Celebrating Citrus Splendor: The Fete du Citron in the French Riviera

The French Riviera, known for its sunshine, stunning beaches, and luxurious restaurants and hotels, holds a lesser-known secret. It’s a vital hub for citrus fruit cultivation in Europe. One of its towns, Menton, celebrates this abundance with the annual Fete du Citron.

This 15-day festival, typically from late February to early March, transforms Menton’s streets into a vibrant display of citrus art. Towering sculptures of dragons, elephants, and giraffes, all constructed from lemons and oranges, captivate visitors. As night falls, the city comes alive with dancers and musicians on floats, paying homage to nature’s tasty and healthy offerings.

A tour of the lemon grove, once an olive grove dating back to the 16th century, offers a glimpse into the region’s agricultural history. Additionally, the Madonna Greenhouse Garden showcases a collection of rare flowers from South Africa and Australia.

For enthusiasts, the Fete du Citron hosts a variety of workshops. These range from cooking with citrus to painting citrus portraits, pruning techniques, and even creating citrus-based perfumes. Unique to the festival are bergamot boxes workshops, where participants craft small, fragrant boxes reminiscent of the 18th century, using the rind of the bergamot fruit.

Families with children will find joy in the Children’s Carnival. It features balloon sculptures, live music, and snacks and drinks inspired by citrus. Dressing in orange and yellow, and painting faces with lemon and orange motifs, adds to the festive atmosphere.

The French Riviera offers many attractions, but for a unique and joyful experience, the Fete du Citron is a standout. Witnessing a sculpture of a giant Champagne bottle made from aromatic lemons and oranges is truly a memorable sight.

Citrus lovers should stay till the festival’s end. The sculptures are then dismantled, and the lemons and oranges used in them are sold at discounted prices. This is an excellent opportunity to stock up on these fruits for your citrus-themed celebrations, affordably.