In the south-east of France, in Provence, where the picturesque town of Biot is located on the top of a hill, since the XII century it has been the keeper of historical and architectural monuments.
In the very center of the village there is a magnificent Arkad Square, which consists of the most beautiful ancient arches. Here you can also see the church created by Thaddeus Nigerus in 1506, as evidenced by the inscriptions on the portal. Once upon a time, the walls of the church were decorated with frescoes. But at the behest of the Grasse bishop at the end of the 17th century, they were erased "for obscenity."
Since ancient times, Biot has been considered a city of artisans. The locals used the rich deposits of sand, manganese and clay to make ceramic pots and vases for storing wine and olives. The goods were sent by merchants from the port of Antibes for sale to different cities and countries.
Glassblowers Biota
By the 18th century, pottery was gradually replaced by a more elegant craft - the manufacture of glassware. Currently, Biot, which has no more than ten thousand inhabitants, is known far beyond the borders of France, thanks to the "bubble glass" technique. Original products create the visual illusion that the vessel is full of champagne. In their work, craftsmen use ancient production secrets.
A memorable event for guests of the city is a visit to the artisan workshop of glassblowers La Verrerie de Biot, where from beginning to end you can observe the fascinating process of making real works of art - decorative items, vases, jugs, bottles, glasses. For a reasonable fee, anyone can participate in the magic of glassmaking and create a one-of-a-kind product that will be a real reminder of an exciting excursion. Those who wish can visit the shop where you can buy glassware and souvenirs of all colors, sizes and shapes with branded biotic bubbles.
Of great interest to lovers of avant-garde art is the Museum of Fernand Léger, who lived and worked in these places until his death. The museum is located 6 kilometers from Biot. Its facade is decorated with very colorful mosaics. The exposition includes more than 350 works - ceramics, carpets, paintings.
On the outskirts of Biot, another local attraction is the remarkable beauty of the bonsai arboretum, covering an area of more than 2000 square meters. The Bonsai Museum, opened here in 1990 by the son of the founder of the arboretum, Jean Okonek, is justly proud of its collection of miniature copies of Mediterranean plants and the largest bonsai coniferous forest in Europe. Here you can not only see, but also buy a tiny copy of the tree, as well as get advice from a specialist in cultivation and care.
In addition to Japanese miniature trees, the townspeople grow a large number of roses and carnations. The town is literally buried in flowers and greenery.
For travelers - lovers of small, quiet towns with their own traditions, Biot will be an amazing discovery and will occupy its niche in the list of places where you want to return.
