Mange tout: 10 of the best food festivals in France

The Lemon Festival, Menton

February 11-26Beat the winter blues with a trip to one of the towns sunniest places in France: Menton is famous for its lemons, which thrive in the microclimate of this corner of the Côte d'Azur. For two weeks every February, the town celebrates all things citrus with huge sculptures made from 150 tons of oranges and lemons, which are sold to locals for making jams upon completion. This year's theme is rock and opera and there are walking tours of the groves, local food stalls, special restaurant menus and tours of the city's many botanical gardens. But the highlight is the carnivals, which see huge floats adorned with fruit, as well as dance and music troupes from all over the world.fete-du-citron.com

Foire au Boudin, Mortagne-au-Perche, Normandy

16-1March 9

This fascinating fair in the depths of the Normandy countryside is aimed at charcuterie lovers. au-Perche brings together artisans from all over Europe to celebrate the finest sausages, from black pudding, for which the town is known, to white pudding, tripe and charcuterie.The dozens of exhibiting agri-food producers also present the best cheeses, wines, ciders and spirits from France.There are also demonstrations by chefs and bakers, but its most curious spectacle is the competition which sees locals rushing to eat meter-long black puddings, to cheers of the crowd.foire-au-boudin.fr< /em>

Giant Omelet Festival, Bessières, Occit anie

April 8-10

< p class="dcr-1b64dqh">It is said that the festival of he giant omelet of Bessières was inspired by Napoleon's visit to an inn near the town, who served him an omelette so delicious he insisted that the chef prepare a giant one for his army. There may not be much truth to the story, but the occasion has become a legend in itself. The main event, on Easter Monday (April 10), kicks off with volunteers – many from the Worldwide Brotherhood of Knights of the Giant Omelet – cracking 15,000 eggs; these are then seasoned, whipped and cooked in a four-meter frying pan set over a bonfire. The surprisingly delicious omelette, which looks more like scrambled eggs when mixed, is then served free to 2,000 festival-goers and celebrates the global community that sees Bessières linked to six other giant omelet festivals around the world, from Belgium to New Caledonia. .