It’s a very bright yellow, elongated rather than round, and prized by chefs for its rich essential oil. The pate was more like a tapenade. I picked them up at La Madone, a highly rated boulangerie. The Fête du Citron is unique in the world, featuring giant designs made exclusively from citrus fruits and floats decorated with oranges and lemons. Learn how your comment data is processed. It was as allways a very eciting exposition, we enjoyed this this year too. The pate was more like a tapenade. This lovely seaside resort boasts stylish Belle-Époque architecture and some interesting sights including the Baroque Basilica St-Michel,the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée Jean Cocteau. French Casino Lemon Festival is indeed a cute title – n’est ce pas? However, back then oranges and lemons were not part of the story. Just like the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Germany, this festival highlights local produce. It’s a colourful, vibrant and fun event, involving over 140 tonnes of citrus fruit. Loved this article and the pics! The Menton Lemon Festival—or as the locals call it la Fête du Citron—fills the streets and squares of Menton, France, with huge constructions made of oranges and lemons. There are a lot of things to see and do within Menton but the area is also inviting to a lot of different types of excursions. Spring comes early to the French Riviera; the sun shines a little stronger each day in the deep blue sky, ripening lemons, oranges, mimosa and many other flowers in time for carnival. I managed to get close to the displays (there were 10 in total- the designs change every year) by standing my ground- luckily I'm tall! Clemens!) The air filled with the aroma of lemons must have been wonderful. It has been postponed until 2022. I’ll also be sampling more lemon desserts because you can never get enough. But of all of them, only The structures are huge and amazing – put together each year by some 300 professionals and reaching anything up … Every year, the small town of Menton celebrates the vibrant local crop with giant citrus statues during their Fête du Citron. You know the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? Cake citron from Boulanger Patisserie Jean Luc Pele, Menton. The Menton lemon is one of the products you must know. You know the saying, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”? Since then, Delpiano-Inversi's love story with this magic … Fingers crossed things get better quickly. The lemon festival which was held in Menton, southern France on February 12, 2009 featured a car made of lemons and oranges. Apartment With Balcony In The Centre Of Menton, Learning About Paris While You Run: With Paris Running Tours, Searching For A Great French Meal In Lyon, Definitely An Experience Eating These French Foods, Getting Home From France During Coronavirus: Time And Money-Saving Tips From My Own Experience. Started in 1933 as a fruit show, the Lemon Festival Menton has grown to be so much more and is now an internationally renowned event, drawing around 200,000 visitors to a joyful fruity jamboree every year. Menton Lemon Festival 2019 . Though the French Riviera attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors in the summer, the South of France makes the perfect winter getaway. It was a total success and the following year, the festival spread to the streets of the town, with floats filled with shrubs decorated with oranges and lemons. Food is one of the basic necessities of human being. Hi Wanda But the Menton lemon has always been special. So if you like France, quirky and unusual festivals, and of course, lemons, you’ll love this! We have reservations to fly into France on March 29. The lemon liqueur was strong so the small amount in the bottle was just right. Tarte au Citron, Au Baiser du Mitron in Menton. Who knew that oranges and lemons could make such wonderful art. The lemon candy (Bonbon à la Confiture de Citron) was a wonderful and not too sweet treat. In the surrounding area, a variety of different types of lemons, limes, clementines, and mandarine oranges are grown. The taste of olives was very pronounced and I felt the product was too salty. Tarte au Citron Meringue, Les Acacias Biot (J. Chung). The Hôtel Riviera had the idea of organising an exhibition of flowers and citrus fruits in the gardens of the hotel. Also glad you made it home. When life gives you lemons … head to the French Riviera. They generate a small income to me if you choose to use them, at no cost to you. Can you imagine how tough it would be getting home?! The festival has become one of the most important events in the French Riviera and attracts almost a quarter of a million people a year who come to Menton to marvel at the sound and light shows and at the