Offbeat Traveler: 79th annual Lemon Festival in Menton, France
The festival has its roots in the 1890s when a group of hoteliers organized a parade to drive winter tourism. (Bruno Berbert / EPA)
The theme of this year’s festival is regions of France. Here, a display pays homage to Champagne, situated in northern France. (Lionel Cironneau / Associated Press)
During the course of the festival, 154 tons of lemons will be used. Twenty people are tasked with replacing rotten fruit on floats and displays. (Bruno Berbert / EPA)
At the end of the celebration, fruits in good condition are sold at discounted prices. (Bruno Berbert / EPA)
A display representing Alsace. Storks, which nest on roofs throughout the area, serve as a symbol of the region. (Bruno Berbert / EPA)
A close-up of the Alsace display. Locals believe that having a stork nest on your home is a sign of good luck. (Lionel Cironneau / Associated Press)
A bottle of wine and goose depicting the Bordeaux region. (Lionel Cironneau / Associated Press)
A display depicting the Eiffel Tower in Paris. (Lionel Cironneau / Associated Press)