Area Information

We've put some basic information on the area on this page for our American friends. Below is information on the location in the Riviera and a bit of history of the Biot village.

Biot lies just inland of the Mediteranean coast in the southeast corner of France, and southwest of Nice. The area is commonly called the "Côde d'Azur" (blue coast) and the "French Riviera." It is part of the Provence region.

Provence is situated in the sun-blessed southeast corner of France, edged to the south by the Mediterranean. It's most illustrious stretch of coastline, roughly from Menton to Bandol, is also known as the Côde d'Azur although the nearer to Italy it gets, the more likely it is to be referred to as the Riviera. To the east are Italy and the Alps, to the west, the Rhône river. The region covers an area of over 30,000 sq. km (18,650 sq miles) with a population of about 4.25 million.

Eyewitness Travel Guides, Provence
DK Publishing

Biot (the final "t" is voiced) is a picturesque village on rising ground some 4km (2.5m) inland. But flowers–roses, carnations, mimosa and anemones–are grown here for market. Since 1960 its name has been closely linked to that of Fernand Léger.

2500 years of history – There is evidence of settlement by the Celto-Ligurians, Greeks and Romans from finds made in the area and in the La Brague plain. In 1209 the Templars took over from the local lords and unified the village. In 1312 the deeds passed to the Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem and order reigned. In the 14th century, Biot suffered from the Black Death and warring factions; the decline was reversed only following an edict promugulated in 1470 by Good King René allowing 40 families from Oneglia and the Porto Maurizion (now Imperia on the Ligurian Coast) to settle in the village.

Crafts – Biot has long been known for its pottery and the area is rich in clay, sand, manganese and volcanic tufa (stone used for ovens). Amphorae from Biot were very popular until the mid-18th century and were exported through the ports of Antibes and Marseille. It has now diversified and has developed into an important craft centre.

The Green Guide, French Riviera
Michelin Travel Publications