The 2010 Fete du Citron in Menton will follow a global theme with countries of the world represented entirely in lemons and oranges. The annual festival is due to commence on 12th February 2010 and will continue through the month with parades, displays, markets, fireworks and music all focused on the towns famous lemons.
The parades will showcase dramatic floats of flowers and fruit depicting traditional scenes from far off places. There will be night time parades in the Gardens of Light as well as daytime presentations of artisan market fayre and also an exhibition of Orchids.
Just what is the connection between Menton and the luscious yellow fruit? Menton is uniquely known to have a tiny micro climate that is said to be the warmest spot in the South of France. Her lemons are said to be of a brighter colour, more shapely and full of flavour than any other lemon and they are in the process of becoming a geographically protected strain of this acid little fruit.
One thing for sure is that they absolutely thrive in Menton's gentle and sunny climate. The Palais Carnoles, a former summer home to the Grimaldi family, has the largest collection of citrus trees in Europe and features rare and protected species. Open to the public, the Citrus festival is a good time to take advantage and visit these special gardens.