In the twelve years that I have lived on the Côte d'Azur, I have heard about the famous Verrerie de Biot. However, I had never taken the time to visit it... It is now done! Follow me to the temple of glass, to discover a unique know-how.
At ten o'clock at the end of July, I decided to arrive just in time for the opening of La Verrerie. In Biot, the site is very well indicated. Upon arrival, the car park is large and even shaded in places. As I got out of the car, I was immediately struck by the location. We are at the foot of the medieval village whose pretty facades lined with vegetation can be admired. First building that comes my way: the International Glass Gallery. Here, since 1977, glass artists have exhibited their works there... Serge Lechaczynski shares his love of art, man and virtuoso craftsman through permanent exhibitions, highlights and the “Verriales” as well. At the beginning of July, for 35 years, these groups have brought together more than thirty artists (emerging or renowned) around a theme that is always renewed. An event where excellence is at the rendezvous between quality, diversity and creativity. After this nice visit, I went through the doors of the glass factory by entering directly into the glassmakers' hall...
A Living Workshop
The workshop allows you to admire first-hand all the know-how of the glassblowing artisans at La Verrerie. Facing us, and without losing focus for a second, these artists reveal to us one by one the stages of glass manufacturing and harvesting, carried out in two stages by the kid (apprentice glassmaker) who rolls and blows the post office, sketches the line, before letting the master glassmaker give the shape. The latter balances, turns the cane to round or extend the piece, before blowing the glass. It is then put in a pontil (placed on an iron bar) and heated by the apprentice in order to be finalized by the glassmaker (trimming, cuts) then put in the ark (oven at 500°) for six hours.
These demonstrations, which take place all day long, amaze young and old alike! They are complemented by illustrated panels that explain each of the steps precisely.
Becoming a master glassmaker means devoting ten years of your life to learning a skill, and all those that remain to sublimate it. Through seven acts, which are as many degrees to obtain, the master glassmaker learns to tell stories with fire. By blowing glass hot and cold to give it shape, this artist-craftsman transmits a thousand-year-old heritage with his own sensitivity.
Bubble and Fluorescent Glass
Since its creation in 1956, Verrerie de Biot has proudly carried on the tradition of French craftsmanship. She is a master in tableware by dressing the country's tablecloths with audacity and simplicity, adapting to everyone's tastes. The glasses, carafes, candle jars of all shapes and colors of the Mediterranean, illuminate the huge shop and its charming patio. We don't know where to look... Tables set with glass and also acrylic elements (with the Pool line) inspire us and make us want to brighten our meals...
As I walked, I was in front of a black curtain. Above it says “Come in.” Of course my curiosity is quick to execute! She and I were not disappointed... As we slowly entered the small room, the light suddenly went out. The plates, glasses and vases placed on tables immediately light up in... fluorescent! This magical luminescent show is designed by Jean-Claude Novaro (1943-2014). This glass artist donated his invention to the Ecomuseum, which markets it. As remarkable as the bubble glass created by Eloi Monod, which made Biot world famous, this concept of “shiny glass” has already attracted a large number of personalities including Prince Albert of Monaco, Robert De Niro, Jean Reno and Mike Tyson. On site, the Jean-Claude Novaro gallery reveals other superb works by the artist.
Did you know that the soul of glassware is in a very small bubble? An original imperfection that two families knew how to interpret and magnify, in order to create a difference and give life to unique bubble glass creations. A member of the Federation of Eco-museums and Society Museums, the Biot Glass Ecomuseum aims to highlight and promote the tradition of glass. Introductory courses (over two days) are in particular offered with a master glassmaker and allow you to make your own piece (price: 890€). Faster and less expensive, the “Blowing your glass” workshop (68 €) is accessible from 6 years old and also allows you to leave with your creation. A great gift idea!
You will find the creations of La Verrerie de Biot on large tables in the region, among them: the Cheval Blanc Saint-Tropez, the Hotel Barrière Le Majestic Cannes, the Maybourne Riviera in Monaco, and many others!
Biot glassware
Chemin des Combes, 06410 BIOT,
Tel.: 04 93 65 03 00
More info on: https://www.verreriebiot.com/
Pictures: © Anne Tabourel
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