Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival, Menton) is one of the French Riviera’s most colorful and unique winter festivals, held each February in the seaside town of Menton, near the Italian border. Celebrating the region’s famed lemons and oranges, the event transforms the city into a citrus wonderland featuring spectacular parades, giant sculptures, and art installations made entirely from fruit. Themed each year, the festival also includes nighttime illuminations, music, and the dazzling Golden Fruit Parade. Blending Mediterranean sunshine, artistic creativity, and Provençal tradition, the Lemon Festival in Menton is a vibrant celebration of color, scent, and imagination.
Planning Fête du Citron? We’ll secure parade/grandstand spots, time the illuminated corsi and Jardins Biovès displays, lock in lodging, and sort transport—Book a free planning call.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 14 February–1 March 2026 (Saturday–Sunday).
• Key days: Corsos des fruits d’or (day parades) on Sundays 15, 22 February and 1 March; Corsos nocturnes (night parades) on Thursdays 19 and 26 February — see Tourist office and Programme.
• The exact timetable publishes annually; check the live Programme page for dates and times before your visit.
LOCATION
• Venues: Jardins Biovès (citrus sculptures) and Promenade du Soleil (parade route) — overview on the Official site.
• Map: Jardins Biovès, Menton — Open in Google Maps.
• Getting there: Use regional trains (TER/ZOU!) or buses; organiser travel, traffic and parking notices are published under Visitor info.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Buy tickets: Official sales via the festival box office — Buy tickets.
• Indicative prices (2026): Grandstand seats from €30; standing promenade from €16; child reductions available — see Basic information.
CAMPING & ACCOMMODATION
• Motorhomes: Official guidance — Koaland P4 parking accessible to motorhomes on parade days (capacity limited; subject to change) — see Motorhome & parking info.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Weather dependent: Parades may be delayed or cancelled for safety; updates appear on the City of Menton and festival websites — see Programme.
• Access & mobility: Security checks, shuttle buses and mobility guidance are detailed under Visitor info.
• Plan early: Traffic restrictions and crowd peaks on parade days; aim for morning arrival for Sunday corsos — tips from the Tourist office.
Ready to squeeze the most out of Menton? We’ll pick the best parade night, secure seats, and plan smooth transport and stays — Hire Tripologiste.