Menton's Fête du Citron

Menton is the furthest French city toward Italy on the Côte d'Azur coastline. It is sweet on the eyes...shades of citrus and melon, embellished with brightly colored shutters.

Menton's claim to fame is its Fête du Citron, or Lemon Festival, which takes place every year in February since 1934. More than 200,000 people come to experience the dazzling wonder of it. 

Menton has a unique microclimate, favorable to citrus growing. Each year, the town chooses a different theme and constructs enormous lemon and orange sculptures (some over 10 meters high) in the central Biovès Gardens. They host parades with floats adorned with citruses, with dancers and lively musicians. 

The sculptures are crafted from 140 tons of fruits. Each display is art. 

Past years' themes have included, "Around the World in 80 Days," "Circus," "Signs of the Zodiac." This year's theme is "Journey to the Stars;" the enormous sculptures transport crowds to the cosmos. Astronauts, aliens and rockets bring space visions to life. 

The Fête du Citron in Menton each year is unlike any other festival. If you have the chance to visit the south of France in February, do!