Biot, Medieval hilltop commune in French Riviera, France
Biot is an elevated village between Nice and Cannes featuring narrow stone streets and traditional Provençal buildings surrounded by Mediterranean plants. The community hosts several glassmaking workshops and parts of the Sophia Antipolis technology park within its boundaries.
The Knights Templar received Biot as a gift from the Count of Provence in 1209, leading to the construction of the central square, church, and first dwellings. This founding shaped the settlement pattern and architecture that defines the village today.
Local glassmakers still practice traditional techniques in workshops throughout the village, where visitors can watch artisans at work. This craft has shaped the community's identity and attracts people interested in seeing how these pieces are created by hand.
Visitors should explore the narrow streets on foot, as driving through the cramped lanes is challenging. The workshops and shops are scattered throughout the village, so plan enough time and wear comfortable shoes for walking.
The eastern section of the village sits on ancient volcanic flows, where geological formations and extraction sites reveal the region's volcanic past. These underground layers tell a story millions of years old.
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