Just a 90-minute flight from Paris, this town nestled between the sea and the mountains on the Italian border hosts one of France’s most unique events: the Lemon Festival. A popular and spectacular event that has been attracting visitors for nearly a century to admire its unique craftsmanship and extraordinary staging.
The 92nd edition of the Lemon Festival is making its big comeback this winter.
The Lemon Festival began in the 1930s, at a time when Menton was seeking to promote its citrus fruit production and mild climate. The event quickly grew in popularity. What started out as a simple fruit and flower show gradually became an international festival, driven by the imagination of its creators and the town’s strong identity. Today, it is one of the major cultural events on the French Riviera.
The heart of the festival beats in the Biovès Gardens, which are transformed each year according to a different theme. Huge sculptures are entirely covered with lemons and oranges, assembled one by one with precision. Giant animals, reimagined monuments, fantastical characters, and cultural references take shape thanks to several tons of citrus fruits, which are regularly replaced to maintain their shine.
Another unmissable highlight is the golden fruit parades. These parades, organized both day and night, see large floats decorated with citrus fruits, accompanied by brass bands, dancers, and musicians, make their way through the streets of Menton. In the evening, the illuminated parades offer a particularly striking spectacle in a festive atmosphere.
Beyond the visual spectacle, the festival also highlights Menton’s agricultural identity. The region’s lemons, renowned for their fragrance and sweetness, take center stage. Markets, stands, and activities allow visitors to discover derivative products, local specialties, and the work of producers.
Popular, artistic and deeply rooted in its terroir, the Lemon Festival remains a unique experience in France. An event that combines creativity, heritage and conviviality, it can be reached by plane or train from the capital.
📍Lemon Festival – Menton
📆 Dates: February 14 to March 1, 2026