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Lemon Groves of Menton

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Agriculture

Weather…

The lemon groves of Menton on the French Riviera thrive in a unique microclimate created by the protective Maritime Alps and the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. The Menton lemon is renowned for its bright color, large size, and exceptionally high sugar content compared to other varieties. In 2015, it was granted Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status, certifying its quality and regional origin. During the 18th and 19th centuries, lemon cultivation was the backbone of the local economy, with millions of fruits exported annually across Europe. Today, this agricultural heritage is celebrated during the annual Fête du Citron, a spectacular event featuring massive sculptures made from citrus fruits. Local producers continue to use traditional hand-picking methods, ensuring that the fruit maintains its superior flavor and essential oil quality for gourmet use.

Location: Monaco
Top sights: Plage du Marché · Chapelle Saint-Roch · Musée Jean Cocteau - Collection Severin Wunderman
Nearby: Val Thore (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	2	3	6	10	14	19	22	21	17	12	7	3
Rain mm	52	51	61	63	63	42	28	30	52	84	120	77

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?

The Lemon Groves of Menton are famous for their unique, sweet lemons grown in the Menton area. They define the local agriculture and form the basis of many culinary specialties like limoncello and jams.

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Visiting

Most groves are privately owned, but some plantations open to visitors during the harvest season. From public paths, one can still admire the terraced gardens with their lemon trees.

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Where to view it

A particularly beautiful viewpoint is the coastal path 'Sentier du bord de mer', overlooking the terraced slopes with lemon trees. From the old town of Menton, one also has a photogenic view of the groves.

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Local products

In the shops and at the market in Menton, fresh lemons, lemon marmalade, limoncello, and candied lemon peel are available. Lemon soap and perfume are also typical souvenirs from the region.

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Active season

The main lemon harvest runs from January to March, just in time for the famous Lemon Festival (Fête du Citron) in February. During the festival, the entire city is decorated with citrus fruits and activity is at its peak.

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Nearby

A visit to the Principality of Monaco with its casino and Prince's Palace is just a few kilometers away. The medieval village of Èze with its exotic garden is also suitable for a day trip.

Geography

Coordinates

43.77400, 7.50300

Facts

The Menton lemon officially received PGI certification in 2015.
The annual Fête du Citron attracts more than 200,000 visitors to the city.
Approximately 140 tons of citrus fruits are used to create the festival displays.
In the 18th century, the region exported about 40 million lemons annually.
Groves are situated on traditional dry-stone terraces known as restanques.
The fruit is harvested entirely by hand between January and April.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Menton<1 km · NEExplore →

Hanbury Botanical Gardens3 km · NEExplore →

📍Roquebrune-Cap-Martin3 km · SWExplore →

Nouveau Musée National de Monaco6 km · SWExplore →

Fort Antoine8 km · SWExplore →

Ventimiglia8 km · EExplore →

Tête de Chien (Dog's Head)10 km · SWExplore →

Èze Village12 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Lemon Groves of Menton (10)

Plage du Marché

Pebble beach in Menton, near the market, with clear water.

Chapelle Saint-Roch

Chapel in Alpes-Maritimes, France, built in the 17th century.

Musée Jean Cocteau - Collection Severin Wunderman 🏛 museum

Museum in France displaying works by Jean Cocteau and his collection.

🌐 museecocteaumenton.fr♿

Le Malte

Historic building in Menton, with a distinctive facade.

Immeuble Glena

Manor house in Menton, with a 19th-century facade.

Marché Couvert

Covered market in Menton, selling fresh produce and local specialties daily.

Maison de la rue Loredan-Larchey

House in Menton, France, an example of 19th-century local architecture.

Hôtel Adhémar de Lantagnac

18th-century manor in Menton, featuring an inner courtyard.

Villa les Mouettes

Villa in Menton, surrounded by a garden with citrus trees.

Chapelle des Pénitents noirs

Chapel in Menton, used by the brotherhood of the black penitents.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

When is the Lemon Festival?

The 'Fête du Citron' is celebrated every year in February in Menton.

Can I visit the lemon groves?

Yes, gardens such as 'Cité des Citrons' offer guided tours.

What makes Menton lemons so special?

The mild microclimate makes them sweeter and more fragrant than other varieties.

What lemon products should I buy?

Limoncello, lemon jam, and essential oils are very popular local goods.

Is there a viewpoint over the groves?

The Boulevard de Garavan has a magnificent view over many gardens.

Lemon Groves of Menton: where is it located?

Lemon Groves of Menton is located in Monaco.

Lemon Groves of Menton: what is there to see?

Highlights include Plage du Marché, Chapelle Saint-Roch, Musée Jean Cocteau - Collection Severin Wunderman.

Lemon Groves of Menton: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Lemon Groves of Menton: why is it worth visiting?

The lemon groves of Menton on the French Riviera thrive in a unique microclimate created by the protective Maritime Alps and the proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Lemon Groves of Menton

Best time to visit & climate