BIOT AND THE TEMPLARS, 13TH CENTURY HERITAGE

Biot and the Templars will take place in Biot on 5, 6 and 7 April 2024!

On the agenda: magic and wonder with an immersion in the Middle Ages. As with the previous editions, Biot will transform itself into a Medieval town for the weekend.

A MEDIEVAL HISTORY…

It all began in the Middle Ages… This period, punctuated with the problems in the ecclesiastic institution, led the Church to preserve unity among Christians and extol its authority. Afraid of the assassination and abuse of pilgrims by the Turks occupying the Holy places, Pope Urban II preached the first crusade. He asked Catholics to arm themselves in order to protect the pilgrims and the eastern Christians travelling to the Holy city of Jerusalem. All the participants were then marked by the sign of the cross.

In 1118, at the Pope’s request, commandant Hugues de Payns founded, with all those who took part in the Crusade, the Order of “The Poor Knights of Christ”. Centred in the East and approved by King Baldwin II of Jerusalem, the Order was ascribed to the Temple of Solomon by the latter. They then became the Order of the Templars, a secret society of 12th century knights.

Through donations and meticulous land management, the Order spread to the West and numbered some 9,000 preceptories, the houses of the time. Among them, 3,000 were in France, of which 29 in Provence.

BIOT, A COTE D’AZUR TOWN FULL OF HISTORY

In France, the town of Biot on the Cote d’Azur was an important site for the Templars. The first signs of the presence date back to the 12th century and several buildings built at that time still stand in the town today.

This relationship between the Knights Templar and Biot dates back to 1209, when the enjoyment of some of Biot’s land was donated to them by Alfonso II, Count of Provence. A few years later in 1233, the Order established itself in the old Chateau in Biot, a building that still bears witness to the Templar’s history in the town.

Until 1260, thanks to donations, the Land owned by the Templars of Biot extended to Villeneuve-Loubet, via the Gulf of Biot. The territory of Biot was thus created.

At the dawn of the 14th century, the Templars were accused of opulence due to their unpopularity and their vast wealth. In 1307, they were accused of heresy and corruption by King Philip IV. They were arrested on the order of Charles II (Charles the Lame), Count of Provence, and were imprisoned in Perthuis. The buildings in Biot were seized and used for various purposes over the centuries.

Despite the efforts to erase every trace of their presence, several buildings still bear witness to the history of the Templars in Biot, especially the Chapelle des Pénitents Blancs [Chapel of the White Penitents], built on the ruins of the old Templar preceptory. Additionally, fragments of frescoes have been conserved in the current buildings.

The history of the Templars in Biot is a fascinating account of the importance of this town in French medieval history. Their presence has left an architectural and cultural heritage that continues to be appreciated by the inhabitants and visitors today.

BIOT AND THE TEMPLARS, 13TH CENTURY HERITAGE

The town of Biot is delighted to host the 7th edition of this historic event: Biot and the Templars. On the theme “13th century heritage”, Biot will, from Friday 5 April to Sunday 7 April 2024, be transformed into a real 13th-century medieval town.

Through the heritage left by the Templars, travel through time spending 3 days immersed in the heart of the Middle Ages! Reconstructions of encampments and battles, jousting, horse shows, tradesfolk, and medieval music will carry you straight into the time of the Templars.

Listen out… the clash of weapons, the songs of the troubadours, and the calls of the merchants will punctuate your immersive walk.
Become medieval artisans… Wood turner, cooper, stone mason, blacksmith… a multitude of workshops await you in Rue Saint-Sébastien.
Help each other as a family… At that time there were no cranes or construction machinery, just a squirrel cage. How are you going to get the stone blocks as high as possible?
Open your eyes… majestic birds of prey and medieval knights on their steeds will offer you breath-taking shows. Chivalry tournaments, jousting, training, aerial ballet, the performances will enliven the streets throughout the weekend.
Hope you’re hungry… Whether you prefer spit-roast pork, beef stew with hippocras, or boar cooked with ale, or the choice of mead, hippocras or a fruit cocktail, 5 taverns await you to tickle your tastebuds and have you experience the grand medieval banquets.
Make memories… Gastronomy, brews, tools, jewellery, wooden toys… your happiness is one of these souvenirs.

In the various living areas of Biot and the Templars, everything is done to make an impact on you and afford you a feast for the eyes.

THE HIGH SPOTS OF BIOT AND THE TEMPLARS

Keys to the city handed to his lordship Thibault de Saint-Hilaire, Seneschal of the Temple.
Torchlit parade
Knights’ combat
Equestrian and falconry shows
Fire show
Story-telling and sketches
The town ablaze: an audio-visual pyromelodic show
Concert
Medieval ball
Parade of combat troops
Final parade through the heart of the village
Closing ceremony