Biot and the Knights Templar

the legacy of the 13th century

See you in 2026 for Biot and the Templars!

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

A medieval history…

It all began in the Middle Ages… This period, punctuated by the difficulties of the ecclesiastical institution, led the Church to preserve the unity of Christians and to advocate 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.

Through the favour of donations and the meticulous management of lands, the Order spread as far as the West and numbered around 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 several buildings constructed at the time can still be seen in the town today.

This relationship between the society of knights and Biot dates back to 1209, when Count Alphonse II of Provence issued a deed of gift for the enjoyment of part of Biot’s lands. A few years later in 1233, the Order moved into the former castle of Biot, a building that still bears witness to the history of the Templars 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 on the orders of the Count of Provence, Charles II le Boiteux, and imprisoned in Perthuis. The buildings in Biot 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. In addition, fragments of frescoes have been preserved in the current buildings.

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

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

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

Through the legacy bequeathed by the Knights Templar, travel back in time by experiencing 3 days of immersion in the heart of the Middle Ages! Reconstructed encampments, battles, tournaments, equestrian shows, craftsmen and medieval music will take you straight back to the time of the Templars.

Tend your ears…the clash of weapons, the songs of troubadours, the calls of merchants, will punctuate your immersive stroll.
Become a medieval craftsman…. Woodturners, coopers, stonemasons, blacksmiths, a host of workshops await you on rue Saint-Sébastien.
Sail like the Templars… Discover the bailiff ship inspired by those used by the Templars to sail the Mediterranean. Measuring 30 metres long and 8 metres high, children will have the opportunity to climb the mast and board the ship, ready to take on the waves.
Open your eyes… majestic birds of prey and medieval knights on their mounts will offer breathtaking performances. Tournaments of chivalry, jousting, training and aerial ballet will bring the streets to life throughout the weekend.
Grab your fangs… Whether you’re more of a spit-roasted pig, beef stew with hypocras, boar with ale or a sip of mead, hypocras or fruit elixir, 5 taverns await to turn your palate upside down and let you experience the great medieval feasts.
Burn your memory…Gastronomy, beverages, tools, jewellery, wooden toys, your happiness is among these memories.

In the various places of life of Biot and the Templars, everything is done to mark your spirits and put you full of eyes.

Highlights of Biot and the Knights Templar

Transfer of the keys to the town to Messire Thibault de Saint-Hilaire, Seneschal of the Temple
Torch-lit procession
Knightly combat
Equestrian and falconry shows
Fire show
20,000 m² mapping of the history of the Knights Templar. (Friday and Saturday)
Stories and plays
Concert
Medieval ball
Combat troops parade
Final parade in the heart of the village
Closing ceremony