Menton
Menton, the last town on the Riviera before Italy: the Fête du Citron, 13 to 28 February 2027, its citrus parades, market and practical tips.
At a glance
- Home of the Fête du Citron, 13 to 28 February 2027
- The Menton lemon, used by chefs such as Ducasse, Robuchon and Bocuse
- A free craft and food market during the festival
- On the inventory of intangible cultural heritage in France since 2019
- Reached by the regional ZOU trains along the coast
- 1food festival
Food festivals in Menton
Nicolas sartore, CC BY-SA
Map of Menton
What to taste in Menton
Citron de Menton
The town’s lemon, presented by the festival as the “caviar” of gastronomy and protected by a geographical indication.
Lemon tart
The obvious dessert in a lemon town, in the bakeries and pastry shops of the centre.
Lemon preserves and liqueur
Jams and lemon liqueur, sold in the town’s shops.
Market tastings
The craft market of the Fête du Citron is “a must for food lovers”, for tasting on the spot or to take away.
Menton is the last town on the French Riviera before the Italian border, and its lemons have their own festival: each February the Fête du Citron fills its gardens and town centre with sculptures and floats made of citrus fruit. The festival’s site calls the Menton lemon the “caviar” of gastronomy and names chefs who cook with it: Ducasse, Robuchon, Bocuse.
A lemon town in winter
Menton’s sheltered position between the mountains and the sea gives it a mild winter climate, which has long favoured citrus growing on its terraces.
- The festival: 13 to 28 February 2027, in the Jardins Biovès and the town centre.
- The visitors: more than 250,000 a year, according to the organiser.
- The recognition: the Fête du Citron was entered on France’s inventory of intangible cultural heritage in 2019.
The festival’s craft market, free to enter, is the place for tastings: on the spot or to take away.
Menton on foot and by train
The old town climbs the hill above the harbour, and the centre is easy to cover on foot. During the festival, the organiser asks visitors to favour public transport.
- Train: the regional ZOU network serves Menton along the coast from Nice.
- Air: Nice Côte d’Azur airport is the nearest.
- Italy: the border is on the town’s eastern edge, so a day across it fits into a stay.
Where to stay
With more than 250,000 visitors over the festival, book a room in town early, or stay along the coast and come in by ZOU train, as the organiser recommends: the Corso tickets are dated, so the room and the parade day are best booked together.
Before you go
- Festival: 13 to 28 February 2027. Corso tickets are dated and cannot be exchanged.
- Getting there: the organiser recommends the train, on the regional ZOU network.
- Traffic: the festival brings a flood of cars. Public transport is the better choice.
- Children: every child needs a ticket for the Corso, even under 6 (free, except in the grandstand).
- Beds: book early for the festival weekends, or stay along the coast towards Nice.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Fête du Citron in Menton?
From 13 to 28 February 2027, according to its official site.
Why is Menton famous for lemons?
Its lemon is a reference for chefs, used by Ducasse, Robuchon and Bocuse, according to the Fête du Citron’s site, and the town has celebrated it each winter with the festival.
How do you get to Menton?
By train is best during the festival: the organiser recommends the regional ZOU network.
Is the Menton market free during the Fête du Citron?
Yes. The craft market is free to enter, from 13 to 28 February 2027.