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Origin and history

The Saint-Roch de Biot chapel, located in the Alpes-Maritimes, probably dates back to the 15th century. This small square-plan building, evoking more of an oratory than a traditional chapel, was originally open on three sides and vaulted with warheads. Its façade bears an inscription dated 1580, including the initials "O.P.N." for Ora Pro Nobis (Pray for us) and "B.R.A.", interpreted as Beata Regina Angelorum (Blessed Queen of the Angels). Saint Roch, a protector invoked against the plague, was especially venerated in this region hit by nine epidemics in two centuries.

During the French Revolution, the chapel was sold as a national property. She changed her hands several times: bought by Lambert Geoffroy, Mayor of Biot, she was then transferred to Antoine Cavasse under the Executive Board, before finally being handed over to the commune. This monument, a symbol of local devotion to the scourges, was inscribed in historical monuments on December 10, 1949.

The building illustrates Provence's modest religious architecture, marked by both spiritual and community functions. Its restoration and preservation testify to its heritage importance for the city of Biot and the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

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