The history of the world-famous Biot Glassworks began in 1956, thanks to ceramic engineer Éloi Monod and his wife Luce.
The Monods’ work instilled an entire generation, starting with their own children and then training the young apprentices who came to them to learn the techniques and glowing magic of glassblowing.
In Biot, you can visit authentic glassworks, where the famous Biot glass is created. But you can also relive the history of the art of glassmaking, which began with the adventure of Éloi Monod and his students, and discover how the techniques made gave the village its cultural identity. Indeed, since the late 1950s, Éloi Monod perfected the bubble glass technique, also known as “malfin” (imperfect), which consists of transforming a defect into quality: trapped on purpose, the bubble becomes an aesthetic asset… By now, it is these bubbles, expertly crafted, that make the village of Biot famous in the world of blown glass.
Constantly evolving, the art of glassmaking is also a source of inspiration for events that allow Biot to pay tribute to the talent of its artisans. Whether local, national, or international in scope, the events that bring the village to life highlight the art and technique of Biot’s glassworks while offering the public the chance to discover the precision and aesthetics of glassmaking. One event not to be missed is the Biot International Glass Festival, an opportunity to discover the creations of French and international master glassmakers. The festival offers exhibitions, art market, open-air glassblowing, activities for the public, film screenings, lectures, glass workshop visits and demonstrations.