Menton Lemon Festival: Practical information and programme
Every year, the town of Menton adorns itself with thousands of lemons to celebrate its emblematic fruit in a spectacular event that is renowned the world over. The Lemon Festival transforms the pearl of the Côte d’Azur into an open-air theatre where monumental sculptures, colourful parades and Mediterranean traditions intermingle in an explosion of colour and creativity. More than just an event, it’s a genuine celebration of Menton’s heritage, attracting more than 200,000 visitors every year to admire the ephemeral creations made from tons of citrus fruit.
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A century-old tradition at the heart of the Riviera
The history of the Lemon Festival dates back to the end of the 19th century, when the hoteliers of Menton sought to liven up the town during the winter season. In 1875, they organised their first parade, which was an immediate success, attracting a prestigious clientele including Queen Victoria herself in 1882. But it wasn’t until 1934 that the Lemon Festival as we know it today was really born, under the impetus of a visionary hotelier who proposed showcasing lemons, of which Menton was then Europe’s leading producer.
Since then, the event has gone from strength to strength. From simple trolleys decorated with citrus fruit in the 1930s, we’ve moved on to truly monumental sculptures that now require between 140 and 180 tonnes of citrus fruit. In 2026, the 92nd edition will celebrate the theme of “Living Wonders”, perpetuating a tradition that is the pride of the people of Mentonnais and the delight of visitors from all over the world.
The Menton lemon, a protected treasure
Before being a festival, the lemon is the very soul of Menton. Cultivated since 1341 on the sun-drenched terraces between the sea and the mountains, the Menton lemon has been a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) since 2015. This official recognition is the crowning achievement of centuries of know-how and passion handed down from generation to generation.
What sets the Menton lemon apart is above all its unique taste. Less acidic than its cousins, it has a sweet, fragrant flavour, with a thick, particularly aromatic rind. The region’s exceptional microclimate, protected from northerly winds and bathed in Mediterranean sunshine, allows the citrus fruits to ripen slowly on the tree, developing all their aromas. Today, with an annual production of around 200 tonnes, the citrus growers of Menton proudly perpetuate this exceptional agricultural heritage.
Highlights of the Lemon Festival
From 14 February to 1 March 2026, Menton will be living to the rhythm of its emblematic festival. The programme is built around a number of major events that will punctuate the two weeks of festivities.
Exhibitions of citrus fruit designs at the Biovès gardens
The heart of the Lemon Festival beats in the Biovès gardens, right in the city centre. It’s here that the monumental sculptures for which the event is famous take their place. These truly ephemeral works of art, some of which require up to 15 tonnes of citrus fruit, are created by a team of professionals who work for several weeks on their design and assembly. Each lemon and orange is attached individually to metal structures, creating giant paintings that illustrate the theme of the edition.
Access to the Biovès gardens is free throughout the day, from 9am to 11pm, allowing visitors to admire these creations under different lights. In the evening, special lighting enhances the sculptures, creating a magical spectacle in which the citrus trees seem to glow with a thousand lights.
Golden fruit corsos
On Sundays 15 and 22 February, as well as 1 March 2026, the Promenade du Soleil comes alive to welcome the famous Golden Fruit Corsos. These spectacular parades, which take place from 2.30pm to 4pm, are the most eagerly awaited part of the festival. Around ten monumental floats, decorated entirely with lemons and oranges, parade along the seafront, accompanied by musical groups, dancers in colourful costumes and a shower of confetti.
Each float is a technical and artistic feat, requiring weeks of preparation. The spectators, seated in the grandstands or standing on the promenade, applaud these ephemeral creations as they parade past in a typically festive and warm Mediterranean atmosphere.
Night corsos, gardens of light
On Thursdays 19 and 26 February 2026, the magic happens at dusk with the nocturnal Corsos. From 9pm to 10.30pm, the same floats will parade under the spotlights, transforming the promenade into a veritable garden of lights. The specially designed lighting enhances the citrus fruit sculptures, creating a play of light and shadow that adds a whole new dimension to the show. The atmosphere is even more enchanting, with audiences often won over by the unique ambience.
Complementary events
As well as corsos and exhibitions, the Lemon Festival offers a whole range of activities to enhance the visitor experience. The Orchid and Winter Garden Show, set up in the Palais de l’Europe, offers visitors the chance to admire hundreds of varieties of orchid in an enchanting setting. The craft market, meanwhile, offers an opportunity to discover local products and the creations of regional artisans. There are also themed guided tours of the narrow streets of Menton’s history, giving visitors the chance to discover the town’s heritage from a whole new angle.
Download the audio tour to discover Menton on foot and on your own
Your visit to the Lemon Festival is the perfect opportunity to discover Menton’s hidden treasures. As well as the festivities, the town is packed with architectural, historical and natural treasures that are well worth a visit. From the colourful alleyways of the old town to the splendid Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange, via the hanging gardens and panoramic viewpoints, Menton reveals its charm at every turn.
To make the most of your stay, why not explore Menton with an audio tour? Navaway offers you a complete itinerary of 22 points of interest, accompanied by audio commentaries that immerse you in the history and anecdotes of the pearl of the Riviera. You can discover the Place aux Herbes, the Jean Cocteau Museum and the Vieux Château Cemetery at your own pace, with its breathtaking views over the bay.
