Bonjour! Welcome to Biot, a captivating medieval village full of rich history, culture, and art. Even despite its great location on Cote d’Azur, it’s often overlooked and it seems to be missing from many travel blogs and guides. But thanks to that, it’s a peaceful destination that can be your quiet getaway from bustling tourist spots on the coast. From the picturesque alleys, art galleries, and restaurants to interesting museums and glassblowing workshops – there’s so much to explore in Biot! Sounds interesting? Let us show you things to do in Biot village in the South of France.
Travel tip. You can easily visit Biot and nearby Valbonne or Mougins during the same-day trip.
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Biot, France FAQ
Biot is located in the Provence-Alpes-Cote d’Azur region in the Alpes-Maritimes department in southeastern France. It’s just a short drive from popular nearby places like Antibes, Cannes, Nice, or Monaco.
Sure thing! Biot is a small medieval village in the French Riviera. It’s pretty, captivating, well-preserved, and can be a real delight for art lovers. Even though you won’t find dozens of exciting things to do in Biot, you shouldn’t skip it while in the area. In our opinion, it’s one of the best villages to visit on Cote d’Azur!
Since the second half of the 20th century glass blowing has become a renowned symbol of Biot. The village is also known for the art museum dedicated to the famous Cubist artist – Fernand Leger, its charming medieval old town, and for being part of Sophia Antipolis – Europe’s first and largest technology park.
It’s pronounced [bjɔt];. Still don’t know how to read it? Here’s a YouTube video where you can listen to correct pronunciation.
Short history of Biot
For such a small town, Biot has a long and turbulent history with many twists and turns. Numerous findings show that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times. For a long time, until 154 BC, Celto-Ligurians controlled the region. Then Romans settled at the current site of the old village, built a community and monuments, and stayed for 5 centuries.
In 1209 the Count of Provence, who had authority over the region of Biot, gave the area to the Knights Templar. They later either were donated or purchased the majority of the surrounding areas themselves. When the Templars ceased to exist, the territory was given to the Knights Hospitaller and the bishop of Grasse, and stayed that way for the following years. At the end of the 14th century, looters and the black plague decimated the village, the area was abandoned and became a refuge for bandits.
Dark times ended in 1470 when King René of Naples persuaded some families to settle in the area. Life slowly began to resume in the area and Biot started to prosper. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, the development of pottery and farming happened and enriched the villagers. Biot became an important center for pottery production. In the 18th century, two invasions partially demolished the village and the crops were destroyed. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the pottery industry began to decline. Biot refocused on agriculture, mainly wine and horticulture.
In 1955 famous cubist artist Fernand Leger moved from Paris to Biot, and in 1960 a museum with his works was opened. In 1956 Eloi Monod opened the “La Verrerie de Biot” factory where the famous ‘bubble glass’ was invented. Biot became a city of arts and crafts. Sophia Antipolis Technology Park opened in 1970 and Biot suburbs began to change and develop.
Nowadays we can admire plenty of things left by those before us and explore history on our own. Let us show you what you can expect while visiting Biot.
Things to do in Biot village in France
Biot old town streets
Biot is a charming hilltop village and there’s no better way of getting to know it than slowly wandering among its old town (fr. Biot vieux village). Cobblestone streets and cozy squares decorated with flowers, secret passageways, tall stone buildings, art galleries, workshops, craft shops, restaurants, museums… All of that can be found in Biot.
Among Biot village streets you’ll find points of interest like:
- Rue Saint-Sébastien – a street filled with small art galleries, and craft shops perfect for buying unique souvenirs. There you’ll also find many cafes and restaurants and a History and Ceramic Museum.
- Place des Arcades – the main square of Biot, filled mainly with cozy restaurants inviting you to discover the flavors of the French Riviera wines and dishes.
- Place de l’Église with 15th-century Sainte Marie-Madeleine Church featuring ‘The Virgin with the Rosary’ altarpiece created by Louis Brea. The church was listed as a Historic Monument in 1984.
- Place de la Catastrophe – place where in 1898 two houses collapsed during a communion party killing 23 people.
- Two original 16th-century medieval gateways into the town – Porte des Migraniers on the Calade des Migraniers and the Porte des Tines on Rue des Tines.
Discover: Accommodation options in Biot
Overall, you don’t need a map to explore Biot. Just let yourself be carried away by the beauty of the winding streets and sooner or later you’ll discover everything.
Biot Tourist Information is located on Chemin Neuf, right next to the entrance to Rue Saint-Sébastien. There you can pick up paper brochures but you can also check their free online versions on the biot-tourisme.com website.
History and Ceramic Museum of Biot
History and Ceramic Museum (fr. Musée d’Histoire et de Céramique Biotoises) is located along Rue Saint-Sébastien. Inside you can learn more about the village’s rich history and the importance of ceramics in its growth. History is told through a series of panels, photographs, objects, and even a typical 19th-century kitchen. All thanks to the generosity of Biot’s inhabitants.
Entrance to the History and Ceramic Museum costs 4€ for a normal ticket, 2€ for students and seniors, and is free for children (March 2024). The museum is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. For current prices and opening hours visit musee-de-biot.fr website.
Glassmaking & La Verrerie de Biot
Biot’s glass-making history started in 1956 when engineer Eloi Monod opened the ‘La Verrerie de Biot’ factory and started to create unique household objects and works of art using bubble glass-making techniques. Since then, hand-blown glass has become the new symbol of the village. In 1997, Biot earned the “Arts and Crafts City” label for its glass crafts.
Nowadays, there are several glassworks in Biot demonstrating the glass arts, each with its own unique style. The most popular one is without a doubt La Verrerie de Biot. There you’ll be able to take part in guided tours, workshops, buy some nice souvenirs in the shop or even blow your own piece. The factory is located at Chemin des Combes, at the bottom of the village. To learn more visit verreriebiot.com website.
