Get ready to revisit the distant past as the French town of Biot dons its medieval finery for three days of fun and festivities, including jousting and war games, at the Biot and the Templars festival.
From 4th to 6th April, Biot will be transported back to the medieval era, a time when the Knights Templar roamed and dominated in this little corner of France. Whether you’re a history buff, a fan of live-action roleplay or simply looking for something different for a family day out, Biot et les Templiers is an unmissable event.
Attracting over 100,000 visitors each year, the festivities typically kick off with a grand opening ceremony, followed by the iconic torchlit procession through the village on 4th April, signalling the start of all things 13th century. Then the party really gets started as an exciting new battle format shakes up the medieval war games.
20 troupes from across Europe will descend upon Biot to showcase their skills, including the renowned English troupe, The Squires of History, who will be making their debut at the festival. Spectators will be able to watch as four historic factions—England, France, the Order of the Temple of Solomon and the Ottoman Empire—clash in battles of skill and strategy, with the goal of knocking off the crest of the opposing team. Catch these epic duels on 5th April at 11am, 1.45pm and 5.40pm, as well as on 6th April at 10am, 1.45pm and 5.10pm, all at the Campement de la Fontanette.
An equestrian show is also part of the action: the Chevaux de Prestige will be setting the night ablaze—quite literally. On the evenings of 4th and 5th April, the festival’s closing act will feature a breathtaking blend of equine mastery and daring stunts. With fire-eaters and mounted torchbearers, this thrilling display will take place under the starlit sky. Join the show at 9.30pm at the Campement de la Fontanette. Daytime stunt-riding shows will also take place on 4th April at 12.30pm and 5th April at 11.15am.
This year, visitors will also be able to witness authentic period war machines in action with live demonstrations of medieval weapons, from ballistas and catapults to bombards, which once launched massive cannonballs at enemy fortresses. Catch this on 5th April at 10am and 3.15pm, and 6th April at 12.30pm.
A brand-new addition to the show’s programme is Accrotour, an attraction that dares participants aged five and up to scale an 11-meter tower while harnessed, testing both agility and bravery.
Making a triumphant return is also Europe’s largest projection mapping show. On the evenings of 4th and 5th April at 9pm, the village will transform into a canvas for an audiovisual spectacle called The Awakening of the Templar.
Meanwhile, those eager to indulge in authentic medieval flavours will find five taverns and 15 restaurants serving up dishes from the era, cooked in traditional cauldrons and brimming with rustic charm.
So dust off thy medieval knight and lady kit and get thee to the Biot and the Templars festival. For a full programme and more information on this free event, click here.
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Photo source: Ville de Biot