Biot and the Templars

the legacy of the 13th century

Biot and the Knights Templar will take place in Biot on April 4, 5 and 6, 2025!

On the program: 3 days 100% free of charge, filled with magic and enchantment, immersed in the Middle Ages. As in previous years, the town of Biot will be transformed into a medieval city for the weekend.

A medieval story…

It all began in the Middle Ages… This period, punctuated by the difficulties of the ecclesiastical institution, led the Church to preserve Christian unity and assert its authority. Pope Urban II preached the First Crusade, fearing the murder and exaction of pilgrims by the Turks occupying the Holy Places. He asked Catholics to arm themselves to protect pilgrims and Eastern Christians traveling to the Holy City of Jerusalem. All participants were then marked with the sign of the cross.

In 1118, at the Pope’s behest, Commandant Hugues de Payns and all those who had taken part in the crusade created the Order of “The Poor Knights of Christ”. Concentrated in the East, and much 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 12th-century secret society of knights.

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

Biot, a Côte d’Azur town steeped in history

In France, the town of Biot on the Côte d’Azur was an important site for the Knights Templar. The first traces of their presence date back to the 12th century, and many of the buildings constructed at the time can still be seen in the town today.

The relationship between the Knights Templar and Biot dates back to 1209, when Count Alphonse II of Provence granted the Knights Templar a deed of gift for the use of part of Biot’s land. A few years later, in 1233, the Order moved into the former Château de Biot, a building that still bears witness to the history of the Knights Templar in Biot.

Until 1260, thanks to donations, the territory of the Knights Templar in Biot extended as far as Villeneuve-Loubet, via the Golf de Biot. The Biot territorial unit was then created.

At the dawn of the 14th century, the Knights Templar were accused of opulence due to their unpopularity and vast wealth. In 1307, they were accused of heresy and corruption by King Philip IV. They were arrested by order of the Count of Provence, Charles II le Boiteux, and imprisoned in Perthuis. Biot’s buildings were seized and used for various purposes over the centuries.

Despite efforts to erase all traces of their presence, several buildings still bear witness to the Templars’ history in Biot, notably the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs built on the remains of the former Templar commandery. Fragments of frescoes have also been preserved in today’s buildings.

The history of the Knights Templar in Biot is a fascinating testimony to the town’s importance in French medieval history. Their presence has left an architectural and cultural legacy that continues to be appreciated by locals and visitors alike today.

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

The town of Biot is delighted to welcome back the 7th edition of the historic event: Biot and the Knights Templar. From Friday April 4 to Sunday April 6, 2025, Biot will be transformed into a veritable medieval city of the 13th century.

Through the legacy of the Knights Templar, travel back in time and experience 3 days of immersion in the heart of the Middle Ages! Camp re-enactments, battles, tournaments, equestrian shows, craftsmen and medieval music will take you right back to the time of the Knights Templar.

Listen out for the clash of weapons, the songs of the troubadours and the calls of the merchants, all of which will punctuate your immersive stroll.
Become a medieval craftsman… Woodturners, coopers, stonecutters, blacksmiths: a multitude 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 meters long and 8 meters high, children will have the opportunity 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. Chivalry tournaments, jousts, training sessions, aerial ballet – these shows will liven up the streets all weekend long.
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 bring you back to medieval times.
Etch your memory… Gastronomy, beverages, tools, jewelry, wooden toys – you’ll find what you’re looking for among these souvenirs.

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

Highlights of Biot and the Knights Templar

Presentation of the keys to the city to Messire Thibault de Saint-Hilaire, Seneschal of the Temple
Torchlight procession
Knightly combat
Equestrian and falconry shows
Fire show
20,000 m² mapping of the history of the Knights Templar (Friday and Saturday)
Storytelling and skits
Concert
Medieval ball
Parade of combat troops
Final parade through the village
Closing ceremony