When it comes to combining a city break with an iconic cultural event on the Côte d’Azur, opting for a hotel stay in Nice during the Fête du citron in Menton is an experience not to be missed. Nestled between the sea and the mountains, Nice offers an idyllic setting for travellers, while the proximity of Menton means you can immerse yourself in a festive tradition full of colour and rich in scents. This article guides you through the best ways to organise your stay and make the most of the lemon festivities.
Planning your stay in nice during the citrus festival
To maximise your experience, planning is key. Finding the ideal accommodation in Nice, which combines comfort and accessibility, is the first step towards a successful stay. Your options range from charming boutique hotels to grand palaces on the Promenade des Anglais.
By choosing your travel period carefully, usually in February or March, you can take advantage of competitive rates while avoiding the summer crowds. Early booking is also recommended, as the Lemon Festival attracts visitors from all over the world keen to discover this unique event.
Accessibility to Menton from Nice is another crucial point. There are a variety of means of transport, from trains to hire cars and even organised excursions. Each option has its advantages, and your choice will depend on your desire for flexibility or comfort.
Accommodation in Nice to suit all tastes
The city of Nice, with its architectural heritage and Mediterranean allure, offers a wide range of hotel establishments. From the world-renowned luxury Hôtel Negresco to the more discreet but equally charming Hôtel Nice Côte d’Azur, your stay can be tailored to suit your expectations and budget.
To make the most of the Nice Carnival and the Lemon Festival, it’s a good idea to consider a hotel close to the city’s strategic points. Being close to the old town, with its narrow streets and colourful markets, increases your immersion in the Nice atmosphere.
Must-sees at the Lemon Festival
The Lemon Festival, held in Menton on the Italian border, is a unique event celebrating the region’s yellow gold. The programme includes corsos with floats decorated with citrus fruits, exhibitions of gigantic motifs in the Biovès gardens and a festive atmosphere that has perpetuated the tradition for over a century.
For those wishing to immerse themselves in the region’s cultural heritage, a visit to the town is highly recommended. Menton, with its exotic gardens, Jean Cocteau museum and Basilica of Saint-Michel Archange, provides a historic backdrop to the festive experience.
The Hôtel Nice Côte d’Azur is a 4-minute walk from the train station. This makes it easy for you to enjoy the Lemon Festival in Menton, other nearby towns (Menton, Eze, etc) and Nice throughout your stay.
Discover the Nice region outside the festivities
Beyond the carnival and lemon festivities, the Nice region is full of hidden treasures and varied activities to enrich your stay. Visits to hilltop villages such as Èze or Saint-Paul-de-Vence, exploring the works of Matisse or Chagall, or a relaxing day on the beaches of the Baie des Anges are all pleasures to include in your itinerary.
The local gastronomy, with its specialities such as socca, salade niçoise and lemon pastries, will introduce you to the authentic flavours of the region and make a delicious addition to your cultural trip.
| Event | Date | Location | Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lemon Festival | February-March | Menton | Corsos, Citrus exhibitions, Cultural visits |
| Nice Carnival | February-March | Nice | Parades, Flower battles, Street entertainment |
| Gastronomic discovery | All year round | Nice and surrounding area | Tasting of local specialities, Market visits |
| Village excursions | All year round | Hinterland of Nice | Guided tours, Hiking, Historical heritage |
In short, a hotel stay in Nice during the famous Fête du citron in Menton is an exceptional opportunity to enjoy a cultural, festive and gourmet experience. By taking these recommendations into account and planning your trip carefully, your stay on the Côte d’Azur is sure to be a memorable one. The hotels of Nice welcome you with open arms for this lemon adventure, which promises excitement and discovery at every turn.
