Beaujolais Nouveau
The third Thursday in November is when this year's Beaujolais hits the shelves and is cause for celebration across France.
Biot
Discover this town full of arts and culture in the hills of Antibes
Biot is a lovely picturesque old town located up in the hills of Antibes. This medieval town is full of culture, history and art.
Founded by Celts, invaded by Romans, taken over by pirates, ruled by medieval knights and ravaged by the Black Death: the old town of Biot has a rich history spanning over 2,000 years.
Today, Biot is a charming town famous for its glassblowing, ceramics and pottery, as well as its shady cafés, jumble of medieval buildings and pretty hilltop views across the French Riviera. The village has the feel of an artist's colony, with lots of open workshops where you can go in and watch artistes create their pieces. Or just stroll through cobbled streets framed by stone archways and glimpses of the sea.
Lovely French bistros and restaurants line the old town and bars welcome guests in to try the local Provençal wines. Craft shops and galleries invite you to explore their produce and the historical stone buildings demonstrate the history and past of this village.
Biot has so much to explore, from the museums and galleries to the shops and workshops, you can spend days discovering and enjoying all that it has to offer. Being so conveniently located to the coast it makes for a wonderful place to stay or visit whilst on holiday in Antibes.
Events in Biot
Every Tuesday Biot hosts its Provençal market. Fresh produce, crafts, knick-knacks and friendly stall hosts give you the true French market experience.
In September Biot also hosts the Italian market where you can enjoy all the Italian delicacies, delicious fresh produce and warm friendly atmosphere that comes from this neighbouring country.
Events in Biot
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Napoleon's Landed
Fans of Napoleonic history won't want to miss this re-enactment of the landing of Emperor Napoleon after his exile in Elba. On 1 March, 1815, Napoleon arrived with his army, and the scene is played out each year on the beach in Vallauris Golfe-Juan.
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Fête de la Musique
The Fête de la Musique is a celebration that takes place every summer solstice on 21 June in cities, towns and villages across France.
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Bastille Day
Bastille Day is celebrated across the whole of France with a bang...well, several in fact, fireworks always feature heavily.
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European Heritage Days
Exceptional locations around France, including Antibes, will be open to visit on the Journées du Patrimoine - a European wide event inspired by by France’s Journées Portes Ouvertes which started in 1984.
History & Culture in Biot
Biot show signs of being occupied in the Prehistoric period. After this it was mainly ruled by tribes who were in conflict with the city of Antipolis (Antibes) throughout the ruling. Once it had been taken over by the Romans it remained pretty stable for five centuries. The Romans built a community, set up businesses and built monuments; some of which can still be seen in the town today.
After the Roman period and the Medieval age, about which much is not known, Biot was given to the Knight Templars by the Earl of Provence in 1209. The knights were either donated and purchased themselves the majority of the land and housing, meaning Biot became a united town once again.
When the Knight Templars crumbled, the town was given to the Saint John of Jerusalem and the Bishop of Grasse. It remained in their ownership until the French Revolution, when the village was raided by gangs and was riddled with the plague, causing destruction and devastation. The church was destroyed and in 1387 Biot was eventually abandoned as villagers fled and only criminals and gangs remained.
In 1470 King René recruited Italian families to inhabit the town once again and re-build it to what it once was. The families settled here and it slowly began to become prosperous and beautiful once again. It has stayed this way right up until today. The trade of the town has of course changed over the years from crops to pottery and from jar making to a technological community.
The pottery trade and agriculture remained an important focus for the trade in Biot until the 1960’s when the need for these things had declined. The opening of the glass factory in 1956 by Eloi Monod gave Biot a new wave of arts culture, and in 1970 the creation of the Sophia-Antipolis business park brought a different technological trade to the village, and The Nice-Sophia Antipolis University research centre is also now based in Biot.
With all this development came the creation of suburbs and with the suburbs came the arts. The glass factory is known for its wonderful bubble glass and you can explore the history and making of this beautiful glass artwork at the La Verrerie de Biot.
Biot is now a huge centre for arts and crafts with various galleries and museums as well as wonderful shops and studios.
Sights & Attractions in Biot
The art lover has found heaven in Biot.
The most famous attraction is the Fernand Leger Museum at the bottom of the village, dedicated to the French Cubist artist. Here, even the building is a work of art, the giant murals on its face were initially intended for the exterior of the Hanover Stadium!
Also at the bottom of the village is the famous glassblowing workshop La Verriere de Biot, where Biot's famous 'bubble glass' was invented; you can even take a class.
Back in the village there's the History and Ceramic Museum, where you can learn about the town's history as an artist's colony from the 1600's and see the giant pots the town was so well known for.
Walk through the town, visiting jewellers, painters, ceramists, sculptors and many more art workshops to watch the wonderful pieces being made.