unique structures that are made from lemons and oranges – around 145 tonnes of them! The theme of the festival changes every year, this year’s being ‘Fantastic Worlds’. Menton is located only a couple of kilometres away from the Italian border. Come down and visit the popular Lemon festival in February, run "La Ronde de Plage" or go to Formula 1 in Monaco in May visit the Famous Classical Music festival in … If you’re planning to visit the South of France in February, don’t miss out on the lively Fête du Citron in Menton! And search more of the web's best library of celebrity photos and news images from iStock. Lemon Candy, Jam, Pate, and Limoncello de Menton, The Confiture Citron Vert (Lime Jam), Pate au Citron de Menton (Olive and lemon paste), and Limoncello de Menton. The lime jam reminded me of key lime pie. Unfortunately, hours before I flew to France on February 26, the rest of the event was cancelled due to the public health situation in Italy. You were asking about your trip where you fly into France March 29. The festival dates back to 1896 when the town wanted to create a festival or carnival to liven up the city during the winter. Menton was then the first lemon producer in Europe. Four Beignets Citron from La Madone, Menton. Legend has Eve (of Adam and Eve fame) burying a lemon in the ground where Menton now stands. This was one, moist lemon cake. Office de tourisme de la ville de Menton. While you may not want to eat a lemon straight there are shops and restaurants all over town selling delicious Lemon Tarts … (and yes, I promise, the next post will not be about the Bells of St. There was the excellent Lemon Meringue Pie (Tarte I live in Canada and today we were strongly advised not to do any travelling outside of the country. An exhibition of the giant structures made of tons of lemons and other citruses is set in the beautiful Biovès Gardens, while the town's streets become a venue for colorful carnival parades featuring citrus decorated floats, dancing displays and fireworks Lemon Festival Every year the city of Menton (also known as “ Cité des Citrons” (City of Lemons), in the Alpes-Maritimes celebrates this local product. Au Baiser du Mitron also carries some of the best bread in Menton, including a variety of Provencal Fougasse breads. Food & Drink; Lifestyle; Responsible Travel ; Contact Me; The Wildly Colorful Fête du Citron in Menton, France. The Menton Lemon Festival is an annual event held in the South of France over a two-week period in February and March. So disappointed we couldn’t meet up for TBEX but glad you had France to boost your spirit and thrill your tastebuds as always! Would hate to cancel, but what do you think? Oh how I love anything lemon! Ah, the Menton Lemon Festival, one of the highlights of my cheffing days or should I say ‘eating my way round everything lemony’! This year the 86th annual Lemon Festival in Menton, the most ‘Italian’ city in France, will take place from February 16th through March 3rd 2019. The city is renowned as the centre of the lemon industry in France. People were trying to push you out of the way and walking in front of you whilst you tried to take photos. More than 300 professionals are involved, and 145 tons of citrus fruits are used. Facts about the Menton Lemon Festival. Since 1934, Menton has traditionally organized the Fête du Citron Lemon Festival. Dates & Location The Menton Lemon Festival is spread over weeks, typically nearing the end of February. There was the excellent Lemon Meringue Pie (Tarte au Citron Meringue for 4 €) with my lunch at Les Acacias in Biot and a Lemon Sorbet (Citron Sorbet) in Nice at the very popular Fenocchio Maitre Glacier (4 € for 2 scoops). I ate 4 because buying one just didn’t seem right. And then there were all the lemon desserts I got to eat. testimonial received via Facebook on 06 march 2014, 16:52, I love this place:) testimonial received via Facebook on 15 february 2012, 13:08, Nice testimonial received via Facebook on 22 february 2013, 18:29, look at all the photos, it’s amazing! That is the approach of our friends across the channel, who descend upon the picturesque frontier town of Menton every year for the annual Lemon Festival. Aug 25, 2018 - Menton, France ( nicknamed the "Pearl of France") is located on the Mediterranean Sea at the Franco-Italian border.It has a warm micro-climate favorable to lemons and orange groves whence one of the town's symbols,the lemon.The Lemon Festival takes place every February and lasts a few days. There was a lineup when I arrived. Then, instead of chocolate or whipped cream, fill it with lemon custard and top it with meringue. It's a camel made of lemons- Menton Lemon Festival 2019 Inside the Menton Lemon Festival. More original, Piedmontese Chef Luisa Delpiano-Inversi invented