BIOT - TOWN OF ARTS AND CRAFTS

Biot is situated about 20 km from  Cannes, in the department of Alpes-Maritimes of Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region. Its story is closely associated with pottery and glass making, and the guilds which specialized for centuries in the making of jars and large storage containers for wines and foodstuffs.

POTTERY AND GLASSWARE

From the 16th century to today, the craftsmakers of Biot have produced hundreds of thousands of jars and containers. Many thousands were exported throughout the Mediterranean, to the Americas, and to the coast of India over the years.

In the early 20th century, the pottery industry was in decline and the region’s commercial focus shifted to agriculture, vineyards, winemaking, and horticulture.

In 1970, Sophia Antipolis technopolis was created and its environs lie largely within the territory of Biot.

Since the 1970s, in and around the historic center of Biot, modern arts and crafts have been evolving: Léger, Peynet, and many others have established business operations in Biot. Such new enterprises have contributed to the revival of Biot’s reputation as a center for the creative arts and crafts.

With the enactment of the so-called Monod law (1956), the glasswares produced in Biot and, in particular, its famous ‘bubble glass’ were given special acknowledgement.

Indeed, in 1997, Biot was officially designated as a "City of Arts and Crafts" for its original glass and glasswares, symbolizing both the expertise of local craftsmakers and the venerated traditions of the town.

Thus, Biot became the town of noteworthy and world famous ‘Arts and Crafts’.

CELTIC-LIGURES, ROMANS AND KNIGHTS TEMPLAR

Many traces of Celtic-Ligurian presence can be found throughout Biot and dating to prehistoric times. In 154 BC, for example, the Ligurians were defeated by the Romans who settled on the present site of the old village.

In the year 1209, the Count of Provence donated the site to the Knights Templar. At about the same time, the leadership of the town designated Biot as the Place of the Arcades and Place of the Church.

Biot and its church were devastated in 1387. In 1470, when King René encouraged fifty families from the Val d'Oneille (currently the region between Genoa and Ventimiglia) to migrate to Biot, invest in the community, and restore its prosperity.

With the suppression of the Knights Templar, the territory of Biot was entrusted, under the aegis of the Knights of Malta (ca. 1530), the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, and the Bishop of Grasse – a joint power sharing arrangement that endured until the time of the French Revolution.

BIOT: MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND CERAMICS

The Museum of History and Ceramics is dedicated to the traditions of Biot.

In the museum one will find a collection jars from the 16th to the 19th centuries, indoor ornamental fountains from the 18th and 19th centuries, costumes, objects of trades and crafts, and photographs reminiscent of a long forgotten way of life.

The Museum of History and Ceramics includes a gallery of contemporary works and, in the former chapel of “White Penitents” of the 17th century, a temporary exhibition hall.  The museum itself is the former Saint-Jacques Hospital.

Address: 8 rue Saint-Sébastien, 06410 Biot

MUSEUM OF FERNAND LEGER

The collection of the National Museum of Fernand Léger contains paintings, ceramics, and drawings of the avantgarde artist, his colorful Cubist compositions created during the 1950’s.

The Park of Fernand Léger was created on land owned by M. Léger.

After his death, the creation of a museum and outdoor theater was initiated by his widow. She entrusted the project to Henry Fish and Andrew Svetchine.

In the garden, one will discover monumental works and mosaics by the artist. Mosaics covers also the facade of the museum building. One of them was created for the Velodrome stadium in Hanover.

Address : 316 chemin du Val de Pome, 06410 Biot

BIOT: DESIGNATION «CITY OF ART AND HISTORY»

In 1997, Biot received the designation "City of Art and History" for its tradition of producing artistic glass and glasswares.

Many studio glassmakers, potters, jewelers, painters, decorators, and leather workers are active in the historic town center and in the immediate vicinity of Biot. One can visit them with or without appointment.

BUBBLE GLASS: GLASSWARE OF BIOT

Established in 1956, the Glassware of Biot were recognized for the invention of so-called ‘bubble glass’.

Today, company offers high quality table objects such as glasses, decanters, vases, pitchers, candlesticks in bubble glass of all colors: sand pink, lime, amethyst, blue chintz.

The Glassware of Biot enjoys designation as a “Living Heritage Company” (Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant), meaning the recognition of a rare craft.

Address: 5, Chemin des Combes, 06410 Biot

FINE DINING IN BIOT: RESTAURANT OF ARTISTS  LES ARCADES

The restaurant specializes in Provencal traditional cuisine.

The oldest restaurant in Biot "les Arcades" is a major destination for tasting and enjoying traditional Provencal cuisine and viewing the works of famous artists.

The warm and friendly atmosphere of "les Arcades", the restaurant, has long been a place frequented visited by many artists...

To this day, "Les Arcades" keeps the memories of times gone bye alive. In its gallery and on its walls one can view many wonderful works of art.

Address: Place des Arcades, 06410 Biot