Menton Lemon Festival
France, Menton
Information
Menton Lemon Festival 2025: Your Complete Guide to Dates, Events & Visitor Tips
The Menton Lemon Festival, or Fête du Citron, is one of Europe’s most distinctive and colorful festivals, held annually in Menton, France, on the stunning Côte d’Azur. In 2025, the 91st edition of this citrus celebration promises to take festival-goers on an interstellar journey with the theme “Journey(s) to the Stars”, running from February 15 to March 2, 2025.
Read on to discover everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable visit to the Menton Lemon Festival 2025, from event highlights and ticketing information to essential travel tips and nearby attractions.
What is the Menton Lemon Festival?
The Menton Lemon Festival, a vibrant carnival celebrating Menton’s rich lemon-growing heritage, began in 1934. Each year, the town is transformed with enormous citrus sculptures, parades, and nightly illuminations. Drawing over 200,000 visitors annually, the festival is a unique homage to Menton’s famous lemons and Mediterranean charm.
When is the Menton Lemon Festival 2025?
The festival runs from February 15 to March 2, 2025. Major events take place on weekends, with the Golden Fruit Parade scheduled for Sundays and night parades on Thursdays, creating a full calendar of events and exhibitions throughout the festival’s duration.
What Makes Menton’s Fête du Citron Unique?
This festival sets itself apart with stunning citrus displays and a focus on lemon cultivation, a key industry in Menton for centuries. Recognized for the unique quality of its PGI-certified Menton lemons, the region produces a lemon that is sweeter and less acidic than other varieties, a point of pride celebrated each year at the Fête du Citron.
Highlights of the Menton Lemon Festival 2025: What You Can’t Miss
1. Golden Fruit Parade
- When: Sundays, February 16, 23, and March 2, 2025.
- Where: Promenade du Soleil along Menton’s beachfront.
- What to Expect: Experience citrus-decorated floats accompanied by lively musicians, dancers, and entertainers. The festive atmosphere fills the promenade with confetti, vibrant colors, and a sea of onlookers.
2. Night-Time Parade
- When: Thursdays, February 20 and 27, 2025.
- What to Expect: The citrus floats are illuminated, turning Menton’s streets into a glowing nighttime spectacle with music, dancers, and fireworks.
3. Exhibition of Citrus Patterns
- Where: Biovès Gardens.
- What to Expect: This popular display features massive sculptures made entirely from citrus, depicting this year’s “Journey(s) to the Stars” theme with creative and intricate designs. Expect planetary motifs, rockets, and more, made from over 120 tonnes of lemons and oranges.
4. Gardens of Lights
- When: Every evening.
- What to Expect: Enjoy a serene, illuminated version of the citrus sculptures in the Biovès Gardens, offering a peaceful experience with soundscapes and lighting effects.
How Are the Citrus Sculptures Made?
Creating these massive citrus displays is a feat of engineering and artistry. Designers work with over 120 tonnes of citrus and 15 tonnes of metal framing, securing fruit with over a million rubber bands to create colorful, towering installations. The festival uses oranges and lemons sourced from local and international growers, arranged to produce impressive sculptures that last throughout the festival.
How to Buy Tickets for the Menton Lemon Festival
Where to Buy: Tickets are available on the official festival website and at the Menton tourist office. Tickets are required for parades and exhibitions but not for the Gardens of Lights or surrounding fair areas.
Types of Tickets:
- Single-Entry: Valid for either a parade or the garden exhibition.
- Bundle Tickets: Offer access to multiple events for a discounted price.
- Discounts: Children under six and those with certain disability cards may enter for free but require an entry ticket.
Early booking is highly recommended as tickets can sell out, especially for the Golden Fruit Parades.
How to Get to the Menton Lemon Festival
Menton is accessible via car, train, or bus. During the festival, additional train services are available from nearby Nice and Monaco, making public transport a convenient option. Here are the most popular ways to reach the event:
- By Train: Extra trains run from Nice, Monaco, and other Riviera cities. Check the TER/ZOU timetables for special festival schedules.
- By Car: Parking is available around Menton, though spaces fill quickly on weekends. Aim to arrive before 11 am on Sundays for easier access.
- By Bus or Shuttle: Special festival shuttles are available, with schedules listed on the festival website.
Where to Stay During the Menton Lemon Festival
Accommodations in Menton can book up quickly due to high demand, so consider nearby towns like Nice or Monaco if Menton is fully booked. Recommended hotels in Menton include:
- Hotel Napoléon Menton: Known for its modern amenities and seaside views.
- Best Western Plus Hôtel Prince de Galles: Offers Riviera charm with easy access to festival venues.
- Hotel Chambord: Located near the Biovès Gardens, ideal for festival-goers looking to stay close to the action.
Top Local Foods to Try: Lemon-Inspired Delicacies
Menton’s cuisine is a highlight in itself. Here are some must-try citrus-based specialties:
- Tarte au Citron: A classic French lemon tart made with local Menton lemons.
- Lemon Liqueur: Many cafes offer house-made limoncello, a digestif perfect after a meal.
- Candied Citrus: Available in local markets, these are a sweet way to taste Menton’s famous lemons.
Explore Menton’s restaurants and cafes for unique festival-inspired dishes.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
- Dress Comfortably: Days are mild, but nights can be chilly. Bring layers and wear comfortable shoes for parade days.
- Capture the Moment: The citrus sculptures and parades make for incredible photos—arrive early to find the best spots.
- Explore Beyond the Festival: Visit Saint-Michel Basilica and the Jean Cocteau Museum, or stroll through the Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden to fully experience Menton’s charm.
Nearby Attractions in Menton
In addition to the festival, Menton boasts several cultural and scenic attractions:
- Old Town: Meander through narrow, colorful streets that capture the town’s Italian influences.
- Jean Cocteau Museum: A museum dedicated to the art of Jean Cocteau, showcasing the artist’s connection to the town.
- Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden: A lush garden featuring exotic plants, offering a peaceful retreat just minutes from the festival action.
Why is Menton Famous for Lemons?
The Menton lemon is celebrated for its unique sweetness and low acidity, attributed to Menton’s mild Mediterranean climate. These prized lemons hold a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, emphasizing their high quality and cultural significance. Local artisans transform these lemons into a range of products, from preserves to perfumes, showcasing the “golden fruit” of Menton.
Discover the vibrant Limoux Carnival, one of France’s oldest and most unique celebrations. Dive into its rich traditions, masked performers, and the festive atmosphere that fills Limoux’s streets for three months every winter. Experience the magic of this historic event in our full guide to the Limoux Carnival
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Source: official Menton Lemon Festival website
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