Menton Lemon Festival

A festival born from Menton's lemon tradition

The history of the Lemon Festival is intimately linked to that of Menton, which was for a long time the leading producer of lemons in continental Europe. In 1929, a Menton hotelier had the idea of organizing a flower and citrus exhibition in the gardens of the Hôtel Riviera. The success was such that the following year, the festival moved to the streets with carts of shrubs planted with oranges and lemons. The Lemon Festival was officially born in 1934, and as early as 1936, the Biovès Gardens were adorned with their dazzling yellow and orange colors for the first citrus exhibition.

The Biovès Gardens: a setting of gold and orange

The heart of the Lemon Festival beats in the Biovès Gardens, a vast promenade in the center of Menton that is adorned each year with monumental sculptures entirely made of lemons and oranges. These ephemeral works, created by artists and artisans, require about 145 tons of citrus fruits. The exhibition is free and open to all, from 9 am to 11 pm in an unfenced area, allowing everyone to admire these extraordinary creations.

2024 Edition: The Olympics from Antiquity to the Present Day

The 90th edition of the Lemon Festival took place from February 17 to March 3, 2024, on the theme “The Olympics from Antiquity to the Present Day”, a nod to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The citrus sculptures depicted athletes, Olympic disciplines, and sports symbols. The Golden Fruit Parades featured monumental floats decorated with citrus fruits through the city, accompanied by musical groups and costumed troupes.

2025 Edition: Journey(s) to the Stars

The 91st edition, from February 15 to March 2, 2025, had the theme “Journey(s) to the Stars”. The Biovès Gardens were transformed into a cosmic universe where rockets, planets, constellations, and space creatures came to life in citrus. The daytime Golden Fruit Parades and the energizing nighttime Parades amazed visitors with illuminated floats and colorful parades. The Orchid Festival, the Winter Garden Show, and the craft market completed the festivities.

92nd Edition in 2026: Wonders of Life

The 92nd edition takes place from February 14 to March 1, 2026, under the theme “Wonders of Life”. The citrus sculptures celebrate biodiversity and the wonders of nature. The Golden Fruit Parades and Nighttime Parades, the exhibition in the Biovès Gardens, the Orchid Festival, and the craft market make up a rich program of over two weeks of festivities.

A Unique Event in the World

The Menton Lemon Festival is an event of unparalleled uniqueness in the world, combining citrus tradition, ephemeral art, and popular entertainment. It attracts over 250,000 visitors from around the world each year and generates significant economic benefits for the city of Menton and the French Riviera. Its identity is based on the know-how of Menton artisans and the richness of the region's lemon heritage.