Weekend Events of January 14th and 15th and February, 2026 in Menton

Menton: a winter weekend of culture, flavours and Mediterranean magic

Spending a winter weekend in Menton means slowing down and embracing a bright, refined atmosphere where the Mediterranean spirit is still very much alive, even in the cooler months. Between the old town overlooking the sea, the palm-lined seafront and lively squares, the city preserves all its charm and welcomes visitors with a rich calendar of events, traditions and cultural experiences. Lights, citrus scents and activities for all ages make Menton vibrant even in January and February, offering the perfect setting for a stay that combines relaxation, music and discovery.

The Lemon Festival®: the thread running through the winter

The undisputed star of the season is the 92nd Lemon Festival®, which enlivens the city until 1 March 2026. Monumental installations, themed routes and cultural initiatives celebrate Menton’s emblematic citrus fruit, telling the story of the deep bond between the land, its history and its identity.

In the Biovès Gardens, visitors can admire the citrus-themed installations and displays, while the Tourist Office hosts The Wonders of Life, a creative and educational journey centred on the lemon. At the Palais de l’Europe, the Orchid and Winter Gardens Exhibition adds an elegant botanical touch to the festival. The experience is completed by the craft market at Mail du Bastion, the presence of the Coopérative de la Riviera Française, and numerous culinary proposals, including A Gastronomic Experience in Menton at the Carrousel, open until 1 March.

For those wishing to explore the area more closely, the Lemon Excursion and the guided visits and tastings at Maison Gannac are available until 28 February, with free access to the orchard until 1 March. The iconic Lemon Walk, one of the city’s most symbolic events, also continues until 1 March, blending spectacle, nature and tradition.

Saturday 14 February: music, theatre and citrus fragrances

The heart of the weekend beats on Saturday 14 February 2026, a day combining culture, performance and local traditions. The morning and early afternoon are ideal for guided tours linked to the Lemon Festival®, such as The Alleys of History, which leads visitors through the old town, or experiences in historic gardens and citrus groves, including a visit to the Citronneraie Mas Flofaro.

In the afternoon, at the Serre de la Madone Garden, the Lemon Festival® offers a guided tour with a Fragonard perfume-creation workshop, a sensory experience blending botany, perfumery and savoir-faire.

The evening is dedicated to music and live performance. At the Casino Barrière Menton, the Holo Piano Menton Concert delivers an immersive and evocative musical experience, while at the Francis Palmero Theatre – Palais de l’Europe, All You Need Is Love and the Beatles pays tribute to the legendary British band.

Sunday 15 February: the magic of the Golden Fruit Parade

Sunday 15 February 2026 is devoted to one of the most eagerly awaited events of the festival: the Golden Fruit Parade, which winds its way between the Casino de Menton and the seafront, transforming the city into an explosion of colour, music and citrus aromas. Floats decorated with fruit and animated by performers create a unique and deeply rooted spectacle.

For those wishing to enjoy the event in an even more exclusive way, the Casino Barrière Menton offers the Casino and Parade Experience, combining entertainment, conviviality and a privileged view of the procession.

Culture and museums: discovering Menton beyond the weekend

The stay can be enriched with cultural visits that extend well beyond the weekend. Until 30 April 2026, guided tours of the Jardin Fontana Rosa, the famous Garden of Novelists, offer a poetic setting filled with literary inspiration. At the Musée du Bastion Jean Cocteau, until 8 June 2026, an exhibition dedicated to the artist and his friends presents a selection of self-portraits revealing his creative universe.

The Galerie du Miramar hosts, until 31 March 2026, the exhibition The Colours of Foliage, a tribute to the Riviera’s seasonal hues, while the Regional Museum of Prehistory invites visitors, until 26 June 2026, to explore From One Coat to Another, a journey through the history of ancient populations and their transformations.

A winter to be enjoyed with all the senses

Walking through Menton in winter means surrendering to discreet elegance, living traditions and a natural beauty that transcends the seasons. Between music, popular celebrations, citrus flavours and cultural itineraries, the Pearl of France turns a simple weekend into an intense and memorable experience, confirming itself as an ideal destination for a winter getaway focused on discovery and wonder.