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.
Start with a quick trip form. Weekend in Menton or a French Riviera route—we’ll plan the citrus float parades, Jardins Biovès sculptures, illuminated nights, smart tickets & vantage points, and a walkable stay near the Promenade/Old Town.
Prefer to talk it through? Book a free intro 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 Program.
• The exact timetable publishes annually; check the live Program 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 Program.
• 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.
Tell us your dates, who’s coming, and what else you’d like to see. We’ll suggest a French Riviera route that includes the Fête du Citron at the right moment, with realistic travel days and comfortable home bases.
Prefer to start with a call? Book a free intro call.