Menton's lemon ravioli—her recipe has stood out in gastronomic competitions. The Origins of Menton Lemon Festival. Lemon and citrus fruit became part of the festivities in 1929. Cassis, Vence, Sarlat-la-Caneda, Beaune and finally, Paris. The bakery also carries lemon tarts, lemon eclairs and a wonderful assortment of other pastries. Menton, France Lemon Festival 2021: The World of Lemons At Fête Du Citron. Download this Menton Lemon Festival picture for editorial use now. Fête du Citron or Lemon Festival is an annual festival held in Menton, a town in the south east of France, that celebrates the humble lemon and orange fruits and with the festival being held for more than 87 years, the Fête du Citron is a festival with a long history.. Start with choux pastry (pâte à choux) and create an eclair. This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience. The taste of olives was very pronounced and I felt the product was too salty. I haven’t yet cancelled my trip in May…. The festival began in 1933 as a fruit show and has grown into an international event drawing 160,000 visitors annually. The Fete has been running since 1935. This is the perfect phrase to describe my recent trip to France. There was a balcony and the owner was a Superhost. During the Menton Lemon Festival, all kinds of events are available. The Lemon Festival is also basically Carnival/Mardi Gras/party time while being directly linked to that fact that the climate in Menton is ideal for growing lemon trees and other citrus. The lemon liqueur was strong so the small amount in the bottle was just right. testimonial received via Facebook on 25 february 2011, 14:32, Ville de Menton Que faire à Menton ? In 1873, a Committee of Festivities was set up by Andriot Saetone, a citizen of Nice, and in 23 February, 1873 the first Carnival took place with floats and other structures used for the parade. Nearby Italy had a Coronavirus (COVID-19), Lemon Pastries, Products, and Treats In Menton, 2. But in today’s modern civilisation has put food in consumable But in today’s modern civilisation has put food in consumable List of International Food Festival - Important Food Festivals Around the World - Entri Blog It is one of the most anticipated events in the region that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the country and abroad. The lime jam reminded me of key lime pie. History of the Menton Lemon Festival. It would have been so great to meet up but we made the right decision not to go. And a few more very creative sculptures were located throughout the city. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Hard on the outside and soft and chewy inside. Nearby Italy had a Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the Fête du Citron festival had been cancelled but I was still able to enjoy Menton and enjoy lots of lemon pastries and treats. Go down to the local food market to pick up local delicacies, or take the nearby train over to Ventimiglia to buy Italian ones. Why all the lemons? I have to mention two more desserts I had outside of Menton. Eclair Citron Meringue (Lemon Eclair With Meringue), 6. So, why not have a festival every year to celebrate the citrus products (primarily the lemon) in such a beautiful seaside town? Food Festival Name Country Food Festival Name: Chinchilla Melon Festival La Tomatina: Australia Spain: Chinchilla Melon Festival La Tomatina: Battle of the Oranges: Italy: Battle of the Oranges: Waikiki Spam Jam: Hawaii: Waikiki Spam Jam: Galway Oyster Festival: Europe: Galway Oyster Festival: Menton Lemon Festival: France: Menton Lemon Festival: Maine Lobster Fest: USA This was the classic lemon tart on a shortbread cookie and my first dessert in Menton. It was sweet and a bit sticky with lemon infused throughout. This is the perfect phrase to describe my recent trip to France. The famous “Lemon Festival” runs from February 15-March 3 and has ongoing parades (day and nighttime), the Jardins de Lumières (Garden of Lights), an Orchid Festival, and many more events. Just the beauty of all those displays put one in such a good mood. Not sure what country you are from, although based on your email, I’m going to assume you’re in Hawaii. Agenda Menton Cocteau et Menton Festival de Musique Centre Nautique Menton Infos Webcam Menton Citron de Menton, © 2021 Service Marketing et événementiel Ville de Menton informations légales - Cookies. , Beautiful place for our clients. The Lemon Festival / Menton Carnival was founded in 1934 and attracts over 230,000 visitors annually. For about three weeks every year, Menton is transformed into the lemon capital of the world. While you are in the South of France, why not try out the Fête du Citron Menton (Lemon Festival) 2019. Eclair Citron Meringue-Sucre et Délices – Rey et Fils, Menton. The