The Fête du Citron® 2026 in Menton: “Wonders of the Living World”
The Fête du Citron® (Lemon Festival) in Menton, a truly unique event in the world, returns for its 92nd edition under the enchanting theme “Wonders of the Living World” (Merveilles du Vivant). Every year, this iconic festival attracts over 250,000 visitors to the French Riviera. Listed as part of France’s intangible cultural heritage since 2019, this year’s edition celebrates the beauty and diversity of the living world through monumental citrus sculptures depicting extraordinary flora and fauna.
🍋 A zesty programme! For over 15 days, Menton transforms into a magical world where 140 tonnes of citrus fruits come to life in the hands of talented artists. Key highlights include:
- The citrus sculpture exhibition in the Biovès Gardens — free and open to all from 14 February to 1 March
- The Golden Fruit Parades (Corsos des Fruits d’Or) — spectacular processions of floats covered in lemons and oranges, accompanied by brass bands and folk troupes (Sundays 15, 22 February and 1 March at 2:30pm)
- The Night Parades (Corsos Nocturnes) — when the illuminated floats light up the Mediterranean night, capped off by fireworks at 10:30pm (Thursdays 19 and 26 February at 9pm)
🌸 And so much more! Beyond the parades, the Fête du Citron® features a local crafts market with artisan creations and regional specialities, the Orchid Show and Winter Garden with unforgettable fragrances, as well as street entertainment, concerts and performances throughout the city. A sensory journey of colours, scents and Mediterranean flavours!
📜 A bit of history In 1929, Menton was still the leading lemon producer on the European continent. A local hotelier had the idea of organising a flower and citrus exhibition in the gardens of the Riviera Hotel. The event was such a success that the following year, the celebration took to the streets. The Fête du Citron® was officially born in 1934 and has since become a world-renowned festival.
🏨 Stay at Hôtel du Clos: the perfect base to enjoy the festivities Hôtel du Clos, nestled in the charming village of Le Rouret in the Grasse hinterland, is the ideal place to enjoy the Fête du Citron® while savouring the peace and quiet of Provence. Just 20 minutes from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport and 30 minutes from Nice, you can easily reach Menton via the motorway or the scenic coastal roads. After a colourful day among citrus sculptures and confetti, retreat to the serenity of an authentic Provençal village, away from the coastal buzz. Hôtel du Clos is also the perfect base for combining the Fête du Citron® with the Nice Carnival, which takes place on the same dates!
📅 See you from 14 February to 1 March 2026 in Menton!
