92nd Fête du Citron – Merveilles du vivant – 2026 Menton, France
Overview
The Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival, is a unique and world-famous cultural event that draws over two hundred thousand visitors annually to the sunny shores of Menton on the French Riviera. For 2026, the festival celebrates its 92nd edition with the theme Merveilles du vivant, focusing on the wonders of the living world through monumental sculptures made entirely of citrus fruits. The Biovès Gardens are transformed into an open-air museum where gigantic orange and lemon structures, some reaching heights of over ten meters, create a surreal and aromatic landscape that is unlike any other festival in Europe.
This tradition dates back to the early twentieth century and has grown into a massive production requiring over one hundred and forty tons of citrus fruit and thousands of hours of manual labor. Beyond the static displays, the festival comes alive with the Golden Fruit Parades and Night-time Parades, where decorated floats wind along the Mediterranean promenade accompanied by brass bands, dancers, and folk groups. The event is a vibrant celebration of the region’s citrus heritage, blending agricultural pride with high-level artistic craftsmanship and theatrical performance.
Why Attend
The Lemon Festival is an essential destination for travelers who appreciate the intersection of horticulture, art, and traditional European festivities in a luxury coastal setting. It offers a more intimate and specialized experience compared to the nearby Carnival of Nice, making it ideal for those who want to see incredible craftsmanship up close in the beautiful Biovès Gardens. The 2026 theme provides a perfect opportunity for nature lovers and families to see artistic interpretations of the biological world rendered in bright yellow and orange hues.
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This event is highly recommended for photographers, garden enthusiasts, and international tourists looking for a sophisticated winter escape on the Côte d’Azur. Because Menton enjoys one of the mildest climates in France, visitors can enjoy outdoor parades and strolls through the citrus exhibitions comfortably even in February. Whether you are interested in the technical feat of building citrus skyscrapers or the high-energy atmosphere of the Sunday parades, the festival provides a sensory experience that defines the elegance of the French Riviera.
Event Highlights
- The Exhibition of Citrus Patterns: A stunning display in the Biovès Gardens featuring massive statues and scenes created from thousands of hand-placed lemons and oranges.
- Golden Fruit Parades: Sunday afternoon processions along the Promenade du Soleil featuring citrus-covered floats, musicians, and performers under the bright Mediterranean sun.
- Night-time Parades: Spectacular evening versions of the parades followed by grand fireworks displays over the Bay of Menton, creating a magical atmosphere of light and sound.
- The Orchid Festival: Held at the Palais de l’Europe, this fragrant exhibition showcases thousands of rare and beautiful orchids alongside the citrus festivities.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: The 92nd Fête du Citron is scheduled to take place from February 14 to March 1, 2026.
- Festival Length: The celebration spans sixteen days, covering three full weekends of parades and daily access to the garden exhibitions.
Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Menton, France.
- Venue: Major events occur at the Biovès Gardens and the Promenade du Soleil along the beachfront.
- Google Maps Address: Avenue de Verdun, 06500 Menton, France.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets can be purchased through the official festival website, at the Menton Tourist Office, or at entrance gates on event days.
- Admission Type: Access to the Biovès Gardens and seating for the parades require separate paid tickets, while some craft markets are free.
- Ticket Pricing: Garden entry costs approximately $17 USD, while seated parade tickets range from $32 USD to $55 USD depending on the section.
- Free Admission: Children under the age of six can generally enter the garden exhibitions for free when accompanied by an adult.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: Grandstand seating is available for all parades to ensure a clear view of the floats and performers above the crowds.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@fete-du-citron.com
- Phone: +33 4 89 81 52 70
- Website: https://www.fete-du-citron.com/?lang=en
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Nice Côte d’Azur Airport (NCE) is the closest international hub, located about 42 km from Menton with easy shuttle links.
- Public Transport: The TER regional train connects Nice to Menton in about 35 minutes for a fare of roughly $7 USD per person.
- Taxi/Rideshare: A taxi or Uber from Nice to Menton typically costs between $90 USD and $130 USD depending on the traffic and time of day.
- Parking: Driving is discouraged as the city center is mostly pedestrianized during events; use the P4 Saint-Charles lot for approximately $25 USD per day.
- Other Access: The Zest bus network provides local transport within Menton and to neighboring villages for a flat fare of about $2 USD.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Hôtel Royal-Riviera (5-star, 15 km in nearby St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, opulent views, ~$450-700/night); Hôtel Barrière Le Majestic (5-star, 30 km in Cannes ~$400-650/night).
- Mid-Range Options: Princess et Richmond (4-star, 0.5 km, beachfront balcony rooms, ~$160-260/night); Best Western Plus Hôtel Prince de Galles (4-star, 0.8 km, classic style ~$140-230/night).
- Budget Stays: Ibis Styles Menton Centre (3-star, 0.2 km, modern and central, ~$110-180/night); Hôtel de Londres (2-star, 0.4 km, simple comfort near the beach ~$90-150/night).
Reviews
- The intricate detail on the citrus sculptures in the gardens is truly a masterpiece of patience and art.
- Seeing the parades against the backdrop of the blue Mediterranean sea was one of the most beautiful sights I have experienced.
- The whole town smells like fresh lemons and oranges for two weeks and the atmosphere is wonderfully sophisticated.
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FAQ's
Is it necessary to book parade tickets in advance?
It is highly recommended to book tickets at least several weeks in advance, especially for Sunday parades which are the most popular. Seating in the grandstands often sells out, leaving only standing room which can be very crowded and difficult for seeing the details of the floats. Having a reserved seat allows you to arrive a bit later and still enjoy a perfect view of the entire procession.
What happens to all the fruit after the festival ends?
Once the festival concludes, the tons of citrus fruit used to build the sculptures are not wasted but are sold to the public at very low prices. Many locals and visitors gather at the end of the festival to buy crates of lemons and oranges to make jams, liqueurs, and perfumes. Any fruit that is no longer fit for consumption is composted to ensure that the event remains as sustainable as possible.
Can I visit the citrus sculptures at night?
Yes, the Biovès Gardens are often illuminated in the evenings, offering a completely different perspective of the citrus structures through artistic lighting. These evening visits are usually quieter than the daytime slots and provide a more magical, intimate atmosphere for appreciating the craftsmanship. Check the official schedule for specific "Gardens of Light" evenings as these require a specific entry time and ticket.
Are the events accessible for travelers with limited mobility?
The Biovès Gardens are relatively flat and accessible for wheelchairs, although some areas can become quite congested during peak visiting hours. The Promenade du Soleil, where the parades take place, is also accessible, but it is best to book specific spots in the designated disabled viewing areas to ensure safety and comfort. It is advisable to arrive early to avoid the heaviest foot traffic when entering or exiting the festival zones.
What is the best way to get to Menton from Nice during the festival?
The train is by far the most efficient and scenic way to reach Menton, as the tracks run right along the coast with beautiful views of the sea. During the Fête du Citron, extra train cars are often added to accommodate the high volume of visitors traveling from Nice and Monaco. Taking the train also allows you to avoid the significant traffic jams and lack of parking that affect the small town of Menton during the festival weeks.
