It’s the grand return of the medieval festival “Biot and the Templars, the legacy of the 13th century.” From today, Friday March 31st until Sunday April 2nd, the village invites young and old to immerse themselves in the heart of the Middle Ages.
Equip yourself with your helmet, don your armor, and your cross-adorned coat of arms, it’s time to travel back in time. Proud of its heritage, for this 7th edition, the City of Glassmakers is honoring the Templars, guardians of traditions. To make the illusion as faithful to historical reality as possible, 25 troupes from 13 European countries are present to demonstrate and teach you the customs of these mysterious knights.
The immersion is meant to be complete; for three days, the town in the Maralpine region transforms into a medieval city. On the program: equestrian shows, artisans, combat reenactments, tournaments, camps, medieval market, period music. A change of scenery is planned from Friday, 6:30 PM for the grand opening evening. The historical event, absent for nine years, continues until Sunday 6 PM for the closing ceremony.
800 years of History
“The Templars are part of the history of Biot, it is our history, it belongs to us,” rejoices Jean-Pierre Dermit, the mayor of the town, departmental councilor of the Alpes-Maritimes, and vice-president of the Sophia Antipolis Agglomeration Community.
Some Knights of the Order of the Templar settled in Biot in March 1209. They remained there for a century, visibly marking its territory. “The current outlines of Biot are drawn thanks to the acquisitions and donations of the Templars,” explains the mayor.
Practical Information and Accessibility
The entry to the event is 100% free and open to all. The festivities are spread over two locations, two dynamic camps: Fontanette and the Arcades. You will find the artisan market on the road to the sea, between Biot 3000 and the crossroads of the 4 paths. 150 hours of activities are planned, and the detailed program can be consulted online here.
For those looking to “eat or quench their great thirst,” visitors can find “5 taverns scattered throughout the city, offering dishes cooked in pots staying true to the spirit of the time.” Nearby restaurants are also getting involved to make sure the immersion extends to your taste buds.
More than 2000 parking spaces and free shuttles are provided, on Saturday April 1st and Sunday April 2nd: see free parking and shuttles and details on traffic and parking in Biot.