For those who love the Japanese art of Bonsai, there is a museum here for that too.
Sights in Biot
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La Verrerie de Biot
The glass tradition in Provence dates back thousands of years, but it has has been a major industry in Biot since the 1950s.
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Musee Nationale de Fernand Leger, near Biot
A few months before his death in 1955, artist Fernand Léger acquired a farmhouse at the foot of the village of Biot. It was here that his widow Nadia Leger, decided to create a museum to honour him and showcase his life's work.
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Eglise de Biot, Saint Marie Madeleine church, Biot
Classified as a historic monument this 15th-century catholic church is located in the heart of the village of Biot.
Beaches in Biot
The beach at Biot is covered in smooth stones rather than sand, with a huge stretch of beach that stretches all the way to Nice. You can rent paddleboards, kayaks and other water toys, or just swim in the calm waters and sunbathe.
In the evening, join the local crowd enjoying the long summer twilight with a picnic on the beach. If you're looking for a sandy beach then you should head down to Antibes or Juan les Pins, or travel past Nice to the stunning beaches at Villefranche and Cap D'ai, well worth the trip.
Beaches in Antibes
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Plage de la Pierre au Tambour Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Plage de la Pierre au Tambour runs from the port all the way to Antibes and has a busy road and train line running behind it, neither of which you can hear much. If you stand facing the sea and look to your right you can see Antibes and its 16th century fort sticking out from the mainland.
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Plage de la Batterie Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Right beside the marina, Plage de la Batterie (also known as Plage Villeneuve-Loubet) is a pleasant pebble beach with plenty of activities on offer.
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Plage du Fort Carre and Plage de la Fontonne beaches, Biot
Antibes sits at the far end of the Bay of Angels (Baie des Anges), a vast sweep of azure blue sea that washes up on a smooth pebbled shore.
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Plage des Bouches du Loup Beach, Villeneuve Loubet
Palm trees, sparkling blue waves and soft white sand make Plage des Bouches du Loup feel like a tropical paradise.
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Plage de la Gravette Beach
Plage de la Gravette has a lot going for it. It’s wide, sandy and it’s right in the middle of the old town, making it perfect for a quick swim while exploring Antibes, or to spread out with a picnic for the day.
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Blue Flag beaches in Antibes
The FEE (Foundation for Environmental Education) is a non-profit organisation that awards the sought-after Blue Flag label. And if you're planning a visit to Antibes and its beaches you'll be pleased to know that it has some Blue Flag beaches.
Dining in Biot
The French Riviera and Provence is known for its wonderful food and wine, and when staying in Biot this is no exception.
There are plenty of small French bistros with set menus that will serve the traditional Provençal dishes and pizzerias serving freshly made pizzas. If it's a French crépe you're after then we have heard that Auberge du Vieux Village at the entrance to the old village serves a wonderful range, they even do a pizza version, which is their speciality.
Restaurants in Biot
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Les Terraillers Restaurant, Biot
Located a few meters from the steep streets of the village of Biot, the restaurant is housed in an authentic pottery from the sixteenth century.
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Le Jardin du Mas Restaurant, Biot
This restaurant in the village of Biot has a wonderful garden setting with a private pool, fountains and old trees with a magnificent view over the coastline. Provencal-inspired cuisine with a modern twist, the menu is renewed every month.
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Les Arcades Restaurant, Biot
Les Arcades is situated in the medieval village of Biot. There is inside dining plus tables outside under lots of greenery.
Nightlife in Biot
Biot hilltop village is just that, a village, and has little-to-no nightlife apart from a couple of small bars and cafés to drink wine under the stars.
Down on the coast you'll find the vibrant Casino Siesta on the beach which has DJ's and stays open late in the summer, but Biot is not exactly the focal point of nightlife on the Riviera.
Head to Antibes if you want to spend your night in an unpretentious bar, but if you want nightclubs, you'll need to head down the coast to Juan les Pins, Cannes, or to Nice and Monaco in the other direction.
Things to do in Biot
Biot is an extremely interesting and culturally rich place to visit. With a variety of galleries, museums, workshops and shops there is plenty to enjoy and do. There are regular sightseeing tours form the tourist office where experienced guides will take you around this beautiful town. Alternatively you can download a free audio guide to your iPhone or smartphone via the App store or Android store and discover the town at your own pace.
Once you have experienced the culture of Biot, or if the summer heat proves too much, then you can head to the beautiful coast of Antibes. With wonderful beaches only a 10-minute drive away you can enjoy all the activities the sparkling ocean has to offer. Relax on the beach with its gradual sand rolling into the sea it's great for families, and children can splash around in the shallow waters.
If you fancy something more active why not head out into the blue ocean and enjoy some watersports. Wakeboarding, water-skiing and banana boating are among the few you can get wet and enjoy.
