09.03.2026.
Menton was the reason to explore the beautiful French Riviera, inspired by the Lemon Festival in February. This pretty town enchanted me right away in numerous ways. Every corner of the Old Town bursts with the irresistible charm, inviting to explore its hilly streets. Unveiling a stunning picture-postcard from its beach, Menton has long been on my wish-list.
Known by its Lemon Festival- Fete du Citron- Menton offers much more than sculptures and parades. Reminding me slightly of the Flower Festival in Madeira, Menton has plenty to offer. The town is a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich culture and relaxing Mediterranean atmosphere. Every tiny street of Menton gives you a reason to stroll around.
If you’re in the mood for hiking in the French Riviera, go visit Cassis and its Calanques. The oldest town of France, Marseille, will unfold an extra charm to feel the Provanse.
Let’s also add the Botanical Garden Val Rahmeh and other green oases, Menton becomes a paradise for photography lovers. It’s also a town where you can feel the authentic local life of the French Riviera. Check out my Instagram reel of the Lemon Festival.
Old Town of Menton
Old Town of Menton is like a picturesque puzzle of the tiny, cobblestone streets and pastel houses. With the small squares full of souvenir shops and restaurants, Menton is such a vibrant place. Wandering through its streets, you can almost feel the scent of the fresh lemon as you admire the decorated windows. Following the light ascents to the viewpoints, you will enjoy the wonderful view of the Mediterranean town.
Here you’ll see the small churches, fountains and squares that hide stories from previous centuries. Every corner of the Old town, every street allure you to stop by, take photos and observe life. Menton in this charming maze shows its intimate side. The town is not only dedicated to the tourists, but it’s a place that absorbs history, colours and scents.
Lemon Festival- the symbol of Menton
Bioves Park is the heart of the Lemon Festival, where you can see fascinating sculptures made of lemon and oranges. Every year, around mid February starts the Festival and lasts two weeks. It’s fair enough time to enjoy not only the decorations and food, but the rich program the Festival offers. This year comes with the theme- Wanders of the world.
It’s delightful to see the detailed work that create the gigantic sculptures and tell stories. They even made the voices to the animals. While walking around, I realized that every sculpture is also an experience letting you explore these marvels.
Apart from the sculptures, weekly parades create a fantastic vibe. The tickets get sold quickly so I had to observe the parade outside the walls they created.
Activities at the Lemon Festival
What I love about the Lemon Festival is that it’s not only about sculptures and parades. With plenty of workshops, you can easily spend a whole week only in Menton for the festival.
At the Bioves Park you can buy everything in the lemon style and try the delicacies. Having a lemonade will be your gift for coming here and during the parades they have a bicycle lemon smoothie.
Orchid exhibition
The Orchid exhibition is an elegant way to spice up the festival, where you can also try some lemon delicacies.
Placed in the European Palace (Palais de l’Europe) in the heart of Boives Park, it will enchant all your senses.
With the incredible orchid varieties, you’ll also see some demonstrations of the nearby gardens such as Hanbury or Val Ramneh.
What makes orchids so special regarding lemon is their ability to improve lemon growth.
Guided hikes
Now it’s the time to experience this town that bursts with lemons. February is the time for mimosa, so you can explore it at the hills of Menton. Except Lemon and Mimosa Hike, get the best tips for the Menton views. Though most of the views are included in the Lemon hikes, one tour was fairly enough for 27€.
Would you guess that our guides have these tours all year round?
Visiting the lemon farm allowed us to try different kind of lemons such as bergamot.
Culinary workshops
Here you’ll have the opportunity not only to taste the local flavours, but to make it. Socca, a popular chickpea pancake is the highlight, but you’ll also learn about pichade, tapenade and lemon cakes.
Behind-the-scenes workshops
These workshops discover the creative process and attention to details. I wonder, though, what they do with all the lemons and oranges after the festival. Do they survive?
