalls of sweet and savoury delights and artisanal creations.
140 tonnes of citrus fruit: a colossal and responsible challenge
For a festival of this scale, you need much more than “5 fruits and vegetables a day”! A total of 140 tons of lemons and oranges are brought in to build these ephemeral decorations.
Did you know? Citron de Menton is a rare product with a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication). To preserve this exceptional production, the fruit used for the sculptures comes from elsewhere. But the event remains responsible: at the end of the festivities, the 140 tons of citrus fruit are sold at knock-down prices to locals and tourists alike. An excellent opportunity to fill up on vitamins in a spirit of solidarity!
Whether you’re a lover of art, nature or history, the Fête du Citron promises an experience as creative as it is educational. See you in Menton!
Practical info
📍 Address: Ville de Menton
📆 Dates: February 14 to March 1, 2026
🎟️ Admission: to be reserved for admission to the Salon de l’Orchidée and corsos