Biot and the Knights Templar

A medieval story…

It all began in the Middle Ages… This period, marked by the difficulties of the ecclesiastical institution, led the Church to preserve the unity of Christians and to assert its authority. Pope Urban II preached the First Crusade out of fear of the murder and abuse of pilgrims by the Turks occupying the Holy Places. He asked Catholics to take up arms to protect pilgrims and Eastern Christians travelling to the Holy City of Jerusalem. All participants were then marked with the sign of the cross.

In 1118, at the Pope’s behest, the commander Hugues de Payns created, along with all those who had taken part in the crusade, the Order of “The Poor Knights of Christ”. Concentrated in the East and appreciated by King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, the Order was awarded the Temple of Solomon by the latter. They then became the Order of the Knights Templar, a secret society of knights in the 12th century.

Thanks to donations and the meticulous management of its lands, the Order spread as far as the West, with some 9,000 commanderies, the houses of the time. Of these, 3,000 were in France, including 29 in Provence.

Biot and the Knights Templar, the legacy of the 13th century

The town of Biot is delighted to be hosting the 8th edition of the historic event: Biot and the Knights Templar. In 2026, Biot will be transformed into a genuine 13th-century medieval town.

The legacy of the Knights Templar will take you on a 3-day journey back in time to the heart of the Middle Ages! Reconstructed encampments, battles, tournaments, equestrian shows, craftsmen and medieval music will take you right back to the time of the Knights Templar.

• Listen carefully… the clash of weapons, the songs of the troubadours and the calls of the merchants will punctuate your immersive stroll.
• Become a medieval craftsman… Wood turners, coopers, stone carvers, blacksmiths – a host of workshops await you on rue Saint-Sébastien.
• Sail like the Templars… Discover the bailiff’s ship, inspired by those used by the Knights Templar to sail the Mediterranean. Measuring 30 metres long and 8 metres high, children will have the chance to climb the mast and board the ship, ready to take on the waves.
• Keep your eyes peeled for majestic birds of prey and medieval knights on horseback, offering breathtaking performances. Tournaments of chivalry, jousting, training sessions, aerial ballet: the shows will bring the streets to life throughout the weekend.
• Get your teeth into it… Whether you’re more of a spit-roasted pig, beef stew with hypocras, wild boar with ale or a sip of mead, hypocras or fruit elixir, 5 taverns are waiting to turn your palate upside down and give you a taste of medieval times.
• Etch your memory… Gastronomy, beverages, tools, jewellery, wooden toys – you’ll find what you’re looking for among these souvenirs.

In the various places where Biot and the Knights Templar lived, everything is done to leave a lasting impression on you and your eyes.