Menton
Menton's nickname is la perle de la France (the pearl of France), but it is much better known for its citrus. This town on the French Riviera is, like many other towns in the area, a beautiful combination of Mediterranean colors and architecture and French and Provencal culture, but Menton offers the added bonus of being the host of the annual Fete du Citron, Citrus Festival.
Fete du Citron
Menton's climate is perfect for growing citrus: the town has multiple lemon, tangerine and orange groves within its limits thanks to a peculiar microclimate that people say makes it the warmest spot on the whole Riviera. Every year in February, the fete du citron takes place, and each year the festival has a different theme: some more recent ones have been India and Disney. Preparations for the festival include exquisite decorations including sculptures made of citrus. The local cafes and bakeries get into the spirit by offering lemon and citrus-flavored delicacies to sample. The festival also features a parade through the city center.
Gardens
If you happen to miss the festival, don't worry! There are still plenty of things to do in this beautiful coastal town. What with the bounty of the fete du citron, it's not surprising that Menton is famous for its gardens as well, particularly its exotic botanical garden, which boasts several varieties of exotic plants, trees and flowers. Another beautiful garden within the city limits is the Jardin Serre de la Madone, and several others dot the small city.
Italian
Like many cities on the Riviera, but perhaps even more than others, Menton is strongly influenced by its nearby neighbor of Italy. Menton is the last town on the French coast before the Italian border, and it was even a part of Italy in the 1940s, when it was captured by Italy and annexed until 1943. As such, Menton (much like its Italian counterpart, Ventimiglia), offers a combination of French and Italian cultures, and you are likely to hear both languages spoken around you as you wander the town.
Beaches
When people think Riviera, they often think of beaches. Within Menton are no fewer than six beaches, each of which is lined with boardwalks or promenades. On the boardwalks, there are several cafes and restaurants to eat in: many have outdoor terrace sections, some of which are actually located on the beach: a seascape instead of a centerpiece with your tarte au citron? Not too shabby.
