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Thinking of travel to France brings thoughts of Paris, fragrant fields of lavender and acres of grape vines that produce extravagently expensive wines

... but does mention of the French Riviera make you think of lemons? It should. The sweet Menton Lemon is famed in the gourmet world and has lead to Menton's title as the Lemon Capital of France

If not, you may be missing out on one of the secret pleasures that those in the know get to enjoy, the Lemon Festival in Menton.

Amazing sculptures made from citrus fruit, parades populated with lemons and oranges crafted into graceful floats, gardens and celebrations suitable for an all-out festival in the South of France.

If your late winter travel plans include a trip to the French Riviera to take in Carnival on the Côte d'Azur, this local festival is a fun stop along the way. Only 20 miles from Nice — where you can visit the Carnival — and less than 10 miles from Monaco. Take time to enjoy the views of the Italian Alps... you may even want to plan a side trip for some skiing!

The Annual La Fête du citron à Menton make Sundays in mid February and early March the perfect time to enjoy the amazing weather and the lemons of Menton.

More about the Menton Lemon Festival around the Web:

La Fête du citron à Menton - In English and several other languages, the info on the moomlight parade, lemon sculptures, gardens and other activities that make this a not to miss event. Direction for car or train and ticket info.

76th Lemon Festival from February 15, 22 & March 1, 2009 - The Site Officiel de la Ville de Menton provides a bit of history on the Lemon Festival and the village of Menton as well as plenty of ideas for places to visit and sights to see when you are not too busy enjoying the parades and confetti.

Menton.com - Plenty of pictures from the 2000 through 2008 lemon festivals with a screensaver and links to hotels and other info.

Sidetrips Beat - Acid Trip: Menton Lemon Festival on France's Cote d'Azur - First person report from a true lemon lover offers a tart review of a great festival. Hotel info and other juicy tidbits to make the festival even more fun...

Menton Online - The lemon festival is only one reason to plan a stay in Menton. "Menton is on the borders of Italy, the Principality of Monaco and the Comté de Nice. Paradise of gardens, Menton is also a unique display of architecture. These have moulded this “secret Riviera”, paradise where you can walk in the footsteps of famous names."

Provence Web - A virtual tour of the region including the Côte d'Azur, Luberon, the Verdon and Camargue with hotels and restaurants, vineyard tour, town & village guides, maps and pictures.

also see -> Chateaux of the Loire Valley | Marseille Travel Guide

French Winery Tours | Mardi Gras