Biot is not only a charming postcard village. It has been designated a “Creative Friendly Destination” by the Creative Tourism Network® for its rich artistic heritage and creative tourism programmes that invite local and international travellers to co-create in an inspiring atmosphere, immersed in the Provence lifestyle.
For centuries, Biot has held a special place in the prized field of arts and crafts. Today, the pride of the village lies in the various professions that have forged its reputation.
Arts and crafts, both economically and culturally, carry the identity of Biot, with a socio-cultural aspect that has earned it the label. In 1997, Biot was awarded the “Ville des Métiers d’Art” label for its glass craftsmanship, which symbolises both its know-how and its traditions.
The village has many workshops and shops for craftsmen: painters, sculptors, illustrators, ceramists, jewellers, goldsmiths, leatherworkers, photographers, all of whom are passionate about their work, with the authentic setting of a French rural village to inspire their creations. Among the famous artists who found inspiration here was Fernand Léger, who worked in his studio in Biot during the last years of his life. The building is now a monumental national museum that presents his exceptionally diverse work to the public.
In the Middle Ages, pottery began to flourish here, with the art and manufacture of earthenware vessels for storing food and liquids. Until the 18th century, the Biot vase was exported all over the world. Today, it has become a decorative object, but it is still honoured at the Museum of History and Ceramics and at local events.
Since the second half of the 20th century, hand-blown glass has become the new symbol of the village. Bubble glass and the technique developed by the engineer Éloi Monod in 1956 are unique in the world and have trained a whole generation of craftsmen and artists.
Today, the glass works of art have not only forged the reputation of the village but are also its pride and joy. This delicate technique is used by the greatest master glassmakers to create majestic pieces, both domestic objects and works of art. In Biot, several glass factories bear witness to the subtlety of the glass arts, each with its own unique creations that reflect its style.
About twenty artists open the doors of their workshops to let you discover their universe in a unique creative experience in Biot! For an hour, a day or a week, learn their trade, share their daily life, and why not leave with a unique piece of your own creation, blow a vase, a glass or a sculpture, transform an old-fashioned piece of jewellery, illustrate a children’s tale, sculpt metal, carve a bonsai tree…
Don’t hesitate, the village is only a few minutes away from Nice international airport!
