Want to know what to bring back from Menton without wasting time? The must-haves boil down to:
• 🍋 IGP Lemon and gourmet derivatives
• 🫒 Regionally scented oils
• 🍯 Artisan jams Maison Herbin
• 🍸 Limoncello & citrus wines
• 🧼 Eau de Menton & lemon cosmetics
• 🌳 Young potted lemon tree
• 🎟️ Tickets for the Lemon Festival
These seven ideas, easy to find downtown or in the surrounding orchards, guarantee an authentic and fragrant souvenir for 2025.
Top 7 Menton souvenirs not to miss
The local terroir showcases the IGP lemon in all its forms, but there are other equally delicious gems.
- 🍋 Fresh IGP lemon: available at Prestige de Menton or at La Citronneraie, 69 corniche Tardieu.
- 🍯 Maison Herbin jams: lemon-lavender or three citrus fruits, cooked in a cauldron (2 rue Palmaro).
- 🍸 Limoncello Au Pays du Citron: the star liqueur, 24 rue Saint-Michel.
- 🫒 Olive & mandarin oil: Huilerie Saint-Michel exclusive, 5 rue de Bréa.
- 🛍️ Eau de Menton: 100% natural fresh mist at Lemon Factory, 27 rue Longue.
- 🌳 Potted lemon tree: nursery La Maison du Citron, 37 porte de France.
- 🎟️ Lemon Festival tickets: official box office, esplanade Francis-Palmero.
These flagship items easily fit into a carry-on suitcase; an insulated packaging is provided free of charge by several shops.
Where to buy these Menton specialties? Map of the best addresses
To avoid tourist traps, here is a comparative table of reference shops.
| 🏪 Shop | Featured product | Address | Hours 2025 | 💶 Average price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maison Herbin | 3 citrus jam 🍯 | 2 rue Palmaro | 09h-18h | €6 |
| Au Pays du Citron | Limoncello 🍸 | 24 rue Saint-Michel | 10h-19h | €18 |
| Huilerie Saint-Michel | Mandarin oil 🫒 | 5 rue de Bréa | 08h-17h | €13 |
| Lemon Factory | Eau de Menton 🧼 | 27 rue Longue | 10h-18h | €22 |
| La Maison du Citron | Lemon tree 🌳 | 37 porte de France | 09h-16h | €29 |
| Les Saveurs de Menton | Orange wine 🍷 | 11 avenue Boyer | 11h-19h | €12 |
To extend your shopping stroll, also check out the Petit Futé selection or the TripAdvisor list of best gift shops.
Artisan shops not to miss
- 🍬 Confiserie Florian: candied fruits and lemon chocolates, 2 quai Papacino.
- 🫖 Les Délices de Menton: citrus infused teas, 15 rue Trenca.
- 🏺 Terres de Menton: pottery decorated with lemon motifs, 8 montée du Souvenir.
- ⏳ La Belle Époque: retro objects and old-fashioned soaps, 4 rue Guyau.
- 🌾 Les Moulins de la Brague: organic tapenade, pop-up stand at the covered market.
This craftsmanship perfectly complements gourmet purchases and adds a heritage dimension to your gifts.
Tips for choosing and transporting your gourmet gifts
Taking fresh or alcoholic products requires some precautions.
- 📦 Packaging: prefer 250 g vacuum-sealed jars compliant with IATA standards.
- 🛂 Customs: liqueurs ≤70 cl go in checked baggage; indicate “artisan liqueur” on the declaration.
- 🧊 Cold chain: for the lemon sheep cheese from Saveurs de Menton, request a 24 h ice pack.
- 🌱 Live plants: a phytosanitary certificate is provided by La Maison du Citron for travel within the EU.
Zero-breakage tip for bottles
Insert Limoncello bottles in the center of clothes and surround them with compression socks; this method reportedly reduces breakage risk by 80% according to the Tourist Office (source). A roll of bubble wrap is available free at Au Pays du Citron.
Another solution is to use reusable waterproof pouches, sold for €3 at Les Délices de Menton.
Gourmet itinerary ideas: from tree to bottle
For those who want the full experience, here’s a route tested by many visitors.
- 🔍 Guided tour of La Citronneraie (10 am) with fresh juice tasting.
- 🏺 Jam workshop at Maison Herbin (12 pm): leave with your personalized jar.
- 🍽️ Menton-Citron lunch at bistro La Belle Époque, lemon ravioli menu from Pasta Piemonte.
- 🍸 Limoncello tasting at Au Pays du Citron (3 pm), explanatory video on maceration.
- 🫒 Visit to Huilerie Saint-Michel (4 pm) to press your own infused oil.
This route, bookable on SNCF Connect, allows you to taste everything without a car thanks to bus B 🚍.
Frequently asked questions about Menton souvenirs
Does Menton Limoncello contain coloring agents?
No; the artisanal recipe uses only IGP lemon peels, beet alcohol, and sugar syrup.
What is the best period to buy fresh lemons?
From November to April; the harvest peaks in February during the Lemon Festival.
Can a lemon tree be shipped by parcel?
Yes, La Maison du Citron offers insulated packaging and a specialized plant carrier (France 48 h).
Are Herbin jams gluten-free?
All citrus varieties are naturally free from gluten and additives.
Where to find non-food souvenirs?
Visit La Belle Époque for decorative items, or explore the guide of souvenirs not to miss.
For more travel inspiration, discover the guides to Metz, Martinique, or even Crete to complete your world flavors collection.
