Salernes

Visit Salernes, Provence

Salernes is a town in the Upper Var region of Provence between Entrecasteaux and Aups, in a picturesque setting in the valley of the Bresque river.

The town is best known for its tradition of tile making, especially for the trademark terracotta floor tiles of Provence - hexagonal tiles known as tomettes. The  industry, dating back 200 years, is still active around the town today (you will see the smoke from the kilns in various places around the town).

Exploring Salernes

In the old town of Salernes you can explore the narrow streets of the medieval centre that grew up around the castle.

In the streets note particularly the several fountains that are found in the town eg in the Place de la Revolution), before stopping in one of the many cafes to be found around the central square, lined with plane trees.

The 13th century Church of Saint-Pierre is in roman style and has a tower with one of Provences' trademark wrought iron campaniles.

The ruins of the chateau at Salernes stand above the top of the village and offer good views across the rooftops. The origins of the castle are unknown, but it is believed to have existed by the 11th century. The ruined towers were all that remains of the castle after a fire in the 17th century.

Just below the village you can see an ancient stone bridge, then explore along the pretty shady valley and little caves of Saint-Bartholomew - a good place for the children to run around exploring and to paddle in the river. Be sure to bring a picnic.

Attractions close to Salernes

Less visited than some parts of Provence, this is a good region to discover traditional Provencal towns and villages - there are many in the surrounding region. These include Tourtour, a listed 'most beautiful village in France' just a few kilometres from Salernes.

We also recommend you visit the roman style 12th century abbey at Le Thoronet, where substantial parts of the original abbey complex to be seen, including the cloisters and the large abbey church.

Suggested places to visit near Salernes, France

Distances shown are direct, driving distances will be greater.

More suggestions: Lorgues 12km; Flayosc 13km; Barjols 18km; Draguignan 19km; Les-Arcs-sur-Argens 22km; Saint-Maximin-la-Sainte-Baume 32km; Riez 32km; Moustiers 33km; Bargeme 34km; Seillans 34km; Roquebrune-sur-Argens 35km; Gorges du Verdon 35km; Greoux-les-Bains 36km; Bagnols-en-Foret 38km; Valensole 38km; Fayence 38km;

See these places and more on a map at places near Salernes

Salernes tourism: sights and attractions nearby

Abbaye du Thoronet (Le Thoronet) - religious monument (13km) : Lac de Sainte-Croix - site of natural beauty (24km) : Verdon - regional natural parc (25km) : Jardin d’Elie Alexis - remarkable garden (31km) : Clos de Villeneuve - remarkable garden (38km) : Cathédrale Saint Léonce (Frejus) - religious monument (43km) : Lac de Castillon - site of natural beauty (44km) : Jardin d’oiseaux tropicaux - remarkable garden (46km) :

French version: see Salernes (Francais)