Flower Festival of Menton (nearby)

About

The Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival) in Menton is a spectacular two-week celebration featuring enormous sculptures and floats made entirely from citrus fruits — over 140 tons of lemons and oranges! Kids will be amazed by the giant fantasy structures, vibrant parades with costumed performers, and the sweet citrus scent that fills the entire town. It's one of the French Riviera's most colorful and whimsical events, offering families a unique spectacle they won't find anywhere else in the world.

What to Expect

Families can explore the stunning Jardins Biovès gardens where massive citrus sculptures (reaching up to 10 meters high) are displayed around a different creative theme each year. The festival includes daytime 'Golden Fruit' parades along the seafront promenade featuring elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, and dancers, plus evening 'Moonlight' parades with illuminated displays. Children will enjoy musical performances, craft stands selling local products, and street entertainers throughout Menton's Old Town. The atmosphere is festive and family-friendly, though crowds can be significant during parade times.

Highlights for Kids

• Giant citrus fruit sculptures in fantastical shapes — dragons, castles, famous characters — some towering three stories high
• Colorful parades with elaborate floats decorated with thousands of lemons and oranges, plus costumed dancers and musicians
• The incredible sweet citrus scent that permeates the entire town, creating a unique sensory experience
• Interactive craft workshops and children's activities in the Old Town squares
• Beautiful Mediterranean seaside setting where kids can play on the beach before or after viewing the festival

Pro Tips for Families

1. Book parade tickets online in advance through the official Fête du Citron website — they sell out quickly and reserved seating makes viewing with children much easier than standing in crowds
2. Visit the Jardins Biovès citrus sculpture gardens early in the morning (opens 10am) or late afternoon to avoid peak crowds and midday heat, making it easier to navigate with kids and strollers
3. Take the train from Nice to Menton (approximately 35 minutes) rather than driving — it's stress-free, drops you near the festival sites, and kids often enjoy the scenic coastal journey
4. Bring hand wipes and small snacks, as kids will want to touch everything and food queues can be long; also pack sun protection as February sun on the Riviera can be surprisingly strong

Best Time to Visit

Weekdays are less crowded than weekends, making them better for families with young children. Morning visits to the sculpture gardens (10am-12pm) offer cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. For parades, the daytime 'Golden Fruit' parade is more suitable for younger children than the evening parade, which finishes late. Mid-festival timing (second week) means displays are still fresh but any initial opening-day chaos has settled.

Food & Drinks

Numerous food stalls throughout the festival grounds offer French crepes, sandwiches, local socca (chickpea flatbread), and ice cream — all kid-friendly options. You'll find plenty of lemon-themed treats including lemon tarts, lemon sorbet, and lemonade that children love. Menton's Old Town has family-friendly restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating, though expect higher prices and crowds during festival weeks. Consider packing picnic supplies from Nice or grabbing lunch at a local boulangerie (bakery) for better value, as you can eat in the public gardens or along the promenade.

Parking & Access

From Nice, take the SNCF train from Nice-Ville station to Menton (€5-8 per adult, children often reduced) — trains run frequently and the station is a 10-minute walk to festival sites. If driving, parking in Menton during the festival is extremely difficult and expensive (€2-3/hour); use the designated festival parking areas on the outskirts and walk or take shuttle buses. The Jardins Biovès gardens have gravel paths that are manageable for sturdy strollers, but cobblestones in the Old Town and parade crowds make baby carriers more practical. Most areas are pushchair-accessible with some effort, though you'll need to navigate steps in certain historic areas.