With children in tow Marineland waterpark is a must. A short drive from Biot this waterpark has aquariums and there are even some water rides – fun for kids and adults.
If you want to venture further along the coastline then you can hire a yacht or boat for the day. With its amazing ports housing some of the largest boats in Europe you can join in the elite and hop on board and enjoy the wonderful coast for the day. Take a luxurious day trip to the popular St Tropez, explore the lovely towns along the coast or simply anchor out in the ocean and enjoy the peaceful sound of the waves.
Biot has two golf courses very nearby. The 18-hole Biot Golf Course is one of the oldest courses on the Riviera, offering a flat, lovely, (if very short) course of some difficulty. It offers gorgeous views of the old village of Biot, as well as a friendly club which welcomes non-members with a good restaurant, club rental, lessons, driving range and pro-shop. In nearby Sophia Antipolis, you'll find Le Provençal Golf, a 9-hole architect-designed course offering narrow fairways and stunning views of the Alps.
Things To Do in Biot
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Biot Golf Course, Biot
The course of Biot Golf Club extends over 4511m, and has been designed so that it is suitable for players of all levels, but also to enhance the beauty of the site.
Cycling in Biot
Cycling Routes in Antibes
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Antibes to Saint Raphael Cycling Route
There is no other way to discover the stunning coast of the Cote d’Azur than by bike. This bike ride is not the most challenging, as no serious hills are conquered, but it is a stunning way to explore the coastal towns of the Cote d’Azur.
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Cannes to Nice via Antibes
Leaving Cannes and travelling east along the coast allows you to enjoy the Cap de la Croisette just outside of the centre of Cannes as well as the towns, villages and seaside resorts that are scattered along the Cote d'Azur. A good train service ensures that your journey does not need to be a return, but merely a one way trip.
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Col de Vence Cycle Route
A challenging ride up a steep mountain pass to a summit of 963m, the Col de Vence is a classic cycling route of the Cote d’Azur. Starting from Nice along the Promenade des Anglais, follow the cycle path past the airport to Cagnes-Sur-Mer; you’ll know you’ve reached Cagnes-Sur-Mer when you come to a long stretch of seafront and a dangling rhinoceros (you’ll understand when you see it), turn right up Avenue General Leclerc - it’s the second road after the church.
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Hiking in Biot
Walking Routes in Antibes
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Circuit de Cordula
The Cordula was created by the Ligurians, then occupied by the Greeks and Romans before being burned by the Barbarian invasions of the 4th century. The wooded parkland now lies lust north of the coast at Vallauris and offers shade on sunny days.
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Sentier de la Brague Walk
This enjoyable half-day hike follows a river linking two of the region’s most beautiful towns, Valbonne and Biot.
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Tour du Cap d'Antibes
When you think of the Cap d'Antibes you tend to think prestigious villas and residences for billionaires, nestled in the green oasis of the peninsula.
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Le Camp Romain
Perched at nearly 500m above sea level this historical site once housed Romans in tents as they overlooked the land below.
Watersports in Biot
Watersports in Biot
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Stade Nautique Municipal Watersports
If you feel like a change from the beach, take a trip to the local public swimming baths. There is a 25-metre swimming pool inside, plus an outdoor 50-metre pool with a diving board.
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Kayak Hire
Based in Antibes, their kayak & SUP activities extend along the French Riviera and include the Iles de Lerins.
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Easy Dive School, Juan les Pins
Easy Dive is a diving shop and diving centre in Antibes. There are a range of different courses for all levels from complete beginner to advanced and instructor courses.
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Societe des Regates d'Antibes Sailing School
They offer various sailing and windsurfing courses aimed at all ages, from 5 year old children to adults. There is also the possibility of renting a boat, or booking private lessons.
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Diamond Diving School
A small centre that focuses on a personal touch and offers not only beginner diving courses, but PADI certification and also instructor development courses.
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Antibes Jet Passion, Juan les Pins
You can hire a jet ski, or enjoy a guided day out with an instructor who will show you the sites of the wonderful coastline and the islands of the Cote d'Azur.
Villas in Biot
Villas in Biot
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Hsud0054 Villa, Vallauris
In the town of Vallauris, we present the villa "Luma" located in height, without direct vis-à-vis, with a very beautiful sea view, on a plot of 800 m².
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Hsud0080 Villa, Roquefort-les-Pins
At 6km from Valbonne, in the commune of roquefort-les-pins, in a quiet area, charming villa situated on a plot of land of about 2100 m².
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Hsud0818 Villa, Roquefort-les-Pins
In the area of Roquefort les Pins in 6 km from Valbonne, in a residential and green area, nice villa on a land of 2600 m².
