Explore the Lemon Charm Secret of the French Riviera

Summer travel guide to the Lemon Town, taking you to explore the lemon charm secret of the French Riviera. 1. Menton Lemon Festival · Summer Special Edition Although the Lemon Festival (February-March) has passed, you can still experience its artistic heritage in summer: 1. The citrus sculpture site Jardins Biovès still retains some giant sculptures from the Lemon Festival, such as the 2024 Olympic-themed Athena Temple, presented as a permanent art installation using lemon peel dyeing techniques. 2. The handicraft market continues with the weekly citrus product market at Palais de l'Europe, where you can buy lemon soap, jam, and limited-edition lemon-flavored macarons. 2. Top 5 Summer Must-Experience Activities 1. Climb the Lemon Yellow Stairs at Saint Michael's Church: Climb this 19th-century church with lemon-yellow exterior walls. The 99 steps are flanked by copper lemon wind chimes that ring with the sea breeze, offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean. 2. Explore Val Rahmeh Botanical Garden: Wander through the century-old tropical greenhouse, find the symbiotic area of lemon trees and fig trees, and join the summer night firefly tour (reservation required). 3. Customize your summer flavor at Tutti Frutti Ice Cream Workshop: Try Lemon Lime Mint Slush (€4.5) and Citrus Chocolate Lava Ball (€6). The owner will explain the differences among southern French lemon varieties. 4. Mediterranean Starry Sky Camping: Rent a tent (€30/night) at Plage de la Garde-Freinet beach and join the "Lemon-Scented Star Gazing" event using special citrus-scented telescopes. 5. Lemon-themed Slow Travel Route: Rent an electric scooter to ride along the "Citron Route," passing lemon liqueur cellars and traditional juice workshops, ending at Café de la Plage to enjoy lemon iced tea. 3. Transportation and Accommodation Tips Transportation Details Cost/Duration Nice → Menton TER train (departing from Gare de Nice-Ville) €6/40 minutes Self-drive A8 highway along the Mediterranean coast About 30 minutes Ferry From Ventimiglia, Italy €15/1 hour Recommended Accommodation - Les Stable Sea View Apartment: Loft with a lemon tree courtyard, rooftop terrace for drying homemade lemon slices (€150/night) - Hôtel Splendid: Rooftop infinity pool facing Saint Michael's Church, offering lemon essential oil spa 4. Summer Limited Events 1. Lemon Music Festival (July-August): Lemon-themed concerts every Saturday at the seaside open-air theater. Bands use lemon shells to make percussion instruments. Tickets €25 include a lemon slush. 2. Cliff Diving Challenge: Experience summer cliff diving at Cap Martin cliff (35 meters high). Lifeguards provide lemon-scented sunscreen spray. 3. Citrus Farm Experience: Participate in lemon picking (peak from June to August), learn to make lemon vodka, and enjoy an outdoor lemon BBQ dinner (€45/person). 5. Food Map 1. Le Petit Jardin must-try: Lemon herb roasted octopus (€22), citrus pesto pasta (€18), paired with a sea view terrace. 2. La Passagère hidden menu: Daily limited lemon lychee sorbet (€7), made in a shell shape using volcanic rock molds. 3. Marché du Cours Saleya morning market: Find handmade lemon soap, recommended version with rosemary essential oil (€6/bar), with on-site engraving available. 6. Practical Fun Facts - Menton lemons contain twice the limonene of ordinary lemons; locals make natural mosquito repellent balm from the peel. - The bell of Saint Michael's Church rings every 15 minutes, with a melody adapted from the "Lemon Song." - At sunset in summer, the lemon-yellow buildings reflect the sunset to form a "golden wave" spectacle. The best photo spot is Place du 9 Avril 1947. Travel Advice: July and August are peak seasons. It is recommended to visit in late May or early September for cooler weather and fewer crowds. You can purchase the "Menton Pass" (€35) which includes transportation and tickets to 3 attractions.