Artisan Atelier Visits

In actual fact, there is more to Biot glass than the classic air bubble technique used by its glassmakers. The Riviera town of Biot is renowned the world over for its glasswork of all styles and techniques. Since 1956, Biot has been renowned in the world of glassblowing. The Biot specialty, bubble glass, and the technique developed by the engineer Éloi Monod, trained an entire generation of craftspeople and artists. Today, glass art works have not only forged the reputation of the village but are also its pride.

In the late 1950s, Éloi Monod began using the bubble glass technique to transform flaws into assets: a bubble is intentionally trapped in the glass, becoming an aesthetic element. Today, these bubbles are skilfully designed and have made the village of Biot famous around the world for its hand-blown glass.

n 1997, Biot earned the “Arts and Crafts City” label for its glass crafts, symbolising both its know-how and traditions.

Arts and crafts, belonging to both the economic and cultural realms, carry the identity of Biot, with a sociocultural aspect that the label brings with it. Up to the 18th century, the Biot Vase was exported around the world. Today, it has become a decorative object, but is still honoured at the Biot History and Ceramic Museum and during events organised in the town.