Biot can be explored through two especially tangible themes: its glassmaking and heritage, and the trails in the Parc de la Brague. You can make culture, a hike or an event the focus of your stay. If you’re looking for accommodation in Biot, you can put these interests at the heart of your travel plans.
Glassmaking and local history
Éloi Monod developed bubbled glass, known in French as “verre bullé,” from an accidental bubble in one of his glass creations. La Verrerie de Biot was founded at the foot of the village in 1956. The Écomusée du verre de Biot preserves knowledge of blown-glass and bubbled-glass techniques, as well as historic pieces, tools and artistic glasswork. Together, these themes offer insight into the local glassmaking tradition, from production to the objects that have been preserved.
La Verrerie de Biot also offers an augmented-reality experience about the work of glassmakers and its Écomusée. Check whether this experience is available before your visit. The workshop and showroom of Robert and Antoine Pierini showcase works by international artists.
Museums and historic buildings
The Musée d’histoire et de céramique biotoises presents Biot’s heritage, which is connected to a history spanning more than 2,000 years. Its significant collection includes Biot jars, made from the 16th to the 19th century. The museum also has a room for temporary exhibitions in a former chapel of the White Penitents dating from the 17th century.
The Musée national Fernand Léger is the only museum in the world dedicated to Fernand Léger. The artist lived and worked in Biot. For art lovers, the town’s special connection to modern art is another highlight alongside its glassmaking.
The main construction phases of the Église Sainte-Marie-Madeleine span the 15th century, the first half of the 16th century and the 17th century. The church was classified as a historic monument by decree dated 5 December 1984. The Chapelle Saint-Roch was listed as a historic monument by decree dated 10 December 1949. La Tour de la Chèvre d’Or is a Roman monument in Biot and has been classified as a historic monument since 2 September 1943.
The tower’s location can also be understood in relation to the landscape: La Tour de la Chèvre d’Or stands on a hill overlooking the Brague plain. Those who take in both culture and landscape will find a tangible link here between a historic building and the natural environment along the river.
Trails in the Parc de la Brague
The Parc de la Brague covers 638 hectares across the municipalities of Antibes, Biot and Valbonne. The park has a 9-kilometre trail along the Brague. The Sentier de la Vallée de la Brague route has its own set of details: the marked walking trail runs between Biot and Valbonne, and takes 3 hours and 30 minutes each way. It starts at École Paul Langevin on Place Saint-Eloi in Biot.
A car or bus number 10 is recommended for the return journey from the Sentier de la Vallée de la Brague. Check access, signage and return transport before setting out, as these details may change. This makes it possible to account for the longer walking time when planning your day, without confusing it with the length given for the trail along the Brague.
Festivals and when to visit
Biot celebrates Saint-Julien, the feast of its patron saint, every year in late August as a major traditional festival. The Heures Musicales de Biot are also part of the Alpes-Maritimes’ cultural scene: the festival has been running for more than 40 years. If you want a festival to determine your travel dates, check the exact dates before making plans.
Discover more destinations: Saint-Sauveur-Sur-Tinée, Grasse, Caussols, Le Mas, Roquesteron, Roure, Bendejun, Nice.
For the broader travel guide: Alpes-Maritimes.