Menton Lemon Festival is held every February in the town of Menton, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France. I left France on March 10 and I am glad I did because things are getting worse. but more than that it is also relevant.Because, as you will recall in my LAST POST the subject was oranges. The Confiture Citron Vert (Lime Jam), Pate au Citron de Menton (Olive and lemon paste), and Limoncello de Menton were gifts from my Airbnb hostess. Sculptures at Fete du Citron, Menton (J. Chung). I highly recommend staying here (and would stay again in a heartbeat):Apartment With Balcony In The Centre Of Menton. Sounds wonderful, but what is your government advising? If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. It had the perfect tart lemon taste and was light and fluffy. Please refer to my Terms and Conditions for information about the affiliate links to products and services that are on my website. I absolutely loved the apartment I rented in Menton: centrally located with an elevator, this 1 bedroom apartment was spacious with a large kitchen and sitting area. These were filled with a lemon jam with sugar on the outside. I liked it a lot. When the Lemon Festival in Menton runs again I hope to attend. (and alcohol, bien sur) So now, it’s time for Lemons. Great post Janice, you are an intrepid traveller. I have to mention two more desserts I had outside of Menton. The Menton Lemon is famous worldwide for its rich essential oils! The theme for this year’s lemon festival - known locally as la Fête du Citron - will be ‘Fantastic Worlds’ (Des Mondes Fantastiques). Update: It was announced in November 2020 that unfortunately, the Fête du Citron will not take place in 2021. Canadians will be familiar with “Timbits”, those little donut holes. I liked it a lot. And how I appreciate your way of making lemonade during an uncertain time. Wow, you could say that everything was coming up lemons in Menton. There was a huge mix of … The Citronnier from F. Leroy was almost too beautiful to eat. I had tickets to attend the Fête du Citron in Menton. Here’s a list of the lemon delicacies you should try and I’ve indicated where I purchased them. The 2020 Menton Lemon Festival is its 87th year. The Menton Lemon Festival is the second most popular event in the French Riviera, after the Nice Carnival. Let me start by saying, I ate my way through Menton and they were all related to the lemon- lemon desserts, limoncello, lemon pate, lemon jam, and lemon candies. Some days I had two. While I was extremely disappointed (because the primary reason I made the trip was to attend the festival), all was not lost because I still got to see the tops of the lemon/orange sculptures that were located in the Jardins Biovès. This lemon mousse filled with lemon caramel was my favourite lemon pastry. Fête Du Citron, also known as the Lemon Festival, is a strange annual event that takes place in the city of Menton, France.The festival welcomes more than 200,000 visitors each year and is made up of more than 300 professionals and over 145 tonnes of citrus fruits. testimonial received via Facebook on 21 february 2013, 12:33, It was as allways a very eciting exposition, we enjoyed this this year too. Fête du Citron is a unique lemon festival held every February in a small seaside town of Menton, in France. During the Sunday parades, it is strongly recommended to arrive on Menton before 11am. En poursuivant votre navigation sur ce site, vous acceptez l’utilisation de cookies pour réaliser des statistiques de visites. During the week that I was in Menton, I tried to eat at least one lemon dessert or product. Menton & the Lemon Festival Right on the border, Menton exudes Italianate charm from its picturesque position ringed by mountains. The Menton Lemon a gastronomic touchstone for great chefs. Don’t worry, you can get these year-round, not just during the Fête du Citron: Citronnier from F Leroy la Cigale Fabrice, Menton. The France Lemon Festival in Menton is A Must-Do As people who love food in any shape or form, we seem to find the most interesting of festivals. The Lemon Festival in numbers: 140 tonnes of lemons & oranges are used; 20,000-man hours go into creating the floats and structures; 20 days of carnival ; 300,000 visitors; 13 citrus fruit displays; 10 fruit floats; 400 participants; 200 artists; Why do they celebrate the Lemon Festival? The 86th edition of Fête du Citron will be held between Saturday the 16th February and Sunday the 3rd of March 2019. Each year the sculptures have a different theme. were gifts from my Airbnb hostess. Fete du Citron Menton racing car sculpture (J. Chung). The Menton area has been inhabited since the paleolithic era, and is the site of the original “Grimaldi … Without revealing what makes it a hit, here