Ever seen a castle made entirely out of lemons? Welcome to Menton, the charming seaside town right on the border of France and Italy. The town offers visitors a blend of the French Riviera and laid back Italian atmosphere.
So what is the Menton Lemon Festival?
The Fête du Citron as the locals call it, fills Menton with sculptures, parades, and a myriad of activities centered around the lemon. A symbol of the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
The annual event held in February attracts visitors from around the world. Thus, making the most out of the delightfully sour flavors at the Lemon Festival is easier if you take into account some practical tips for visitors.
Mistake 1. Underestimating the crowds.
Attendance numbers at the Festival have been rising each year. The town gets really crowded especially during weekends and peak hours. We chose to visit on a Thursday and still had to spend closer to an hour just to find parking.
DO THIS ✅ Try to opt for weekdays or less popular times to explore the festival. Arriving early in the day or later in the afternoon can also help you beat the crowds. Moreover, if you’re staying in Menton make sure to book accommodation well in advance.
And how to get to the Menton Lemon Festival?
Although the Riviera’s public transport isn’t known for it’s reliability, the Festival advises visitors to arrive with the train. If you choose to travel by car, remember to book parking in advance. Even pre booked parking is likely to sell out on popular days. Lastly, check the recommendations on the Festival’s site. Even for weekdays!
Mistake 2. Focusing Solely on the Sculptures
You can find the sculptures at the Jardins Biovès in the center of Menton.
While the citrus sculptures are undeniably the highlight of the Menton Lemon Festival, once you’ve walked around the park you’ve seen it. Don’t neglect the festival’s colorful parades, musical performances and culinary markets.
DO THIS ✅ Allocate time to explore all facets of the festival! In addition to the program, pay attention to the locations of different activities. Find the most recent information at the Festivals website.
Mistake 3. Neglecting Menton’s charm beyond the festival grounds.
While the Menton Lemon Festival takes center stage during its run, don’t miss out exploring the town. Menton has a charming Old Town with pastel-colored buildings, picturesque gardens, and stunning sea views.
DO THIS ✅ Take the time to wander through the narrow streets of the Old Town, visit historic landmarks such as the Basilica of Saint-Michel and the Jean Cocteau Museum, and the Jardin Botanique exotique de Menton. In addition to a relaxing apero of course!
The Menton Lemon Festival is a fresh splash of fun in the winter months. The event definitely gets my recommendation! So plan wisely and immerse yourself in all that Menton has to offer.
xx, Irene
P.S. Have you already checked out my tips for finding the cheapest flights online?