The Fête du Citron® is one of Menton’s most recognisable expressions of identity, born from the meeting of winter tourism, citrus culture and urban spectacle.
For more than two weeks in February and March, the monumental displays require around 112 tonnes of citrus and approximately 15 tonnes of metal frames. The festival attracts some 200,000 visitors: these are indicative figures that vary from year to year. In 2026 it ran from 14 February to 1 March. Sources : Menton Riviera & Merveilles ↗
Its story begins with winter parades in the late nineteenth century. Citrus gradually entered the festivities and the Fête du Citron® was officially born in 1934. From 1936, the Jardins Biovès hosted the large citrus displays.
Parades, monumental citrus displays, entertainment and craft events transform Menton for more than two weeks. Beyond the spectacle, the festival connects the town’s tourism identity with local memory and citrus culture.
The protected local fruit must be distinguished from the festival scenery: the citrus used for the monumental displays does not come from Menton’s IGP production, which is too limited for such volumes.
As soon as one edition ends, Menton’s municipal services begin planning the next. The gardens department plans planting and seasonal flowers, while technicians and craftspeople in the municipal workshops build and restore the structures through carpentry, welding and decoration. Large deliveries of citrus follow, with fruit attached to the metal frames one by one. The festival lasts only a few weeks, but municipal teams work on it throughout the year.
The festival takes place in February and early March. Dates vary by edition: those mentioned in the account of 2026 do not automatically apply to later years. Check the official programme before planning a visit.
No. The fruit used for monumental displays should not be confused with Citron de Menton IGP. The installations require large volumes, while the protected local crop is limited and valued for food use.
No. The figures quoted are approximate and depend on the edition and what is being counted. They should not be treated as an audited total for every individual year.