Biot Relives the Middle Ages: Templars’ 10th Edition Honors Forgotten Women of History

From April 10 to 12, 2026, the village of Biot will travel back eight centuries for the 10th edition of “Biot et les Templiers”, the large-scale historical reenactment recognized as the most attended event on the French Riviera in a single weekend.

For three days, the village streets will become a 13th-century citadel, featuring medieval encampments, knight tournaments, artisans, costume parades, and immersive shows. Following the success of 2023, with over 100,000 visitors, the 2026 edition aims to surpass expectations with an even more spectacular program and exciting novelties.

2026 Theme: “La Femme et le Temple”

At the heart of the festival is “La Femme et le Temple”, a theme designed to highlight the role of women in the Middle Ages and their connection to the Templar Order.

Although Templar rules, influenced by Bernard of Clairvaux and Hugues de Payns, prohibited female knights, women played key roles as donors, estate administrators, protectors, and sometimes “sisters” acknowledged in historical sources. Figures such as Eleanor of Aquitaine, Hildegard of Bingen, and Blanche of Castile show that the Middle Ages were not solely a male world.

Even in Biot, in the former castrum of Buzot, women appear in records as guarantors, heirs, and supporters of Templar commanderies. The 2026 edition will feature lectures, shows, and reenactments focusing on this often-overlooked aspect of history.

Shows, Fire, and Videomapping

Highlights include performances by the Italian flag-waving troupe Gruppo Asta, two evening fire shows, and the historical videomapping by Gaspare Di Caro, projecting 27,000 square meters of 3D animations onto the village façades, one of the largest in Europe.

Visitors will also experience equestrian tournaments with Chevaux de Prestige, a night torch parade, a Templar knight investiture ceremony, and over 150 hours of total programming.

A Journey into the 13th Century

The festival traces its roots to 1209, when Count Alfonso II of Provence granted part of Biot’s lands to the Templars.

Founded in 1118 to protect pilgrims traveling to Jerusalem, the Templar Order spread across Europe, establishing thousands of commanderies before its suppression by Philip IV of France in 1307.

Today, this history is brought to life in an event that blends historical accuracy and spectacular performances, featuring over 30 companies from 18 European countries, 500 participants, a medieval market with 70 stalls, and hundreds of period costumes available for visitors.

For three days, Biot becomes an open-air time machine, where history is experienced through drums, clashing swords, and the scent of spices, once again making the French Riviera the beating heart of the Middle Ages.