Every February, Menton hosts the world‑famous Lemon Festival, a vibrant celebration of the town’s citrus heritage. For three weeks, the city transforms into a colourful spectacle of giant sculptures, parades and illuminated night shows — all created using thousands of lemons and oranges.
🎭 Citrus Sculptures & Garden Displays
The heart of the festival takes place in the Biovès Gardens, where enormous themed sculptures are built entirely from citrus fruit. Each year has a different theme — from cinema to mythology to world landmarks — and the displays are both artistic and surreal. Guests can wander through the gardens at their own pace, taking in the colours, fragrance and creativity.
🌙 Jardins de Lumière (Gardens of Light)
On selected evenings, the Biovès Gardens open for the Jardins de Lumière, a nighttime experience where the citrus sculptures are illuminated with dramatic lighting and sound. It’s atmospheric, immersive and one of the most memorable parts of the festival.
🌿 Orchid & Winter Garden Show
With the support of the Menton City Parks and Gardens Department, the Directorate of Exceptional Gardens, and the French Association of Orchid and Epiphyte Enthusiasts.
This space will highlight the grace and elegance of orchids, true jewels of nature: each flower unfolds its delicate colors and subtle fragrances in refined settings. This visit is an invitation to relaxation, for nature lovers and those seeking new beauties to adorn their Winter Garden, expert advice to best care for their orchids or simply a moment of escape and wonder.
🎉 Parades & Festive Events
The festival brings lively parades out to the streets with dancers, performers, decorated floats and citrus‑covered creations. Evening parades add live music, light shows and a spring festival energy that fills the Riviera town.
🌞 A Unique Winter Experience
With Menton's micro climate offering over 300 days of sunshine per year and two lemon harvests annually the Festival is ideal for guests who appreciate local cultures, creativity & something truly unique to the region, a celebration found nowhere else in the world.