Biot – a small town with great experiences
Biot is a charming little fortified medieval town located on a hilltop at 7.5 km from Antibes and only 4 km from the coast.
The city is particularly known for its glass and ceramic production, as well as the famous art museum of the French artist, Fernand Léger.
History of Biot in brief
The city’s history dates back to Roman times and archaeologists have found clear evidence that tells about life back then.
Biot is not a large city and back in the year 1209, when the Count of Provence donated the area to the Knights Templar, Biot consisted only on the area of the Place des Arcades, the church and a few buildings for habitation.
In the period from the beginning of the 14th century until about the year 1470, Biot had been transformed into a refuge for thieves and pirates. But thanks to King René of Naples, who settled in Biot, the city was able to return to ancient standards.
Throughout the 16th century, the town’s inhabitants focused on agriculture and pottery. Ceramics, in particular, had been a driving force for the city right up to the present days, where, together with glass production, it has developed into the city’s economic powerhouse.
Original medieval gates
Biot has two original gates from the Middle Ages, which you can see on your walk around the old Biot: Porte des Tines on Rue des Tines and Porte des Migraniers on Calade des Migraniers.
Biot’s sights
In and around the city center, you should take the walk from the start of Rue Saint-Sébastian and down to place des Arcades. On the way, you’ll pass the art shops, the restaurants, and the cozy terrace on Place General de Gaulle. Further on past the Biot’s historical museum before entering the Place des Arcades, where you’ll find several pleasant restaurants.
Place des Arcades is a narrow square surrounded by arcade houses on both sides and the church Sainte-Marie-Madeleine de Biot, located at the end of the square in a narrow alley.
The church is worth a visit and here you can experience an altar painting from the 16th century – the Virgin of the Rosary – by the famous Italian painter Louis Brea.
Outside the city center, world-class art awaits
On the outskirts of Biot, you will find glass production and world-class art, respectively. You can visit the Pierini and La Verrerie de Biot glassblowing workshops, on the way out to the impressive art museum – Fernand Léger National museum. Read more about these places in the overview after the article.
How to get to Biot
If you do not have a car available, you can get to Biot from Nice, Cagnes-sur-Mer, Antibes and Cannes by both bus and train.
See more in the app or on the site “Rome2Rio” about the possibilities – here is a link to the possibilities from Nice.
Alternatively, you can go on a guided tour from e.g. Nice – see the tour here.
By Tommy Sverre – 2022
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
CityXee recommends these tours at the Côte d'Azur:
- All
- Golf
- Hiking
- Museums