Salernes
In Haut Var, on route D31 between Aups (10km.) and Carcès (16km.).
In Haut Var, on route D31 between Aups (10km.) and Carcès (16km.).
Situated in the valley of Bresque, where the rivers Pelicourt and Grave come together, the small town of Salernes is both an artistic and an industrial center. Salernes is set on the side of a hill and is sheltered from the wind. In this mild Mediterranean climate, it is pleasant to stroll about the narrow streets admiring the picturesque houses and the 11th c. church with its door and two spires. The many gurgling fountains are refreshing.
Where to stay
One can go up to visit the ruins of the old feudal castle from where one can discover the village seen from the sky, with its round tiled roofs.
Salernes is famous for its hexagonal "tomettes" (a kind of tile), which cover most of the floors in homes in Provence and the South of France. These are terracotta tiles, glazed or unglazed, made from a mixture of this red, ferruginous clay with other types of earth. 15 highly creative manufacturers are constantly offering you their world-famous products. Don't miss a visit to "Terra Rossa", the Salernes ceramics museum.
If you're in Salernes during the summer months, why not take a dip in the marvellous Salernes natural swimming pool. Under a pretty Romanesque bridge dating from the Middle Ages, you can dive in and swim in the Bresque river, which is very deep and calm at this point, a real natural swimming pool in a splendid setting.
The Salernes market is held twice a week on Wednesday and Sunday mornings. It's a lovely market with lots of local producers. It's a great opportunity to visit the village and stock up on local produce.
To find your way around Salernes, you can use our interactive map of the village, which you'll find on this page. We've included all the points of interest in the village (castle ruins, Terra Rossa, etc.) as well as our accommodation recommendations so that you can locate them before booking your stay in Salernes.
There are lots of great walks to do around Salernes. One of our favourites is the trail to "la Chapelle Saint-Barthélémy et les vestiges anciens". You'll discover a superb chapel as well as the Lauve megalithic tomb, and you'll pass through some very beautiful countryside.
Castle ruins.
St. Pierre Church.
The old village.
Chapel of Saint Barthélémy
Terra Rossa: ceramics museum
Tile factories.
Walks and horse rides.
Cycling tours in the Var.
Five tastefully decorated, independent vacation rentals in a Provençal farmhouse and its outbuilding, situated on a hill above Salernes: a 180° view of the valley, facing due south, surrounded by olive trees and cypresses. Shared saltwater pool with a sun deck, bocce court, kitchenette in each vacation rental, and discreet but helpful owners.
Discover our selection of houses, villas and apartments on Airbnb for an authentic stay in this Provençal village. You will love your vacation here.
Hotels.
Bed and breakfast.
Vacation rentals.
Campsite.
You have sent us several questions about Salernes. Here are our answers to your most frequently asked questions.