Menton Viewpoints
One of the reasons that I fell in love with Menton are its viewpoints. The town is perfectly positioned between hills and the sea, which brings some awesome views.
Following the route toward Menton Garavan and a short walk from the center, you’ll find the best viewpoint. Taking place near the graveyard, it offers amazing city views.
Jardin Serra de la Madona offers the fantastic hills around to enjoy the views. Close to the garden Val Ramneh, you can visit a beautiful park full of olives with a stunning view.
Every viewpoint in Menton allows a moment of silence, admiration and complete connection with the landscape. Menton is a great place to slow down and absorb the beauty of this charming town and the French Riviera.
Botanical Gardens of Menton
Jardin du Val Ramneh
This is a true botanical heaven, located close to the beach about 20 minutes walking from the center. Created at the end of the 19th century, Val Ramneh Garden is known for its excellent collection of tropical plants.
Wander through its trails means diving into the world of the exotic colours, scents and shapes. From the palms and cactuses to the bamboo and orchid- you’ll be enchanted. The special meaning to this wonderful garden is given by the collection of citrus.
Beyond the plants, you will see the small lake which is perfect to relax at the nearby chairs.
Every path unfolds a new perspective with incredible tranquility to escape the city tumult.
Jardin Serra de la Madona
Located in the hills above Menton, Jardin Serra de la Madona offers an elegant ambiance filled with sculptures. What makes it exceptional is its architecture, floral fantasy and beautiful views of Menton.
Unfortunately, I had no idea about this garden upon arriving.
Created around the 1920s, you will walk through the neat trails, hidden corners and terraces. It contains an exotic collection of plants- from the palms and cypress to the rare Persian roses and agave.
Serra de la Madona is not only a botanical space, but a place of inspiration. Many people come here to enjoy the silence, take photos or absorb the Mediterranean charm.
Menton during the summertime
In the summer, Menton becomes one of the most popular places on the French Riviera. Not only do the beaches give a reason to come, but the Old Town is so vibrant. With lots of concerts and happenings, you can enjoy the stunning restaurants.
Though summer is quite busy, this gives Mediterranean cheer to beautiful Menton. Whether you’re enjoying culinary delights, cultural events or just walking around, Menton is full of hidden gems to experience.
What else to see in Menton
Besides the Lemon Festival and botanical gardens, Menton hides incredible gems to discover. Visit the Basilique of Saint-Michel in the Old Town and admire its Baroque interior.
Musee Jean Cocteau is dedicated to one of the most famous French artists of the 20th century. Also, Musee des Beaux-Arts covers a rich collection of classical and modern artworks.
Walking along the Promenade de Soleil or Plage de Sablette gives a chance to relax. Preparing for the panoramic views after with socca in your hands will unfold the Menton allure.
Menton is a town that combines history, art, nature and Mediterranean charm so every visitor can find something delightful.
Final thoughts
The Lemon Festival in Menton is not only about the beautiful sculptures, but also an invitation to discover behind the scenes. It’s a perfect blend of nature, culinary, art and local culture made to experience Menton at different layers.
Rambling in Menton is the perfect way to enjoy the town. While exploring its fragrances, flavours and colours, every visit discovers something new to marvel.
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Taking a culinary workshop at the lemon festival sounds like fun!
I’ve never been to Menton and I didn’t know there’s a lemon festival held there?! how cool! Those sculptures are absolutely impressive. Looks like when I decide to visit Menton, it’ll have to be during feb!
btw- what’s a bicycle lemon smoothie?
What fun! Being a foodie I’d probably want to go on a culinary workshop. Do you cook on these?
I went to Menton a couple of years ago it was amazing! Need to go back for the lemon festival.
The town sounds gorgeous. I would love to do the lemon hike and see all the views. Also, the lemon sculptures would be captivating.
Thanks for sharing, the lemon & orchid festival looks a lovely thing to do whist visiting Menton 🙂