Biot – a small town with big experiences
Biot is a charming little medieval town, beautifully situated on a hilltop just 7.5 km from Antibes and only 4 km from the Mediterranean coast. Despite its small size, the town offers great experiences – from winding cobblestone streets and historic buildings to lively art galleries and world-class glassblowing.
Combining authentic Provence with creative energy, Biot is an ideal destination for those who want to experience more than just beach life on the Côte d’Azur.
Top sights in Biot
Porte des Migraniers - The old city gate from 1566 that marks the entrance to the medieval city and bears witness to the time of the Knights Templar.
Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine - The city's historic church with a remarkable altarpiece painted by Louis Bréa.
Musée National Fernand Léger - Colorful museum dedicated to the famous artist who had close ties to Biot.
Musée d'Histoire et de Céramique - A small local museum in the heart of the city that tells of Biot's ceramic traditions and exciting past.
Rue Saint-Sébastien - The main street in the old town with galleries, cafés and a cozy southern French atmosphere.
La Verrerie de Biot - Experience glassblowing in action and watch the distinctive bubble glass being made.
Place des Arcades - The central square surrounded by archways and old buildings, perfect for a break in the shade.
Chapelle Saint-Roch - A small chapel overlooking the countryside, dedicated to the patron saint of the plague.
Fontaine des Mimosas - One of the city's oldest fountains surrounded by mimosa trees and flowers in spring.
Jardin Frédéric Mistral - A tranquil garden with sculptures and benches, named after the Provençal poet.
Biot Mound and Viewpoint - A small archaeological site on a small hill about 700 meters southwest of Biot town center with panoramic views over valleys and vineyards.
World-class glassblowing
World-class glass art - Biot's proud tradition of craftsmanship
Famous for its distinctive bubble glass, Biot is today considered one of the leading glass cities in the world. Here tradition meets modern craftsmanship - and you can experience it all up close.
La Verrerie de Biot - Glassblowing and experience center
In the city you'll find several renowned glassblowers like Pierini and Farinelli, but La Verrerie de Biot is without a doubt the most comprehensive and visitor-friendly. Here you'll get a full experience of the world of glass, spread across several areas:
An active glassblowing studio where you can watch the masters at work
Biot Glas Ecomuseum telling the story of the invention of the bubble glass
A large showroom with artworks and handicrafts
An international gallery with changing exhibitions of glass art
A store where you can buy unique pieces to take home
A restaurant where you can enjoy a meal in the middle of the creative environment
It's a place where the entire process - from molten sand to finished artwork - unfolds before your eyes. And where you get a sense of the precision work that goes into world-class glass art.
History of the city
Biot's history - from Romans and Templars to craftsmanship
Biot has a long and fascinating history stretching back more than 2,000 years. Already in ancient times, the area was inhabited by the Ligurians and later the Romans, who established agricultural colonies and left clear archaeological traces.
From religious stronghold to city of crafts
In the Middle Ages, Biot gained strategic and religious importance when the Count of Provence ceded the town to the Knights Templar in 1209. At that time, the town consisted mainly of the small area around the Place des Arcades, the church and a few residential houses. After the dissolution of the Templars, control passed to the Order of St. John, but Biot later fell into disrepair and became known as a haven for pirates and robbers in the 14th and 15th centuries.
It wasn't until King René of Naples in the late 15th century that the city began to recover. In the 16th century, the area was hit hard by plague and pirate attacks, but Biot managed to come back strong.
In more recent times, the city has developed as a center for crafts. From the 17th century, ceramics played an important role in the town's economy, and in the 20th century glassblowing was added as a new driving force. Today, Biot is known for its distinctive bubble glass and vibrant art scene, which continues to shape the town's identity.
Return of the Knights Templar - Medieval festival in Biot
Every April, Biot pays tribute to its past with the Templar Festival, where the town is transformed into a medieval setting with knights, jugglers and historical processions. The streets are filled with market stalls, battle demonstrations and music, and both children and adults can take part in activities that bring the Templar era to life. The festival is an atmospheric and popular insight into Biot's medieval roots.
Restaurants with local charm
Eat local in Biot - with a taste of Provence
Biot offers several great opportunities to enjoy local cuisine in an authentic setting. Café de la Poste, the town's cozy hangout by the square, serves classic southern French dishes using seasonal ingredients - perfect for a lunch in the sun.
For a more refined and entertaining experience, Les Arcades is an obvious choice. The family-owned restaurant has been an artist and gourmet meeting place for generations and offers a warm atmosphere and well-prepared dishes in a charming setting under the stone walls and historic arches.
Hiking from Biot to Valbonne
Brague Trail
Hiking routes Sentier de la Brague connects the two medieval towns of Biot and Valbonne. It follows the river La Brague through a scenic wooded area and offers a pleasant, shady walk - ideal in the hot summer months.
Excursions with visit to Biot
Excursions with visits to Biot and La Verrerie
Several guided excursions from Nice and the surrounding area include a stop in Biot - a charming village known for its glass art and historic atmosphere. Here you can explore La Verrerie de Biot, the famous glassblowing factory with a working workshop and exhibitions, and explore the cobbled streets filled with art, craft and local atmosphere.
Whether you're interested in history, arts and crafts or simply want to experience a true gem of the Côte d'Azur, Biot is a great stop on a day trip filled with authentic experiences and Provençal charm.
Read more about the trip - Glassblowers, art galleries and medieval villages on the Riviera
Read more about the tour - Local arts and crafts in Provence Countryside Villages
How to get to Biot – with or without a car
It’s easy to visit Biot, even without your own car. The town is connected by both bus and train from major cities such as Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Antibes and Cannes. The train stops at Biot station, which is a few kilometers from the old town – from here you can take a local bus or walk the rest of the way.
If you want to plan the easiest route, you can use the Rome2Rio trip planning tool, where you can view different transportation options from Nice, for example.
Check out the app or the “Rome2Rio” website for more options – here is a link to the options from Nice.
Another great alternative is to join a guided day trip that includes visits to Biot and other nearby gems on the Riviera – see the tour here.
By Tommy Sverre - updated 2025
Facts about Biot
Population: approx. 10,000
Altitude: 40 m (town hall)
Airport: 20 km
Beach: 4 km
Nice: 27 km
Nearby cities
Antibes 7.5 km
Valbonne 10 km
Cagnes-sur-Mer 11 km
Cannes 17 km