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Arte Villa, Biot
In your own artistic villa with contemporary interiors, a stunning pool and unobstructed views of the forest of Valmasque in a region of the French Riviera that so inspired Picasso, Matisse and Miró, you will stay just 18 km from the lively city of Cannes
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Hsud0017 Villa, Vallauris
Located in Vallauris, 10 km from Cannes, in a leafy residential area with sea view, luxurious villa set in 2500 m² of wooded, fenced grounds.
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Hsud0042 Villa, Villeneuve-Loubet
7 km from Antibes, in the village of Villeuneuve-Loubet, in the residential area, beautiful modern villa situated on the plot of 800m².
Holidays Rentals in Biot
Holiday Rentals in Biot
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Hsud0020 Villa
12 km from Cannes, modern villa situated in a residential estate calm on a garden of 1500 m².
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Hsud0080 Villa, Roquefort-les-Pins
At 6km from Valbonne, in the commune of roquefort-les-pins, in a quiet area, charming villa situated on a plot of land of about 2100 m².
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Arte Villa, Biot
In your own artistic villa with contemporary interiors, a stunning pool and unobstructed views of the forest of Valmasque in a region of the French Riviera that so inspired Picasso, Matisse and Miró, you will stay just 18 km from the lively city of Cannes
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Hsud0054 Villa, Vallauris
In the town of Vallauris, we present the villa "Luma" located in height, without direct vis-à-vis, with a very beautiful sea view, on a plot of 800 m².
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Hsud0818 Villa, Roquefort-les-Pins
In the area of Roquefort les Pins in 6 km from Valbonne, in a residential and green area, nice villa on a land of 2600 m².
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Hsud0017 Villa, Vallauris
Located in Vallauris, 10 km from Cannes, in a leafy residential area with sea view, luxurious villa set in 2500 m² of wooded, fenced grounds.
Hotels in Biot
Biot has a number of hotels, B&Bs and apart-hotels where you can stay and enjoy Biot and the surrounding areas.
Hotels in Biot
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Les Arcades Hotel, Biot
In their charming hotel in Biot, you'll find all the peace and comfort you need for a relaxing stay. Les Arcades offers 12 uniquely decorated rooms, each with its own character, right in the heart of the medieval village.
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Le Relais du Postillon Hotel
Nestled in the heart of Antibes, Relais du Postillon is a lovely three-star hotel, offering a romantic escape for couples, families, or business travellers. With its modern amenities and beautiful terraces, it provides a peaceful retreat just steps from the pedestrian zone and the beach.
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Green Side Apartment Residence, Biot
Tucked between the greens of Golf Le Provençal and the sparkling Côte d’Azur coastline, Green Side Biot Sophia Antipolis is a three-star residence offering the ideal balance of comfort, convenience and relaxation. Perfect for business trips or family breaks, it’s just ten minutes from the beach and close to the heart of the Sophia Antipolis technology park.
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La Place Hotel Antibes
Hotel La Place d’Antibes offers a welcoming, homely atmosphere in the heart of Antibes, with comfortable rooms and friendly three-star services. Perfect for both business and leisure stays, this charming hotel is close to the old town, making it a great base to explore the region.
How to get to Biot
There is a train station at Biot on the seafront, but be aware that Biot is actually a town of two parts: new Biot on the coast (where the train station is) and the old village up on the hill, which is almost certainly what you've come to see.
There is a bus (no.10) running between the train station and the old village, but check times before you go, particularly on Sundays when there's a very limited schedule. Many a grumpy tourist before you has been stuck with the 4km long hot walk in the sun up to the village! There's also a bus that passes through old Biot from Nice or Cannes (no.200), but be aware that it's much slower than the train.
Transfers for Antibes
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Private airport transfers
From Nice airport to Antibes, they handle the rest. The Côte d’Azur's most trusted private transfers.
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Private Jet and Helicopter Transfers
With an International fleet of jets and helicopters based across Europe it is quick and easy to get a private charter flight for business, pleasure or an airport transfer.
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Helicopter Transfers and Scenic Flights
With a long history and experience in the VIP transport industry this company is proud of its personal and high-quality services.
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Helicopter Airport Transfers & Scenic Flights
Created in 1976 this company has grown and has now transported well over 100,000 passengers. They have a fleet of 12 craft to meet client demands.
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Chabe Airport Transfers
Chabe Transfers are a renowned luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the French Riviera.
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Helicopter Charter Flights
Heli Securite offer transfers on a helicopter from the airport to your yacht or various destinations in and around the Cannes area, St Tropez and Monaco. In addition to this they also service all of the main French ski resorts from their base in Courchevel.
Property For Sale in Biot
Property for Sale in Biot
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Villa for Sale
Villas/apartments with sea view walking distance from the village
Villa for Sale
€1,130,000 -
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Villa for Sale
Villas/apartments with sea view walking distance from the village
Villa for Sale
€585,000 -
Villa for Sale
Villas/apartments with sea view walking distance from the village
Villa for Sale
€1,070,000
