Events of the Weekend of February 28 and March 1, 2026 in Menton

Menton: A Winter Weekend of Culture, Flavours and Mediterranean Magic

Spending a winter weekend in Menton means slowing down and letting yourself be wrapped in a bright, refined atmosphere, where the Mediterranean spirit is still present even in the cooler months. Between the historic old town overlooking the sea, the palm-lined seafront and the lively squares, the city preserves its timeless charm and welcomes visitors with a rich calendar of events, traditions and cultural highlights. Lights, citrus scents and activities for all ages make Menton vibrant even in January and February, creating the perfect setting for a getaway that blends relaxation, music and discovery.

The common thread of winter: the Fête du Citron®

The beating heart of the season is the 92nd Fête du Citron®, which animates the city until March 1, 2026. This iconic festival celebrates Menton’s symbolic citrus fruit through monumental installations, themed routes and cultural events that tell the story of the city’s deep connection to its territory, history and local identity.

In the Jardins Biovès, visitors can admire spectacular citrus sculptures, while at the Tourist Office the exhibition Les merveilles de la vie offers a creative and educational journey dedicated to the lemon. At the Palais de l’Europe, the orchid and winter garden exhibition adds an elegant botanical touch to the experience.

Until March 1, the Mail du Bastion hosts the craft market and the stands of the Coopérative de la Riviera Française, while at the Carrousel a gastronomic experience invites visitors to discover local flavours. For those wishing to explore the area more closely, the Lemon Excursion and guided tours with tastings at Maison Gannac are available until February 28, with access to the orchard until March 1. Among the most popular events is the Lemon Walk, a perfect blend of spectacle, nature and tradition.

Completing the festive and charitable spirit of the event, Le Citron Givré 2026 invites participants to run for solidarity in the heart of the celebrations.

Saturday, February 28, 2026: a day full of events

Saturday is particularly rich in activities and offers something for everyone. The day begins with the 92nd Fête du Citron® – Mimosa Excursion, departing from the Tourist Office, an opportunity to discover the surrounding area through nature and tradition.

Also on February 28, the Bibliothèque L’Odyssée hosts the conference “Là où les Alpes découvrent la mer”, focusing on the meeting point between the Alpine landscape and the Mediterranean. The same theme is explored in the exhibition Where the Alps Meet the Sea, on display until the end of the month at the Palais de l’Europe.

In the afternoon, the Musée du Bastion presents The Travels of Lisbeth – Hallucinations at the Bastion, an event combining art and imagination in a striking seaside setting.

The day concludes in the evening with Christelle Chollet – “20 ans déjà”, performed at the Casino Barrière in Menton as part of the 2025–2026 artistic season, a brilliant show blending music, humour and reflection.

Exhibitions and cultural itineraries beyond the weekend

Menton’s winter season continues beyond the weekend with a rich and varied cultural offering. Until March 31, 2026, the Galerie du Miramar presents The Colours of Foliage, a tribute to the natural shades of the Riviera. Guided tours of the Jardin Fontana Rosa, the famous garden of writers, are available until April 30, 2026.

The Musée du Bastion Jean Cocteau hosts until June 8, 2026 an exhibition dedicated to the artist and his friends, featuring a selection of self-portraits, while the Musée de Préhistoire Régionale accompanies visitors until June 26, 2026 with From One Cloak to Another, a journey through the history of ancient populations.

A winter to be experienced with all the senses

Strolling through Menton in winter means being captivated by discreet elegance, living traditions and a natural beauty that knows no season. Between popular festivals, music, citrus flavours and cultural itineraries, the Pearl of France transforms a simple weekend into an intense and memorable experience, confirming itself as an ideal destination for a winter escape filled with discovery and wonder.