The Menton lemon is an institution of southern France. Cultivated in this small French town on the Italian border since the 15th century, this golden fruit is a fixture on local market stalls and in the kitchens of the greatest gourmet chefs.
The story goes back to the 14th century (no less). The first citrus trees were planted in Menton in 1341. It wasn’t until the 17th and 18th centuries that citrus growing really took off. “In 1671, the lemon became so important that Prince Louis I instituted a Lemon Magistrate” mentions the Menton Riviera Merveilles website.
For a century, until the middle of the 19th century, lemon cultivation was at its apotheosis: 35 million of these yellow fruits were exported every year, notably to England, Germany, Russia and North America. The industry went into decline, but was back in the limelight by the end of the 20th century.
A lemon celebrated every year
For 90 years, during the fortnight of February, Menton has hosted the Lemon Festival, also known as Carnaval de Menton. Citrus float parades and entertainment take over the town, alongside an audience of 200,000 who come to celebrate the fruit and have fun with family and friends. Proof of its renown, the Fête du Citron has been recognized by the French Ministry of Culture and included in France’s inventory of intangible cultural heritage in 2019.
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Featured photo : © Ville de Menton
