Menton, France, a picturesque gem on the French Riviera, comes alive every February with the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival)—a celebration unlike any other. This festival transforms the town into a citrus wonderland, featuring towering sculptures made entirely of lemons and oranges, vibrant parades with dazzling floats, and a festive atmosphere that fills the air with the scent of fresh citrus.
As someone who seeks out unique cultural experiences, I was immediately drawn to this quirky yet mesmerizing event. There was something so intriguing about an entire festival dedicated to lemons—so, of course, I had to see it for myself!
From the moment I arrived in Menton, I could feel the excitement in the air. The streets were lined with bright yellow and orange displays, local markets overflowed with citrus-themed treats, and the energy of the festival was contagious.
Whether you’re a lover of festivals, a fan of the French Riviera, or simply looking for a unique winter getaway, the Fête du Citron is an experience you won’t want to miss. If you’re thinking about adding this spectacular event to your travel plans, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your visit!
Check out my other blogs related to Menton ⬇️
Table of Contents
Where Fete Du Citron is Celebrated
Tucked between the mountains and the Mediterranean, Menton stands as the French Riviera’s final gem before the Italian border. Celebrations unfold along the Promenade du Soleil, flanked by the sea’s sparkle on one side and the town’s charming architecture on the other. This dramatic setting mirrors the festival’s grandeur, making it a breathtaking experience.
Official Information for the Fête du Citron
Dates
The 2025 Fête du Citron will take place from February 15 to March 2, 2025. This annual celebration fills the charming streets of Menton with incredible citrus sculptures, parades, and festivities that attract visitors from all over the world.
Theme
The theme of the Fête du Citron changes every year, bringing new creativity to the festival’s famous citrus displays. In 2024, the festival was Olympic-themed, celebrating France’s role as host of the Summer Games. The 2025 theme has yet to be announced, but expect larger-than-life lemon and orange creations inspired by the chosen motif!
Where to Buy Tickets
You can purchase tickets for the Fête du Citron directly from the official website (make sure to check closer to the event for release dates).
💡 Important Tip: Purchase your tickets as soon as they become available! Seated tickets sell out fast, and if you wait too long, you’ll likely end up with standing-only access. The festival offers both day and night parades, so be sure to check which experience you’re booking.
Can I Visit on a Day Trip from Other Cities on the French Riviera?
✅ Yes! A day trip to the Fête du Citron from cities like Nice, Monaco, or even Cannes is absolutely possible—and in some cases, it may even be more convenient.
During the festival, Menton gets incredibly crowded, and navigating the city can be challenging. Some areas require special passes to access, which can make last-minute exploration tricky. In my case, our host kindly arranged a pass for us after we provided our details in advance—a perk that made getting around much easier! If you’re planning to visit for just a day, taking a train or bus from another Riviera destination is a great way to experience the festival while avoiding some of the congestion.
A Zesty History of the Fête du Citron 🍋
Firstly, let’s zest up our knowledge with a bit of history (see what I did there?). The Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) has been adding a splash of color to Menton, France, since 1934. It all started when hotel owners in the 1930s wanted to surprise their guests with a vibrant new event—and just like that, the Fête du Citron was born! But why lemons, you ask? Well, Menton isn’t just another pretty town on the French Riviera; it’s blessed with a unique microclimate that makes it an ideal place for growing citrus, especially lemons.
And these aren’t just any lemons; they’re the famous Menton lemons—prized for their sweetness, rich aroma, and impressive size. They even hold IGP (Indication Géographique Protégée) status, meaning they are geographically protected and cannot be commercially grown outside the region. I discovered just how special they were when I realized I could eat a whole Menton lemon on its own—something I never thought possible!
However, there’s a surprising twist! The lemons and oranges used in the festival’s massive sculptures and parade floats aren’t actually from Menton. Because of their IGP status, the town outsources these citrus fruits from other countries to protect the local harvest. So while the festival celebrates the town’s lemon-growing heritage, the actual Menton lemons remain a rare and protected delicacy—one that you absolutely must taste while visiting!