Practical information to help you prepare for your visit
Dates and times
The 92nd Lemon Festival runs from 14 February to 1 March 2026. The Biovès gardens are open every day from 9am to 11pm. The Golden Fruit Corsos take place on Sundays from 2.30pm to 4pm, and the Night Corsos on Thursdays from 9pm to 10.30pm. For a detailed day-by-day programme, visit the official Lemon Festival website.
Prices and ticketing
Admission to the Biovès gardens and citrus fruit pattern exhibitions is free. The Corsos, on the other hand, are not free. For the Corsos des fruits d’or, expect to pay around €30 for a seated place in the grandstand and €16 for a standing place in the promenoir (adult prices). Reduced prices are available for groups and children. We strongly advise you to book your tickets in advance via the online ticketing service, as tickets sell out quickly.
How to get to Menton
Menton is easily accessible by various means of transport. By car, the town is just a few minutes from Italy via the A8 motorway. By train, Menton station is served by regional TER trains from Nice (about a 35-minute journey) and by direct connections from several French and Italian cities. For those travelling from further afield, Nice Côte d’Azur airport is around 30 kilometres away.
Parking in Menton during the Lemon Festival
During the Corso, traffic is severely disrupted in the town centre. The town of Menton provides free parking at the entrances to the town, with a shuttle service to the centre. It is advisable to arrive before 11am on Corso Sundays to avoid traffic jams and find a space easily. Signs indicate the parking areas available.
Our tips for making the most of the party
To make the most of your experience at the Lemon Festival, there are a few practical tips to follow. First of all, plan ahead: book your accommodation and tickets for the Corsos as early as possible, as Menton sells out during this period. If you’re attending the night Corsos, make sure you bring warm clothing, as February evenings can be chilly by the sea.
For families, the atmosphere is very friendly and children are very welcome. The Biovès gardens are the perfect place to wander among the giant sculptures, which are sure to fill them with wonder. Don’t forget to discover the products made from Menton lemons: jams, limoncello, perfumed oils, etc. The shops and craft market are full of delicious specialities to take home as souvenirs.
Make the most of your stay to visit Menton outside the busy hours. Early in the morning or at the end of the day, the town reveals all its gentle Mediterranean lifestyle. Stroll along the Promenade du Soleil, lose yourself in the narrow streets of the old town, and don’t hesitate to let yourself be guided by the Navaway itinerary, which will take you to the most beautiful corners of the pearl of France.
Behind the scenes
Behind the grandiose spectacle of the Lemon Festival lies a colossal task involving dozens of people over several months. From autumn onwards, the technical and artistic teams have been working on the models and metal structures that will house the citrus fruits. The lemons and oranges, supplied by Spain because of the low local production, arrive a few weeks before the festival opens.
Then comes the patient work of securing them: each citrus fruit is individually attached to the structures using elastic bands, in accordance with an age-old technique that ensures the whole thing stays in place. Nearly 300 professionals are mobilised, including a dozen people dedicated solely to replacing damaged fruit on a daily basis. It’s a masterpiece that testifies to the passion and expertise of the people of Mentonnais for their emblematic festival.
What happens to citrus fruits after the party?
There’s a question that often comes up: what happens to the tonnes of citrus fruit used for the Lemon Festival? In order to limit waste, the town of Menton has set up a recycling system. At the end of the event, the fruit is collected and some of it is distributed free of charge to the public. Citrus fruit that is still in good condition is also composted or used to produce biogas. It’s an ecological approach that reflects our commitment to environmental responsibility.
In conclusion, the Menton Lemon Festival is much more than just a citrus carnival. It’s a living celebration of Mediterranean heritage, an event that every year brings together visitors from all over the world around a shared passion for beauty, creativity and the French art of living. A blend of age-old traditions and contemporary creations, of grandiose spectacle and authentic conviviality, the Lemon Festival offers a unique experience that’s well worth the diversions. And to prolong the magic, don’t forget to discover Menton via its Navaway audio tour, an original and enriching way to immerse yourself in the soul of this pearl of the Côte d’Azur.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about the Lemon Festival
When does the Menton Lemon Festival take place?
The Lemon Festival traditionally takes place every year at the end of winter, lasting around two weeks. The 2026 edition takes place from 14 February to 1 March.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes, we strongly recommend that you book tickets for the Corsos (float parades) in advance, as they sell out very quickly. On the other hand, access to the Biovès gardens to see the sculptures is free and does not require booking.
How long does a visit to the Biovès gardens exhibition last?
Allow around 45 minutes to 1 hour to admire the giant citrus fruit sculptures in the Biovès gardens. The site is open from 9am to 11pm every day during the festival.
Can I bring my children?
Absolutely! The Lemon Festival is a family event where children are very welcome. The colourful sculptures and parades with their animated floats will delight the youngest visitors. Reduced rates are also available for children at the Corsos.
Where can I park during the Lemon Festival?
The city provides free parking on the outskirts of the town, with shuttle buses to the centre. It is advisable to arrive early, especially on Corso days (before 11am on Sundays), to avoid traffic jams and find a space easily.
What’s the difference between the Golden Fruit Corso and the Night Corso?
The Golden Fruit Corso takes place during the day (2.30pm-4pm) on Sundays, while the Night Corso takes place in the evening (9pm-10.30pm) on Thursdays. The same floats are paraded, but the night-time atmosphere, with its play of lights, makes for an even more enchanting spectacle.
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