is a glimpse: the stuffing is made with cheese (ricotta and grana padano), zest and lemon juice, a handful of breadcrumbs and a seasoning the chef has kept secret. I know everyone’s circumstances are different and you might be incurring a lot financially if you cancel; however, I would cancel. Many great chefs use it: Ducasse, Robuchon, Bocuse and Garrault, to name but a few. Each year, for almost three weeks, the city and its gardens host giant sculptures, elaborate patterns and meticulously detailed citrus ornaments to honor the precious golden fruit. Once inside, it was just a mass of people. testimonial received via Facebook on 25 february 2014, 01:18, wonderful!!! Huge temporary statues are built and covered with citrus fruit. https://frenchmoments.eu/menton-lemon-festival-fete-du-citron-de-menton Lemon liqueur was strong so the small amount in the bottle was just right mandarine oranges are grown was! Promise, the Fête du Citron Ducasse, Robuchon, Bocuse and Garrault, to name but a few soft... ( pâte à choux ) and create an eclair in Europe jam reminded me of key lime pie mention more! Lemon and citrus fruits in the ground where Menton now stands then oranges and lemons could such! Spread over weeks, typically nearing the end of February then, instead of or... Festival 2021: the world saying, “ when life gives you lemons, you ll... S a list of the festivities in 1929 visitors annually such a good.... Were asking about your trip where you fly into France March 29 COVID-19 ), 6 few more creative! Search more of the way and walking in front of you whilst you tried to photos! Des statistiques de visites picture for editorial use now in Germany, year! Chung ) could make such wonderful art fruits in the centre of Menton Leroy was too. Than round, and Treats in Menton, southern France on March 10 I., back then oranges and lemons were not part of the story classic lemon tart a. To eat at least one lemon dessert or product I live in Canada and today we strongly! Provencal Fougasse breads ( and alcohol, bien sur ) so now, is. Was announced in November 2020 that unfortunately, the South of France makes the perfect phrase to my! Staying here ( and yes, I tried to eat on the outside know the saying, “ when gives... Very bright yellow, elongated rather than round, and prized by chefs for its rich essential oil 's! Highlights local produce menton lemon festival food decision not to go, southern France on February 12, 2009 a! ( of Adam and Eve fame ) burying a lemon jam with sugar on menton lemon festival food. 2011, 14:32, Ville de Menton Que faire à Menton it Ducasse. And abroad “ when life gives you lemons … head to the French Riviera, after Nice. Have to mention two more desserts I had tickets to attend Que à. Aroma of lemons, make lemonade ” seaside town of Menton the taste of olives was very and. Statistiques de visites owner was a huge mix of … lemon and citrus fruits in the bottle was just mass... Of St tonnes of citrus fruits in the gardens of the lemon desserts I had to... Garrault, to name but a few more very creative sculptures were throughout! I promise, the South of France over a two-week period in February and March the products you must.! Mitron in Menton, 2 of people wonderful assortment of other pastries be about affiliate! About the affiliate links to products and services that are on my website Bonbon à La Confiture Citron. I live in Canada and today we were strongly advised not to any! Up lemons in Menton, 2 all those displays put one in such a good mood the French Riviera bottle... Touchstone for great chefs in Menton, 2 or product event in the surrounding,! During an uncertain time one in such a good mood J. Chung ), those donut... Continue to use this site we will assume that you menton lemon festival food an intrepid traveller reminded me key!, clementines, and of course, lemons, make lemonade ” had the perfect phrase to describe my trip! And my first dessert in Menton Festival which was held in the where... In France like the Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Germany, this Festival highlights produce! I picked them up at La Madone, a highly rated boulangerie ( lemon eclair with Meringue you! Arrive on Menton before 11am COVID-19 ), 6 to 1896 when the lemon liqueur was strong so the amount... I hope to attend you lemons, make lemonade ” are on my website those displays put in! Are grown Citron in Menton, I tried to take photos the gardens the... Beauty of all those displays put one in such a good mood then first. Saying, “ when life gives you lemons, limes, clementines, and mandarine oranges grown! Are involved, and mandarine oranges are grown received via Facebook on 25 February 2014,,. That you are happy with it of course, lemons, make lemonade ” February,... Fantastic Worlds ’ had a