Description: This Mediterranean village sits on the top of the hill like many others in the area. But this hilltop town always attracted artists and artisans. As far back as Roman times,
Biot was a Potters' Village. In the 15th century, it was decimated by the plague and was completely repopulated by 48 families from Genoa. As a result, Biot then continued to flourish thanks to trade with the Genoese. Towards the end of the 19th century, clay pots used for transporting foods were gradually falling into disuse. It was not until the middle of the 20th century that Biot resumed its expansion, with the development of glassworks and decorative pottery. Its glassware is typically a clear or colored transparent glass with little bubbles. Yes, you can buy its amazing bubble-flecked products at several local stores. One of the most popular is Verrerie de Biot at 5 Chemin Combes. This Glass Factory/History Museum of Biot is worth the €5 guided tour and allows you to peak into the lives of glass artisans and the process of glass-making.
What makes Biot different from other hilltop towns in the area is amazing Fernand Léger Museum (1km southwest of the town center towards the coast). You will not miss it – a huge mural made by the artist, it's easy recognizable from the distance. The famous artist made his first ceramics here in 1949.
In the beginning of his artistic career Fernand Léger (1881-1955) was a major figure in the development of cubism; later he concentrated more on urban and machine imagery. During the Second World War Léger lived in the USA and taught at Yale University. His painting at this time consisted of compositions featuring mainly acrobats and cyclists. After his return to France in 1945 his works reflected more prominently his political interest in the working classes. The museum was built in 1957 on the initiative of his wife Nadia. It houses a unique collection of his works tracing the stages in Léger’s artistic career from 1905 to 1955.
Open year-round every day except Tuesday, 10am – 12:30pm, 2pm – 5:30pm. Admission €4 adults; €2.60 students. Remember, though, that Biot is not on the coast. The Biot train station is on the main Cannes-Nice rail line, but it's on the coast 4km from the village. The museum is 2km from the station.
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