Biot, the glassmaking capital of the Côte d'Azur!

The village of Biot is a successful blend of sea and mountains, art of living and arts and crafts, tradition and modernity, heritage and innovation. Since the second half of the 20th century, glassblowing has become the new symbol of this Côte d’Azur village. Awarded the “Ville et Métiers d’Art” label for glassmaking in 1997, Biot has become France’s contemporary glass capital in almost 60 years. Several glassworks, each with their own unique creations, have set up shop in Biot to showcase the subtleties of the art of glassmaking. Follow the guide!

BIOT, AN ARTS AND CRAFTS VILLAGE WELL WORTH A VISIT!

Take a stroll through its shady streets, discover its heritage and visit the church of Sainte Marie-Madeleine, a listed historic monument…

Imagine yourself standing in front of the portrait of Fernand Léger, a painter, tapestry and stained glass designer, decorator, ceramist, sculptor, draughtsman and illustrator. He was one of the first to publicly exhibit Cubist-oriented work and is considered one of the great figures of modern art.

Observe the skills of Biot’s artists and craftsmen, glassmakers, jewellers, ceramists, leatherworkers, painters… Enjoy an unforgettable creative experience: more than 50 artists and 25 trades are still active in Biot.

Take a seat on the terraces of the cafés and restaurants for a convivial, authentic and gourmet experience. Stroll along the river La Brague in a listed and protected natural park, play a round of golf…

LEARN MORE

See this publication on Instagram
A publication shared by Ville de Biot (@villedebiot) on 23 March 2018 at 7 :35 PDT

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by Office de Tourisme de Biot (@biottourisme)

A MUST-SEE: THE NATIONAL FERNAND LEGER MUSEUM

The Musée National Fernand Léger is a museum dedicated to the work of the famous twentieth-century French artist, and boasts the largest collection of works by the artist.

Originally a private museum, the Musée Fernand Léger in Biot is now a state-owned national museum with the Musée de France label.

A good idea for children: during the holidays, the Musée national Fernand Léger offers creative family visits based around the collections and the exhibition of the day.

It’s a rare opportunity to discover an artist who was curious about his time, and to relive the birth of the great artistic movements of the early 20th century. These activities are sure to arouse the interest and curiosity of young and old alike.

PREPARE YOUR VISIT

THE MUSEUM OF BIOTOISES HISTORY AND CERAMICS

The Musée d’Histoire et de Céramique Biotoises (Biotoises Museum of History and Ceramics) is an original concept, bringing together the interests of the municipality, which owns the buildings, and the original association, which owns and manages the collections.

Created in 1980 and completely renovated in 2004, the Museum will reveal elements of Biot’s heritage linked to a rich history spanning more than 2000 years.

Did you know? The village of Biot went from being a Celto-Ligurian settlement to a Gallo-Roman castrum and home to a Templar commandery, before being completely repopulated in the 15th century by families from the Ligurian coast. Thanks to the size and quality of its clay and kilnstone deposits, Biot became the largest Mediterranean centre for the manufacture of jars.

By the middle of the 17th century, there were around forty potteries in Biot. Their immense output was widely exported throughout the Mediterranean and to the American continent.

The museum has a collection of these jars, which were made between the 16th and 19th centuries. Little by little, Biotois pottery evolved into utilitarian, varied and decorative ceramics.

Find out more about the Biot Museum!

LEARN MORE

See this publication on Instagram
A publication shared by SPB (@spaateroburtsov) on Jul. 18, 2017 at 1:48 PDT

BIOT: A LOCAL PRODUCERS’ MARKET!

Every Saturday morning from 9am to 1pm, Biot’s Place des Arcades plays host to a new market dedicated to quality organic and local food, cosmetics and crafts.

Encouraging access to healthy food at lower prices, favouring short distribution channels, promoting organic farming and the local economy… these are the objectives of the town of Biot, which through this market is pursuing its commitment to the ecological, social and civic transition.

SHOPPING ADDRESS IN BIOT N°1: “LA CREATIVE” BOUTIQUE!

The aim of this boutique, located on Place de l’Eglise in Biot, is to promote the wealth of contemporary creativity in our region through exclusive objects and works that are accessible to all. The basic criteria are to propose original creations, both technically and aesthetically.
The aim is to produce exclusive creations for “La Boutique” in the short term. Following the example of existing museum boutiques, the products selected and chosen will be unique pieces or numbered limited editions.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by La Boutique La Créative (@lacreative.vma) on August 8, 2019 at 10:30 PDT

See this post on Instagram
A publication shared by ✨ Mellow Boutique ✨ (@_mellow_boutique)

BIOT SHOPPING ADDRESS No. 2: “Mellow Boutique”!

Good news for local shoppers! A brand new boutique has just opened its doors in Biot, and it’s already well worth a visit. Mellow Boutique, located at 13 route de Valbonne, offers locals and visitors alike a unique shopping experience that’s as relaxed as it is friendly.

This new address stands out for its warm atmosphere and eclectic selection that will appeal to the whole family. The owner, Elodie, has designed each space to create a real cocoon where it’s good to stroll and discover.

There’s something for every woman, with a wide selection of trendy costume jewellery, enchanting perfumes, a fine range of clothes and fashion accessories, as well as gourmet candles and home fragrances to enhance any home. The youngest customers are not forgotten either, with a dedicated area offering toys, cuddly toys and small accessories that will make their eyes sparkle.

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm, with special openings on Sundays and summer nights, Mellow Boutique adapts to your lifestyle.

A new address to discover, where every visit promises to be a gentle interlude in your day!

Find out more about Mellow Boutique

“LES MARCHES DU FIL D’OR” in BIOT

On the programme: 1h30 walk and meditation at sunset…

Here’s an invitation to take an inner journey in the heart of nature, at the Dôme de Biot. Let yourself be guided to a magical place surrounded by volcanic rock and prickly pear trees, where you can recharge your batteries and connect with the earth and the sky. The Dôme de Biot is a small volcano 27 million years old. It’s one of the rare wild places on the Côte d’Azur, just 3 kilometres from the sea, and has been classified as a Natura 2000 site.

It takes around 30 minutes to walk to the top. Along the way, you’ll discover a labyrinth of stones. At the top, you can admire the magnificent 360-degree view over the Baie des Anges and the mountains, then close your eyes and let yourself be guided for a short meditation: “an inner journey”. This is a place of great telluric power, an ideal place to reconnect with what’s essential.

Beware: the path is very uneven, dotted with holes and volcanic rocks, so don’t forget shoes suitable for walking. Price: €25 per person. Groups of 8 people maximum.