From Monday, January 13, the gardeners of Monaco’s Urban Planning Department (DAU) will commence the annual harvest of the Principality’s bitter orange trees. This long-standing tradition highlights Monaco’s dedication to preserving its unique horticultural heritage.

Monaco boasts a remarkable collection of 1,111 citrus trees, including orange, lemon, and clementine varieties. Of these, 516 untreated bitter orange trees, or “bigaradiers,” are cultivated throughout key districts such as La Condamine, Moneghetti, and Monte-Carlo. Each January and February, DAU gardeners carefully prune these fruit trees and harvest the bitter oranges growing along the Principality’s streets.

Residents eager to receive some of this year’s bitter oranges can connect directly with gardeners during the collection period. In 2024, the harvest yielded an impressive 11.14 tonnes, with 4.45 tonnes distributed free of charge to locals and the Lycée Rainier III. The school uses the fruit to create jams and fruit pastes, turning the harvest into a shared community treasure.

This year, the harvest will begin in the Rue Princesse Caroline area of La Condamine on Monday, January 13, before moving to Rue Grimaldi later in the month. In Moneghetti, the collection will take place along Boulevard de Belgique, while in Monte-Carlo, gardeners will work along Avenue de Grande-Bretagne and Boulevard d’Italie. The daily harvest will occur between 8:00 and 14:30, weather permitting.

A special addition to this year’s festivities is the “Sur la Route des Agrumes” exhibition, an interactive display celebrating citrus culture. Located on Rue Princesse Caroline, the exhibition is open through February, offering visitors a sensory journey into the world of citrus fruits.

For further details, contact Monaco’s Urban Planning Department at +377 98 98 22 77 or via email at amenagement@gouv.mc.