If I asked you to think about cultural or traditional events that take place during the winter on the French Riviera, you would inevitably think of the Nice Carnival and its world-famous flower battle. But that's not the only spectacle happening at this time of year. In fact, every year, a festival is held to highlight a fruit typical of our region. This festival is, of course, the Lemon Festival. It takes place from February 17 to March 4 in the city of Menton (which is close to the Italian border and just seven kilometers from Monaco). This year, Bombay and India are in the spotlight for the 85th edition: in 2018, the theme is centered on the colorful cinematic universe of Bollywood.
The lemon is a fruit particularly well suited to the Mediterranean climate and is cultivated especially in Menton and nearby villages such as Castellar, Gorbio, or Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. And it's no ordinary lemon! Its taste (less acidic and more aromatic than other varieties), its traditional hand-harvesting, environmentally respectful farming methods, and its PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) all contribute to making Menton lemons a must-try product!
Gigantic structures made of thousands of citrus fruits are created for the occasion and follow a theme that changes each year. More than 140 tons of fruit (mainly lemons and oranges) and over 20,000 hours of work are needed to make them! In the evening, they are also displayed in beautifully lit gardens so that visitors can admire them. In addition to the parade floats known as "corsos" and the fireworks, you can enjoy processions, marching bands, and street performances. Suffice it to say, you won’t regret attending. So make the most of your language stay in France and experience unforgettable moments!
During your language stay in Antibes, don’t miss the chance to discover the famous Lemon Festival in Menton. After your French lessons, take advantage of your free time to visit this one-of-a-kind event, where giant citrus sculptures, colorful parades, and festive entertainment will immerse you in the sunny atmosphere of the French Riviera. It’s the perfect outing to blend local culture with real-life language practice.
