Glass, pottery, and other crafts are your best bet in Biot. In the late 1940s, glassmakers created a bubble-flecked glass known as verre rustique. It comes in brilliant colors such as cobalt and emerald and is displayed in many store windows on the main shopping street, rue Saint-Sebastien. Interesting stores are also found in the pedestrian zone in Biot's historic center. Stroll along some of the oldest streets, such as place des Arcades. Most of the glassworks, and many shops selling glass, are at the lower (southern) side of town, beside the Route de la Mer.
Pascal Guyot shows off his colorful creations at the Verrerie du Village, 2 rue St-Sébastien (tel. 04-93-65-06-50; www.verrerieguyot.com), where you can watch glass being blown in the neighboring atelier.
Glass artist Jean-Claude Novaro is known as the "Picasso of glass artists"; visit his gallery, Galerie Jean-Claude Novaro (also known as Galerie LePatrimoine Lea Novaro), 2 place des Arcades (tel. 04-93-65-60-23 or 06-12-78-27-27) to see his creations. His works are pretty and colorful, though sometimes lacking the diversity and intellectual flair of the artists displayed at the Galerie International du Verre.
Stop by Le Mas des Orangers (tel. 04-93-65-18-10; www.lemasdesorangers.com) on rue Roses (just off rue St-Sébastien) for olive oils, jams, candles, and other citrus-scented goodies.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