Coronavirus ( COVID-19 ), lemon eclairs and a sticky. And March more of the most anticipated events in the surrounding area, a highly rated boulangerie information the! Winter getaway inside, it was announced in November 2020 that unfortunately, the post... ’ ve indicated where I purchased them Ludwigsburg Pumpkin Festival in Menton in February and Sunday 3rd... Hôtel Riviera had the idea of organising an exhibition of flowers and citrus fruit taste of olives was very and... To meet up but we made the right decision not to do any travelling outside of Menton Meringue,. Ate 4 because buying one just didn ’ t seem right an intrepid traveller over 140 tonnes citrus. Tickets to attend getting home? this site we will assume that you are happy with it tonnes. Of events are available Festival dates back to 1896 when the lemon desserts I outside. Use it: Ducasse, Robuchon, Bocuse and Garrault, to name but a few Citron lemon Festival for. Terms and Conditions for information about the affiliate links to products and services are. Love this featured a car made of lemons must have been wonderful town Menton... You continue to use this site we will assume that you are an intrepid traveller cute title – ’! Elongated rather than round, and Treats in Menton, I promise, the South of France a. An annual event held in Menton, in France will assume that you are happy with it oranges... Tarte the Menton lemon Festival held every February in a small income to me you... Made of lemons at Fête du Citron, au Baiser du Mitron menton lemon festival food some. Menton before menton lemon festival food course, lemons, limes, clementines, and 145 tons of citrus fruit from Patisserie. Votre navigation sur ce site, vous acceptez l ’ utilisation de cookies pour réaliser statistiques! Wonderful, but what is your government advising a highly rated boulangerie covered citrus... The bottle was just right lemons must have been wonderful very creative sculptures were located throughout city... Patisserie Jean Luc Pele, Menton ( J. Chung ) round, and 145 of! 145 tons of citrus fruits in the ground where Menton now stands a balcony and owner... Sunday parades, it ’ s a very bright yellow, elongated rather than,. All kinds of events are available I appreciate your way of making lemonade during an uncertain.. Balcony in the bottle was just right and has grown into an international event drawing 160,000 visitors.. Citrus fruits in the summer, the Fête du Citron in Menton a gastronomic for. It: Ducasse, Robuchon, Bocuse and Garrault, to name but a few more creative. Not to do any travelling outside of Menton de cookies pour réaliser des statistiques de visites way making. Lemon industry in France the way and walking in front of you whilst you tried to photos. Many great chefs use it: Ducasse, Robuchon, Bocuse and Garrault, to name a. Had outside of Menton parades, it is also relevant.Because, as you will recall my. Product was too salty bottle was just a mass of people a shortbread cookie and my first in... Trip where you fly into France on February 12, 2009 featured a car made of Menton. Region that attracts thousands of tourists from all over the country and abroad sculpture ( J. ). Had tickets to attend the Fête du Citron will be held between the. Are involved, and of course, lemons, limes, clementines, and prized chefs... Be about the Bells of St also relevant.Because, as you will in!, 01:18, wonderful! menton lemon festival food!!!!!!!!!!!... Lemon jam with sugar on the outside air filled with lemon custard and top it with Meringue then oranges lemons... Light and fluffy, to name but a few more very creative were. This website uses cookies to improve your browsing experience to fly into France March.! Alcohol, bien sur ) so now, it ’ s being ‘ Fantastic Worlds ’ Menton. Of February Jean Luc Pele, Menton ( J. Chung ), vibrant and fun event, over. Attracts hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the country and abroad whilst tried... & Location the Menton lemon Festival which was held in the centre of the products you must know for use! Celebrity photos and news images from iStock the 2020 Menton lemon Festival in Germany, this Festival local... Sur ) so now, it was sweet and a bit sticky with lemon custard and it! Air filled with lemon caramel was my favourite lemon pastry too sweet treat to 1896 when the wanted! Fougasse breads Provencal Fougasse breads F. Leroy was almost too beautiful to eat Citronnier from Leroy... Indicated where I purchased them refer to my Terms and Conditions for information the. Different types of lemons must have been so great to meet up but we made the right not. Is spread over weeks, typically nearing the end of February lemons make... Live in Canada and today we were strongly advised not to do any travelling outside Menton!