Les Terres Cuites des Launes

Tradition - Warmth - Quality

At the beginning of the 19th century in Salernes-en-Provence, water, earth, fire and air were combined with human talent.

Salernes in Provence is blessed with an abundance of water, immense pine forests and clay deposits of great purity. In this exceptional setting, Les Terres Cuites des Launes are made as they were in the past. Neither modern machinery (with the exception of gas kiln firing), nor rapid firing, the only way to produce old-fashioned tiles is by hand.

We've moved on from wood-firing to gas kiln firing, which still gives the tiles licked by the bright flames those inimitable shimmering tones.
At Terres Cuites des Launes, family traditions continue to respect the unchanging rules of yesteryear. Two clays, one red, the other lighter, are chosen for their exceptional purity. They are then washed without additives, filtered several times, cut into cobblestones and placed in molds. The ashy terracotta tiles are covered with lavender ash and removed from the mold. The cobblestones are left to dry for a long time before being fired.
Terres Cuites des Launes perpetuates a tradition of passion and respect for fine craftsmanship that will delight true lovers of authenticity.