Menton Lemon Festival 2026: A Zesty Getaway on the French Riviera

From 14 February to 1 March 2026, Menton will host the 92nd edition of its iconic Lemon Festival. As one of the Riviera’s major winter events, it welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year. For those based in other Riviera towns and cities, it makes for a perfect day trip or weekend escape.

Among the French Riviera’s winter highlights, the Lemon Festival holds a special place. For nearly a century, Menton has transformed itself into an open-air stage where citrus fruits, music and creativity come together in a truly unique atmosphere.

For over fifteen days, the Biovès Gardens host spectacular citrus sculptures, while the famous Golden Fruit parades wind through the streets. By day and by night, floats covered in lemons and oranges create a colourful show set to music and lively entertainment.

"Wonders of life"

The 2026 edition will explore the theme “Wonders of Life” celebrating biodiversity and the natural world. A theme that resonates beautifully with the Riviera’s exceptional surroundings and the refined lifestyle enjoyed by residents on the French Riviera.

Beyond the parades, the Lemon Festival also invites visitors to explore the Craft Fair, the Orchid Festival and local producers’ stalls. An immersive experience that appeals both to visitors and to those who have chosen to make the region their home.

Easily reached from Nice, Cap d’Antibes, Cannes, and other Riviera towns, Menton perfectly showcases the cultural richness of the eastern French Riviera. These events further enhance the appeal of living or investing in such a privileged area, where sea, nature and tradition meet.

Menton’s Lemon Festival perfectly captures the Riviera’s winter charm and vitality. It is an inspiring escape that highlights why the region continues to attract visitors and future residents alike. Living on the French Riviera also means enjoying a prime location, perfectly positioned to explore the Riviera’s most prestigious cultural events.