Salernes
Small village famous for its pottery and ceramics
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.
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 & Sites-
Le Musee du Tire-Bouchon, Menerbes
A private collection of ornate, unusual and ancient corkscrews in the vineyards of the Domaine de La Citadelle.
-
Saint Michel Church
At the centre of the town's activity, the Church of Saint-Michel opens on to a square crossed by one of the main roads.
-
Musee des Aromes et du parfum, Graveson-en-provence
Between Alpilles and Montagnette, near Les Baux-de-Provence and St. Remy, the Museum of Aroma and Perfume Graveson-en-Provence welcomes you to the land of fragrances. For nearly twenty years in the former cellars of the Abbey of Saint Michel de Frigolet.
-
Atelier Cezanne
Cezannes studio was created in Aix-en-Provence in 1902 and this is where he worked until he died in 1906.
-
Musee de la Lavande
This a popular museum to visit for anyone following the Lavender routes around Provence, attracting around 50,000 visitors per year.
-
Musée Calvet Fine Art and Archeology
The Calvet Museum today houses works of art from the 16th to 20th century, and holds innumerable collections donated or bequeathed by patrons, art lovers and collectors, such as Baron de Montfaucon, Esprit Requien, Noël Biret, the Montlaur family, and recently Marcel Puech.
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 Calendar-
a-part Festival, Les Alpilles region
'a-part' re-invents nature and surrounding landscapes with contemporary art that invigorates your senses, promoting new artists alongside established names.
-
Reves de Camargue Horse Show
Come and watch this memorable horse show with dancing horses and cowboys at the Mas des Jasses de la Ville/Manade Fernay.
-
Markets in Provence
Read our Provence markets page to find out which market to visit when in Provence. From the vibrant array of local produce to the delightful scent of freshly baked delicacies, visiting a Provencal market is an absolute must for anyone exploring the charms of Provence.
-
Fête du Romerage
A very traditional religious parade accompanied by folk dancing and music, and finished with three short theatre pieces.
-
Liszt en Provence festival, Uchaux
Uchaux is the venue for this series of summer concerts that celebrates the music of Liszt. Set in the fabulous grounds of Chateau Saint Esteve, the venue could not be more magical or romantic.
-
Jazz à Saint Rémy
This modern revival of the jazz festivals of the 70s and 80s is held under the stars in St Rémy.
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 Activities & Trips-
Wave Island Waterpark, Monteux
This huge waterpark covers an area of 4.7 hectares and includes a surf simulator, waterslides and a river feature called river land.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, St Cyr Sur Mer
Aqualand in St Cyr Sur Mer offer you 11 wicked slides in a great park environment with drinks, food, and shops for you to enjoy.
-
Domaine Le Sagittaire Waterpark, Nyons
In the depths of the Drôme countryside in the French Provence, this 5 Star Residential Campsite comes complete with an entirely heated Aquatic Complex, which is open to the public.
-
Nyonsoleiado Waterpark, Nyons
Waterpark complex that contains a lagoon, 25m pool, whirlpool basin, waterslides for children and adults, cascades of water, rivers, paddling pools and much more.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, Frejus
With numerous slides, including the King Cobra - unique is western Europe - this is the largest waterpark on the Cote d'Azur! Inludes a rest area, show area, clockroom, fast food, grill and pizzeria, ice creams, drinks, and shop.
-
Aqualand Waterpark, Sainte Maxime
This is probably the most family orientated waterpark on the Cote d'Azur. With several friendly slides, a fun pool, food and drinks, ice creams, and shopping all at hand.
Hotels in [locality]
Hotels in Provence
See all Hotels-
Le Clos des Lavandes B&B
In the heart of the Luberon National Park, a beautiful and charming B&B welcomes you for a relaxing stay.
Price: €974
-
Hotel du Parc, Fontaine de Vaucluse
Located in the Luberon region in the heart of Provence this charming hotel sits in grounds of 6000m2.
-
Europe Hotel
The former residence of the Marquis of Graveson, the Hotel d'Europe is a luxury residence in the centre of Avignon.
-
La Bastide de Marie B&B, Menerbes
This lovely B&B has 15 rooms and is set in 57 acres of vineyards. Each bedroom has its own charm and character, decorated in ecclectic antique furniture.
-
Chateau de Varenne Hotel, Sauveterre
This charming hotel is housed in a former XVIIIth century residence, on a beautiful green three-hectare estate above the small village of Sauveterre in the heart of Provence.
-
Les Bories Spa Hotel, Gordes
A five star hotel with 33 bedrooms and seven suites in the heart of beautiful Luberon. Les Bories sits in eight hectares of gardens and grounds and is close to the famous village of Gordes.
How to get to [locality]
Transfers for Provence
See all Airport Transfers-
Avignon City Taxis
Avignon City Taxis at your disposal 24/7 for taxi services and transfers airports and railway stations in Avignon and in the entire region.
-
Radio Aixois Taxi
49 air-conditioned vehicles at your disposal for local transport, airport and rail station transfers, and touristic excursions.
-
Les Marseillais Taxi, Marseille
300 vehicles at your disposal. All taxi services and transfers airports and Railway stations.
-
Events-Cars Taxi, Grigan
Events-Cars offer luxury taxi and transfer services across the South of France. They also cater for special events.
-
Chabe Airport Transfers, Marseille
Chabe Transfers are a well known luxury transfer and taxi service operating in the South of France.
-
Helicopter Leisure Flights & Transfers, Marseille
Helitec caters for all your helicopter needs from passenger transport to aerial photography, filming, transport of heavy goods, leisure flights over Provence and the South of France. A great way to see the most beautiful spots from the air.
Property For Sale in [locality]
Property for Sale in Provence
See all Property For Sale-
Villa for Sale
Located in a sought-after area not far from Gigaro beach, this plot offers open views of the sea (on a side) and countryside.
Price: €756,000
-
Villa for Sale
Magnificent renovated farm house just a few minutes from Pampelonne beach and Saint-Tropez
Price: €5,490,000
-
Chalet for Sale, Val d'Isere
Exquisite and exclusive new development of ski-in, ski out chalet-style apartments
Price: €16,900,000
-
Villa for Sale
Contemporary villa with exceptional views - sea and countryside - near Pampelonne and L’Escalet.
Price: €18,000,000
-
New development for Sale, Val d'Isere
A first and second floor apartment in a brand new development in the heart of Le Fornet
Price: €4,150,000
-
Villa for Sale
A newly built villa ideally located within walking distance from the town and beaches.
Price: €3,045,000