Biot is a village in the Alpes-Maritimes department, located on a hill between Nice and Antibes. Internationally renowned for its tradition of bubble glass, it also has a well-preserved medieval historic center and offers a variety of cultural activities. Its location, close to both the French Riviera coastline and the hinterland, makes it a destination for arts and crafts, history, and nature.
We recommend these activities in Biot:
Top 3 original activities to do in Biot
Biot stands out for its original experiences that define its identity. Among the most famous, you can:
1. Watch a glassblowing demonstration
The most iconic activity in Biot is visiting a glassworks to watch the master glassmakers at work. You can observe the techniques used to blow and shape molten glass, including the creation of “bubble glass.”
2. Visit the Fernand Léger National Museum
This national museum is dedicated to the artist Fernand Léger. It presents an exceptional collection of his paintings, ceramics, and drawings, offering a comprehensive overview of his work. The building itself is a work of art, with a monumental mosaic façade.
3. Hike in Brague Park
This departmental park protects the banks of the coastal river, the Brague. A main trail connects the villages of Biot and Valbonne, following the river in the shade of dense vegetation. It is an easy hike and popular for its coolness in summer.
Things to do in Biot
Biot invites you to discover a variety of experiences to enrich your stay.
Where to discover art and crafts?
Biot is a renowned art village, whose main craft is glasswork. Several workshops, galleries, and museums allow you to discover this tradition, as well as the work of other artists who have left their mark on the region.
Glassworks and glass galleries
Biot has several glassworks and glass galleries, including the Verrerie de Biot, founded in 1956 by Eloi Monod, inventor of bubbled glass. Awarded the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) and Qualité Tourisme (Tourism Quality) labels, it includes the Galerie Internationale du Verre (32 artists) and the Galerie Jean-Claude Novaro.
Guided tours, workshops with a master glassmaker, and the sale of blown glass objects are available by reservation. Other workshops and galleries in the town center showcase handcrafted creations, allowing visitors to discover the diversity of glasswork in Biot.
The Fernand Léger National Museum
This museum houses the largest collection of the artist's works. The chronological layout allows visitors to follow his evolution from Cubism to his large, colorful compositions. The building itself, with its monumental mosaic façade, is part of the tour.
The museum is located at the foot of the village. There is an admission fee, and it is advisable to check the opening hours on the official website of the Alpes-Maritimes National Museums.
The Biot History and Ceramics Museum
Housed in a former chapel, the History and Ceramics Museum traces the history of the village and its ceramics production. In particular, you will find the large jars that were a local specialty before the development of glassmaking.
The Bonsai Museum
Unique on the French Riviera, this private museum presents a remarkable collection of bonsai trees, some of which are centuries old. The visit takes place in a peaceful Japanese garden, offering a moment of calm and contemplation.
What to visit to discover the village's heritage?
Convenient for visiting Biot, the historic center is entirely pedestrianized. A stroll through its cobbled streets allows you to discover a well-preserved architectural heritage, testimony to its medieval past.
The old village
The village can be explored by walking through its narrow streets, passing under fortified gates such as the Porte des Tines. The historic center is the Place des Arcades, with its characteristic 13th-century vaults.
The Church of Sainte-Marie-Madeleine
Rebuilt in the 15th century, this church has a bell tower that is actually an old keep, separate from the main building. Inside are two Renaissance altarpieces attributed to the school of Nice artist Louis Bréa. The entire history of Biot in one monument.
What nature and outdoor activities are there?
Outside its historic center, Biot enjoys a preserved natural environment, accessible via hiking trails for all levels.
Hiking in the Brague departmental park
This park offers several marked trails along the La Brague river. The main trail connects the villages of Biot and Valbonne in a shaded forest setting. The main trail is about 10 km long. Flat and suitable for all levels, it is accessible from several points, including the Bâches car park in Biot.
The Chèvre d'Or circuit
The Chèvre d'Or circuit starts in Biot on the old Clausonnes path and leads to the Tour de la Chèvre d'Or, a 1st-century Roman mausoleum classified as a historic monument in 1943. It passes through Gallo-Roman ruins and offers a view of the Brague plain and Antibes. The loop ends near the Saint-Jean chapel, evoking the legend of the golden goat.
Biot Golf Course
The Biot Golf Course “La Bastide du Roy” offers an 18-hole, 4,604-meter, par 69 course suitable for players of all levels. It incorporates the Brague and Valmasque rivers as natural obstacles. Facilities include a heated driving range, a synthetic putting green, a PGA academy, a restaurant, and a ProShop. These amenities make the Biot Golf Course a popular site for learning and competition.
How to get to Biot?
By car: Access is via the A8 motorway (Antibes exit). The village is located about 15 minutes from the motorway. Several paid parking lots are available below the historic center.
By train: The nearest SNCF train station is Biot, located on the coast (4 km from the village). It is served by TER regional trains. A bus line (Envibus) connects the station to the village. The nearest TGV station is Antibes.
By bus: The Envibus network serves Biot from Antibes, Valbonne, and the surrounding towns.
By plane: Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) is the closest, about a 20-minute drive away.
Villages and nature in the surrounding area
Biot is a good starting point for exploring the French Riviera and its hinterland. A few kilometers away is the town of Antibes, with its port, ramparts, and Picasso museum. The medieval village of Valbonne, with its central square with arcades and its checkerboard layout, can be reached via the Brague trail. Heading towards the hills, visit Gourdon, a hilltop village offering exceptional views, and Tourrettes-sur-Loup, the city of violets. On the nature side, the Valmasque park offers other hiking trails and water activities on its lake.