What to Expect at the Fête du Citron
Get ready for a citrus overload like you’ve never seen before! As you stroll through Menton’s citrus-scented streets, you’ll be treated to a color explosion of floats, sculptures, and patterns—all made from lemons and oranges. If you thought fruit was just for eating, think again! These artists know how to turn a lemon into a work of art.
Jardin Biovès is where the magic really happens. It’s like a lemon dreamland, and trust me, it’s hard to believe that so many citrus fruits can be turned into mind-blowing sculptures. Honestly, I didn’t know it was possible to make something so beautiful out of something so sour! But the talent behind these static displays? Totally sweet.
💡 Pro Tip: Before you dive into all the citrus goodness, check with the Menton Tourist Office or hop on their website to see what exclusive events are happening. They’ve been known to offer fun things like hiking tours where you can hit up the 10 most jaw-dropping viewpoints in Menton. Oh, and don’t forget to peek at the Fête du Citron official website for some VIP-like access to secret offers. You’ll feel like a citrus festival celebrity!
Menton, Riviera & Merveilles Website
2025 Theme: A Journey to the Stars
Each year, the Fête du Citron picks a mind-blowing theme to bring the festival to life. And in 2025, it’s out of this world! Get ready to embark on A Journey to the Stars 🌠. Yes, you heard me right. Forget about lemon trees and street art; this year, Menton’s floats and sculptures are launching you into outer space.
Expect to see everything from galaxies and constellations to rocket ships that’ll make you think, “Wait, did they actually send citrus into space?” (Spoiler: not yet, but who knows, maybe next year). Menton’s citrus-art experts are going full NASA meets fruit stand. So buckle up because you’re about to take a lemon-fueled trip through the cosmos.
Whether you’re a space junkie or just here for the lemons (I mean, who can blame you?), 2025 is bound to be a cosmic experience. Trust me, this isn’t your average fruit festival—this is the Fête du Citron, where even the stars can’t compete with the citrus!
Tying in the Themes
The Fête du Citron isn’t just a citrus extravaganza—it’s a true reflection of Menton’s rich history. This little town, sitting pretty on the French Riviera, has bounced between French and Italian hands over the centuries, and you can see that cultural mash-up in every zesty festival theme. It’s like a big flavorful nod to the past, celebrating the fusion of influences that make Menton Menton.
The Golden Fruit of the Riviera
And let’s talk about the star of the show—Menton’s lemons. These aren’t your average lemons, folks; these are the golden fruit of the Riviera. The festival? Think of it as their royal coronation. The baroque buildings in town, with their lemon-hued facades, provide a stunning backdrop that seems like it was designed specifically for the Fête du Citron. It’s this perfect marriage of nature and architecture, where centuries-old traditions meet the modern-day lemon-loving extravaganza.
A Festival for All Senses
The Fete Du Citron is a feast for all senses. The sight of the citrus creations, the sound of the lively music, the touch of the Mediterranean breeze, the taste of lemon-infused delicacies, and, of course, the smell of fresh citrus – all combine to create a truly unforgettable experience.
Conclusion
So, have I convinced you to book that trip to Menton for the Fête du Citron yet? If not, let me try again: this festival is way more than just lemons—it’s a zesty celebration of life, culture, and all things citrus! Picture this: every corner you turn, there’s a new surprise (maybe a lemon float, or perhaps a new lemon-themed sculpture that will make you question your art skills). It’s a place where history and culture come to life, and if you’re into the tangy scent of citrus, you’re in for a treat (and I don’t just mean the lemon tarts).
If you’re searching for a festival that’s not your typical run-of-the-mill affair, bursting with flavor (and I mean that both literally and figuratively), then Menton’s Fête du Citron should be on your bucket list. You’ll leave feeling like you’ve just had a mini-vacation for your senses—and let’s be honest, we all need that kind of break.
This blog is just a taste (pun intended) of the festival, but if you’re really curious about the history, themes, and other juicy details, don’t wait—Menton is calling. Go ahead and answer. You won’t regret it!s citrus-laden arms wide open. Come and experience the zestful spirit of the French Riviera at the Fete Du Citron!
