Located less than an hour away from The Mall Sanremo, Menton comes alive during the second half of February and the beginning of spring with a multitude of colours and creativity for the Fête du Citron, the most sweet-scented Carnival in Europe.

You can start your day with a delicious breakfast along the streets in the centre to get right into the spirit of this festival: freshly fried beignets, ganses scented with lemon peel, crêpes de Carnaval or a slice of galette des rois are some of the specialities you will find in the shops and stalls during this period. It is only the first sample of the sweet delicacies that will fill the entire event.

Then you can continue your tour with a visit to the Orchid and Winter Garden where early blooms announce the arrival of spring and also the Biovès Gardens, the heart of the Fête du Citron. It is here that since 1936, artists have given life to evanescent monumental sculptures made with thousands of oranges and lemons, meticulously arranged one by one: these open-air works of art are based on a new theme every year and fascinate visitors of all ages.

For lunch you can enjoy the refined cuisine of the L’Orangerie based on Mediterranean dishes reinvented with the addition of citrus and seasonal ingredients.

The highlight of the event is the float parade held in the early afternoon of every Sunday for the entire period of the carnival: during these days, the promenade of Menton becomes the setting of a dazzling show filled with music, dance and colour.

After the show, you can head to the craft market where you will find local products, delicious specialities and handmade objects or participate in one of the many extra activities: creative workshops, guided tours, food tastings and cultural events organised in the nearby villages.

For dinner, you can choose JR Bistronomie, a contemporary restaurant where French cuisine is reinterpreted with creativity and precision.

Finally, if you want to admire the magical spectacles held in the evening, you must visit the carnival on Thursday when the main streets are illuminated: amazing floats, brass bands, dancers and a dreamy atmosphere under the stars.

(ph. Anatoli Nicolae)