Located north of Antibes, a stone's throw from Nice, Biot is the perfect destination for those seeking something other than a typical beach experience on the French Riviera. Far from the tourist bustle of Nice, Cannes, or Saint-Tropez, it offers authentic experiences primarily focused on art and crafts, as the village is the French epicenter of contemporary handcrafted glass. Culture and heritage also play a prominent role, with the Fernand Léger Museum and the Church of Sainte-Madeleine promising captivating discoveries.

The Glassworks of the village of Biot

Holder of the label " City and Crafts » Since 1997, Biot has been the capital of contemporary glass in France, thanks to its glassmaking tradition. To understand the link between the village and glass art, one must go back to the 50s. At that time, Eloi Monod, An engineer and top graduate of the Sèvres ceramics school, he settled at La Poterie Provençale. He experimented, among other things, with creating utilitarian glass objects. One of his pieces suffered a flaw: a bubble became embedded in the glass. This is where the... was born. bubble glass, which then became Biot's unique signature. The technique consists of trapping air bubbles between two layers of glass to obtain a very particular appearance.

To perpetuate the know-how, Eloi Monod founded the Biot Glassworks Founded in 1956, the site offers visitors a variety of experiences, from a glassblowing studio and an eco-museum to a large exhibition hall, an international glass gallery, and a shop. The highlight remains the live demonstration: glassblowers create their works right before the visitors' eyes in the workshop.

The public can also try their hand at glassblowing through workshops organized by the Biot Glassworks. Available to those aged 6 and up, this activity costs €68 (excluding VAT) per person and lasts approximately fifteen minutes.

In order to promote the transmission of the art of glassmaking and perpetuate this heritage, the village will open the Glass House in 2027, in the historic center, behind the Sainte-Marie-Madeleine church. This new space will include a hot blowing workshop, training spaces and workshops, a finishing and polishing area, a panoramic esplanade, artist residences and a shop-café.

Fernand Léger Museum

The French Riviera has always been a favorite destination for the world's greatest artists. If Nice belongs to Marc Chagall. Antibes. to Pablo Picasso, Menton to Jean Cocteau or Cagnes-sur-Mer to Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Biot for its part is to Fernand Léger (1881-1955). A central figure in modern art, the artist left his mark on 20th-century history with his resolutely optimistic approach to machines, industry, and contemporary life. Initially influenced by Cubism, he quickly developed his own language, namely the tubism, characterized by the use of cylindrical forms, bold primary colors, and a dynamic fragmentation of space, Léger's work celebrates mechanical aesthetics and the dynamism of modernity. He sought to make art accessible to the general public, notably through monumental works and collaborations in architecture, film, and set design. The success and recognition of his work have never waned, as evidenced by the spectacular sale of the painting. Contrast of shapes in 2017, which reached 70 million at an auction by Christie's in the United States.

This profound link between the artist and monumentality finds its epicenter on the French Riviera, in Biot. It is in this city in the Alpes-Maritimes that the Fernand Léger National Museum, A unique place designed to house one of his final projects. Originally, Léger acquired the land "Le Mas Saint-André" in 1955 to set up his ceramics and mosaic workshops. After his sudden death, his widow Nadia Léger and his collaborator Georges Bauquier decided to build a museum there, which was inaugurated with great fanfare in 1960 under the patronage of such luminaries as Picasso, Chagall, and Braque.

The building was designed by the architect André Svetchine and stands out as a work of art in itself: its south facade is clad in a gigantic polychrome mosaic created based on a study by Léger. Inaugurated in 1960 and becoming a national museum in 1969, it houses the world's largest public collection of the artist's work. The Biot museum allows visitors to follow Léger's evolution, from his figurative beginnings to his famous Cubist works, including his... Contrast of Shapes and his late monumental compositions. In addition to a rich program of exhibitions, it also organizes cultural activities such as conferences, screenings or educational workshops.

Brague Trail Hike

If you are a nature lover, you will also find what you're looking for in Biot. Brague Trail offers a hiking trail of approximately ten kilometers that connects the village in Valbonne. This enchanting route is located primarily in the heart of the Brague Departmental Nature Park, a protected area spanning over 600 hectares. Far from the crowded beaches, this trail offers total immersion in Provençal nature, along the winding course of the Brague River. It can be done in two to three hours, quite easily for families or beginners, with a low elevation gain.

The main trail winds through a dense gallery forest, dominated by oaks, pines, and lush Mediterranean vegetation. Its shady coolness is a welcome respite from the heat of summer days, much to the delight of locals. The constant, soothing sound of the river as it carves natural gorges and pools adds to the charm of the place.

The site's appeal extends beyond hiking. The Brague Park is a vital biodiversity hotspot, where one can observe a rich array of flora and fauna, including numerous species of birds and amphibians. Furthermore, its history is evident in ancient structures such as the remains of mills and pipes that recall past activity linked to the river's hydraulic power. Access from Biot is often via the Pont des Tamarins district.

Church of Saint Mary Magdalene in the village of Biot

Located on the church square, in a small cul-de-sac, the Church of Saint Mary Magdalene is another point of interest not to be missed during your stroll in Biot. Built in 1535, it has been listed as a historical monument since 1984. The architecture is striking: it was built largely with the famous Biot stone, This dark volcanic rock gives the village its unique character. It's a detail that few people notice, but observe the walls: this stone gives them a robustness and a color that changes depending on the daylight.

Historically, the church incorporates earlier structures dating back to the Middle Ages. Its unique feature is that it has two entrances. The main door is adorned with a terracotta statue of Saint Mary Magdalene from 1685. Inside, the beauty of every detail impresses visitors. The Baroque altar, decorated with relics and paintings, testifies to the faith and cultural ambitions of Biot. The church's centerpiece remains the painting known as " Our Lady of the Rosary ", painted by Ludovic Bréa around 1505. This work is often illuminated by a ray of sunlight passing through the stained glass windows, to offer a beautiful spectacle.

It is said that the church also houses the relics of a saint, a well-kept secret that adds to the mysterious aura of the place. It is a peaceful spot, perfect for a real break, far from the glass workshops and the hustle and bustle of the market. Ultimately, visiting Sainte-Madeleine is like stepping back several centuries—a moment of pure history, an essential part of life in Biot.

Stroll through the cobbled streets

The French Riviera is undeniably a haven for art. Some inland villages are known as open-air museums, as is the case in Saint-Paul-de-Vence. In Biot, a stroll through the cobbled streets of the historic center will lead you to several art galleries and artists' studios. Did you know? Biot is home to more than sixty artists scattered throughout the village. Take part in an introduction to linocut or monotype printing techniques with Christine Carol Tabusso at 9 Place des Arcades, learn to create flowers, nudes, or figures in motion at Jean-Philippe Ghiglione's studio at 4 Rue des Bâchettes, or discover glassblowing with Antoine Pierini on Route de la Mer – 9 Chemin du Plan. There's no shortage of experiences to enjoy.

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