Biot is a charming village located in the Alpes Maritimes department close to Antibes. It dates back to the Roman period which let some relics of the past like the Fontveille aqueduct restored in the 18th century. The village had been destroyed during the black plague epidemic and the gang war but it was rebuilt from 1470. Nowadays, Biot is famous for its glassworks and pottery. Biot is an art village where potters, ceramists, jewellers, painters and glassblowers open their workshop to the public.
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Biot is internationally renowned for its glassworks opened in 1956 by Eloi Monod (who created the blown glass). The tourism office suggest a sighting tour to discover several workshops where you could enjoy a “ballet” of glassmakers who produce high quality handmade pieces (glasses, jewels, sculpture…) in front of delighted visitors eyes. Moreover, the pottery factory opened in 1689 and became a specific art in Biot. You could also take part in art, geological and historical tours.
This tour is about the two mains historical period in Biot. Concerning the Roman era, you could visit the Fontveille aqueduct which has been working again since the 18th century and which runs alongside the famous N7 (old French holiday road). The Bouillide Aqueduct, the Mausolee de la Chevre d’Or and the Chappes farm (3rd century olive oil and wine productions with antic tanks, presses and jars) are others Roman monuments still preserved in Biot. Regarding to the Middle-Age, you could visit the St Victor de Marseille Abbey, the Lerins Abbey, The St Felix Chapel, the Oil Jar Factory which has been in activity since the 16th century and the old medieval centre with its spiked gate from 1470.
There are a lot of festivals and activities in Biot. The first week-end of every month, the local council baker is opened and Biot inhabitants can bake their bread and take part in a bakery and pastry workshops. Besides, once a year there is the bread festival. In February there is the Mimosa festival with brass bands, majorettes and carnival floats. For the St Julien (Biot patron saint) there is a procession and some balls and games in the streets. In June there is the Heures Musicales festival with international famous classical musicians. In September there is the harvest festival and once a week (on Tuesday morning) you could go shopping to the local market (art, local food, flowers and clothes).
Biot is a village where you could have some sport activities with 11 signposted tracks in the La Braque Park. There are Tennis courts and the La Bastide du Roy Golf near Biot. Moreover, Biot is close to the sea with beach activities and is located near Sophia Antipolis which is a dynamic area.
Food and drinks:
Restaurants:
- Le Migranier, 14 chemin Neuf, +33 (0)4 93 65 18 20, from €15
- Les Terrailers, 11 chemin Neuf, +33 (0)4 93 65 01 59, from €60
For those who fall for the charms of the Biot area, Sextant properties have bi-lingual agents in the area who known the available properties and will be able to accompany you on visits, answer your queries and generally make finding and choosing your ideal property a pleasure – all of which will speed the day you walk into your new home in Biot.