To learn more about all the glass factories and workshops in Biot visit biot-tourisme.com website.
Book now: The Best of French Riviera Full-Day, Small-Group Tour
Fernand Leger National Museum
Visiting Fernand Léger National Museum (fr. Musée National Fernand Léger) is another great thing to do in Biot, especially for art lovers. Fernand Léger was a 20th-century French painter and sculptor who created his unique form of cubism. He spent the last years of his life in his workshop in Biot which later was converted to a modern art museum featuring dozens of his works, exterior murals by Heidi & Lino Melano, and a lovely garden with even more pieces of art.
Fernand Leger Museum is located at the foot of the village, about 2km from the old town. Entrance costs €5.5 for a normal ticket, €4 for a reduced one and is free for EU members under 26 years old (March 2024). For current prices and opening hours visit musees-nationaux-alpesmaritimes.fr website.
Biot Markets
If you love visiting local markets, Biot has something to offer too! There you’ll find two vibrant and lively markets:
- Provençal market – takes place every Tuesday from 9AM-1PM along Rue Saint-Sebastien up to Place des Arcades. There you’ll find local specialties, fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, jewelry, clothes, etc.
- Farmers’ Market – takes place every Saturday from 9AM-1PM on the Place des Arcades. It’s dedicated to organic and local quality food, cosmetics, and crafts.
Book now: Provence Village Tour with Wine and Produce Tasting (Biot, Gourdon, Tourettes-sur-Loup)
Viewpoints over Biot
For nice views over Biot village, head either to Zone Commerciale on Route de la Mer or to La Verrerie de Biot area. Both places are located at the foot of the village. For the exact locations take a look at the map at the bottom of the post.
How to get to Biot, France?
Biot is located about 10km from Antibes or Mougins, 15km from Cannes, 20km from Grasse, and 25km from Nice. The most convenient way to get to the village is by car or taxi.
Where to park in Biot?
If you’re traveling by car you can leave your car in Parking des Bâchettes, a big and free parking lot located right next to the entrance to Biot old town.
For great car rental deals visit Rentalcars website.
To Biot by bus
From some places you can reach Biot by bus. Look for a bus number 200 Cannes-Nice and get off at the stop at the Biot train station, 4km from the old town (here is a timetable with all stops). From there you can either walk or take bus number 10 which will take you straight to the village.
To Biot by train
Your next option is to get to Biot by train. It’s possible from many nearby places like Nice, Cannes, Menton, Cagnes, or Villefranche-sur-Mer. From the train station walk or take bus number 10 which will take you straight to the village. To learn more about train connections that interest you visit sncf.com or rome2rio.com website.
For great train ticket deals visit Trainline website.
To Biot by taxi
The most expensive option, but also the fastest one if you care about time. For example, a trip from Nice will take only about 25min (€55-70) and 10min from Antibes (€75-95). To learn more about taxi connections that interest you visit rome2rio.com website.
Camping Biot
If you’re traveling by camper, places like Camping Eden Biot, Camping Parc Des Maurettes, or Camping Les Embruns might interest you. They are located in or near Biot.
Things to do in Biot Village – Summing up
Now you know what Biot village is all about. It’s a really beautiful and charming place, isn’t it? Winding, stone streets, art, history, and good food blend perfectly and make Biot an ideal place to slow down for a bit and enjoy the charm of the South of France. No matter if you’ll stay only for a few hours or if you’re planning on staying a bit longer – we’re sure that Biot will win your heart. Enjoy your time!
Our video from Biot
Our opinion about Biot
For us, a visit to Biot was a half-day trip from Cannes where we lived for a few weeks. We visited it two times – the first time in early November and the second in early August. Both times the village was fairly quiet without hordes of tourists. Maybe slightly busier in August, but also more places were open. But it always looked like most tourists finished exploring after Rue Saint-Sébastien and Place des Arcades as the rest of the old town we always had for ourselves.
We really liked the village, especially the time we spent strolling among its charming streets and discovering every nook and cranny. We didn’t visit La Verrerie de Biot or Fernand Leger Museum as it just isn’t something that interests us. Overall, we think it’s a place that shouldn’t be skipped while in Antibes or nearby. For us, Biot is one of our favorite spots on Cote d’Azur to this day. Oh, and there were a lot of cats so… Biot bribed us!
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Restaurants, accommodations, and map
Check out various recommended places below.
Where to eat in Biot?
Here are your best, high-rated options in Biot:
Where to sleep in Biot?
Hôtel Les Arcades
Located in the picturesque village of Biot, Hôtel Les Arcades offers a cozy and inviting retreat for travelers. The hotel boasts comfortable rooms with modern amenities, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests exploring the French Riviera. With its convenient location near attractions like the Biot Glassworks and Antibes beaches, hotel provides an ideal base for discovering the charms of the Côte d'Azur.
La Bastide de Biot
Nestled in the charming village of Biot, La Bastide de Biot offers a tranquil retreat surrounded by lush gardens and Provençal countryside. This boutique accommodation features elegantly appointed rooms and suites with stylish decor and modern amenities, providing a comfortable and relaxing stay for guests. With its serene atmosphere and proximity to the Biot old town, this accommodation is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a peaceful getaway.
Sleep In Biot
Sleep In Biot offers comfortable and modern accommodation perfect for travelers exploring the French Riviera. The property features well-appointed rooms and apartments with stylish decor and amenities such as free Wi-Fi, ensuring a pleasant stay for guests. With its convenient location near local attractions, restaurants, and shops, Sleep In Biot provides an excellent base for discovering the charm and beauty of Côte d'Azur.
Accommodations photos source: booking.com
