Skip to main content

Salernes

Small village famous for its pottery and ceramics

Featured in
Towns & Villages
Updated

Salernes has a wonderful position in a fertile valley, where the hills are covered with pine trees, leafy oaks and olive groves.

At firsty glance, Salernes doesn't seem to have much to offer the casual visitor, but it's actually rather famous for its pottery and ceramics.

Jump to

  1. History & Culture in [locality]
  2. Sights & Attractions in [locality]
  3. Dining in [locality]
  4. Events in [locality]
  5. Things to do in [locality]
  6. Cycling in [locality]
  7. Hiking in [locality]
  8. Yachts & Sailing in [locality]
  9. Watersports in [locality]
  10. Families in [locality]
  11. Nightlife in [locality]
  12. Chalets in [locality]
  13. Villas in [locality]
  14. Holidays Rentals in [locality]
  15. Hotels in [locality]
  16. Campsites in [locality]
  17. How to get to [locality]
  18. Property For Sale in [locality]

History & Culture in [locality]

Local clays have been utilised in pottery since 5BC, where pots were made for cooking and food storage. The tradition continued through the Middle Ages and only stepped up a gear in the 18th century when production became more commercial.

Thanks to its wealth of natural resources (iron-rich clay, water and wood for fuel), Salernes was able to manufacture big volumes of the renowned red hexagonal 'Tomette' floor tiles and the industry continued to grow until the mid 20th century, when competition from abroad really kicked in.

Today, there are around a dozen manufacturers, with many more ceramic workshops throughout the village and surrounding area. For more on the history and production of pottery in Salernes, visit the ceramic museum - Museum Terra Rossa which is located just on the outskirts of Salernes.

Sights & Attractions in [locality]

Salernes has some charming streets and fountains, and there are ruins of a 13th century castle overlooking the town (go to the top of the hill and then double-back on yourself, duck under a barrier onto a farm track that will take you to the ruins).

The castle burned down in the 17th century and was never restored. The remaining ruins are now rather neglected and are surrounded by wild grasses, but you do get great views of the town and surrounding countryside.

Sights in Provence

See all Sights in Provence

Dining in [locality]

Restaurants in Provence

See all Restaurants in Provence

Events in [locality]

The market is held on Wednesdays and Sundays in the long and shady main square and is a bustling affair where you can buy local produce and the town's famous ceramics. The square is also a good place to grab a drink and enjoy the sights of local life in this traditional Provençal town.

Events in Provence

See all Events in Provence

Things to do in [locality]

You can follow a marked tourist walking tour that takes you around the main points of interest. The Romanesque church, Saint Pierre, dates back to the 13th century and features a 17th century campanile.

There are many artisan ('atelier' is artist's studio in French) shops specialising in ceramics where you can browse for unique pieces. The Museum Terra Rossa which is just on the outskirts of town will teach you about the history of pottery in the local area, and there is a large showroom/shop here too.

To the north of Salernes off the road to Villecroze is a park and picnic area along the banks of the river Vallon de la Brague. The area is known as Saint Barthelemy, and is a popular place for locals and visitors alike. As well as some gentle splashing in the river, there are caves that run alongside the river which are fun to explore. You can also walk here from Salernes - the trail starts by the football field in the north east of Salernes and is around 3km. The trail continues on to Aups if you're looking for a longer hike.

Things To Do in Provence

See all Things To Do in Provence

Cycling in [locality]

Cycling Routes in Provence

See all Cycling Routes in Provence

Hiking in [locality]

Walking Routes in Provence

See all Walking Routes in Provence

Yachts & Sailing in [locality]

Watersports in [locality]

Watersports in Provence

See all Watersports in Provence

Nightlife in [locality]

Bars & Clubs in Provence

See all Bars & Clubs in Provence

Chalets in [locality]

Chalets in Provence

See all Chalets in Provence

Villas in [locality]

Villas in Provence

See all Villas in Provence

Holidays Rentals in [locality]

Holiday Rentals in Provence

See all Holiday Rentals in Provence

Hotels in [locality]

Hotels in Provence

See all Hotels in Provence

Campsites in [locality]

How to get to [locality]

Transfers for Provence

See all Transfers for Provence

Property For Sale in [locality]

Property for Sale in Provence

See all Property for Sale in Provence

Location

Map of the surrounding area

Latest News & Reviews

Find out all about what is happening in Provence and how to make the most of your time here. The latest news, reviews of fun activities, current events and the trendiest restaurants, as well as interviews with leading locals, insider's guides and our top choices for things to do, see and experience in this picturesque French region.

See allLatest News & Reviews
Splashworld Provence, Monteux
24 Hours in Avignon in 2018
Top 5 spa breaks in Provence for 2019
Unique Provence wedding venues for 2019

Upcoming Events

Provence has a busy calendar of events all year round featuring art exhibitions, charming markets, cultural festivals and concerts. Spring and autumn are the time to celebrate local produce while during the peak holiday times, in the summer months, you will find world-renowned music and cultural events like the Choregies d'Orange or the Avignon Festival.

See allUpcoming Events
Jazz musicians
the main market square in sarlat la caneda
A trail runner in the mountains of Sospel
Cadenet Farmers Market in Provence
Chestnut Festival, Collobrieres
Liszt Festival, Uchaux