Fête du Citron de Menton: News and events
Every year, Menton lights up for the Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron®). This event is the most important winter celebration on the French Riviera. The city becomes a living gallery of citrus art. The Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée Menton is the perfect place to stay, located just a few minutes' walk from the parades and exhibitions. From February 14 to March 1, 2026, the theme is "Wonders of the Living World." Book your standing or grandstand tickets now to experience this celebration. With giant floats, parades, and colorful processions, it is an unforgettable experience. Discover the history, the program, and the many activities planned for the Fête du Citron®.
Menton "Fête du Citron®" 2026 Program: Parades, Lights, and Exhibitions
Citrus Displays on the Promenade du Soleil
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Citrus Patterns Exhibition in Biovès Gardens: View large citrus sculptures for free in the beautiful Biovès Gardens. Available throughout the Menton Carnival, these temporary artworks are the center of the event.
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Golden Fruit Parades (Corsos des Fruits d’Or): Watch the citrus floats during the parades on Sundays, February 15, 22, and March 1, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM on the Promenade du Soleil. Enjoy a festive atmosphere with brass bands, dancers, and folk groups. Book your tickets now via the official ticket office.
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Night Parades (Corsos Nocturnes): On Thursdays, February 19 and 26, 2026, from 9:00 PM to 10:30 PM. See the illuminated floats and enjoy the music.
Logistics Tip: Tickets for grandstands and standing areas are available on the official website.
Activities and Exhibitions during Fête du Citron®
The city of Menton offers many activities beyond the parades:
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Menton Craft Show: Visit the Palais de l'Europe to find unique local products: lemonade, limoncello, orange wine, honey, jams, and Menton lemon olive oil. It is the perfect place to buy souvenirs or gifts.
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Orchid Festival: During the Menton Carnival, explore an exceptional floral display at the Palais de l'Europe highlighting the elegance of orchids.
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Creative and Cooking Workshops: Participate in fun workshops for all ages. Options include making fresh pasta, lemon ravioli, or lemon tarts. For crafts, try candle making, linocut, or citrus carving.
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Lemon Hiking: For outdoor enthusiasts, join a guided walk through the lemon groves starting from the Menton Tourist Office. Please book in advance.
Many other workshops are available during the festival. You can discover and book them directly on the official Fête du Citron® website.
History of the Lemon Festival: The Fête du Citron®
In 1875, winter visitors came to the French Riviera to enjoy the mild climate. To entertain them, local hotel owners proposed a street parade. While Menton was the lemon capital of Europe in the 19th century, lemons only became part of the carnival in 1929. Today, the Fête du Citron® is a world-famous celebration.
BOOK MY STAY IN MENTON FOR THE FETE DU CITRON®
Your Stay during the Fête du Citron®: Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée Menton
The Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée Menton is located in the heart of the festivities. Choosing our hotel ensures:
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Best Location: Direct access to parades and exhibitions.
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Comfort: A quiet place to rest, with a restaurant, a bar, and a rooftop view.
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Full Experience: The hotel features special decorations to match the Menton Fête du Citron® atmosphere.
DISCOVER BEST WESTERN HOTEL MEDITERRANNEE MENTON
How to Get to Menton and the Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée
Staying at the Best Western Hôtel Méditerranée Menton makes your arrival easy. Located near the Menton train station, our hotel is easily accessible whether you travel by plane or train.
Traveling by Plane: Easy Transfer from Nice Airport (NCE)
If you are flying into Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), reaching Menton is quick and direct:
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From Nice Airport: Take Tramway Line 2 or 3 to the "Grand Arénas" stop. The Nice Saint-Augustin TER train station is right next to the tram station.
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Train Transfer: From Nice Saint-Augustin, take a direct train (TER) to Menton.
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Arrival at the Hotel: The Menton-Ville station is only a 10-minute walk from the hotel, so you won't need a taxi or extra transport.
Traveling by Train (TER)
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Accessibility: Menton is easy to reach by train from across the French Riviera (Nice, Monaco, Cannes) and Italy (Ventimiglia). Trains run frequently throughout the day.
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Private Transfers: For a private car service from the airport or station, please contact our reception or visit our e-concierge platform.
Parking and Guest Services
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Stress-Free Parking: Guests have access to our private and secure garage. This is a paid service (subject to availability). You can safely leave your car at the hotel and walk to all the Fête du Citron® events.