The Salernes tomette brings to mind Provençal homes, warm terracotta colours and a craft rooted in the Var. Behind this small tile are workshops, skilled hands and a history that connects the material with homes in the South of France. Today, terracotta also finds a place in a personalised gift, a family keepsake or a small decorative piece to give someone.
The Salernes tomette: a story that takes shape in the nineteenth century
Town records trace earthenware production to the late eighteenth century, followed by the development of terracotta. From the 1830s, workshops produced roof tiles, bricks and everyday objects. Production then specialised in the red floor tile known as the tomette, expanding significantly from the mid-nineteenth century. These milestones appear in the Salernes Local Urban Plan presentation report.
The tomette is therefore part of a broader history of clay crafts. At the Terra Rossa museum, archaeological finds sit alongside evidence of local craft and industry. A visit helps connect these objects with the places and skills that brought them into being.
Salernes terracotta in homes today
These designs show another way to enjoy terracotta: an engraved decorative object to give or keep at home. Maison en Provence can feature a house name; Douceur en Provence recalls a stay in the South of France.
A tile recognised as much by its material as its shape
A tomette is a terracotta tile. The Salernes version is associated with six sides and warm shades. To appreciate the material, look closely at a piece: its colour, grain and edges all contribute to its character. A photograph offers a first impression; the maker’s product details confirm the material and dimensions of your chosen object.
In a room, these earthy tones sit comfortably alongside pale wood, natural fabric or a white wall. A single decorative tile can bring warmth to a small corner of your home. Leave a little space around it: the material and design are easier to appreciate when they are not lost among other objects.
From artisanal terracotta to a personal keepsake
At MyTomette, our personalised designs start from artisanal tomettes and tiles in Salernes terracotta. We then carry out the laser engraving in our workshop in Hyères, in the Var. Your name, date or motif becomes part of the material, creating a piece that reflects you.
This gives the material a personal purpose. A family name recalls a home; two first names and a date mark a wedding; a city keeps a travel memory close. Your chosen illustration can complement the message without taking over. The aim is a piece that is enjoyable to look at, with an inscription that means something to its recipient.
What can you engrave on a terracotta tile?
Start with the memory, then choose a suitable layout. A few simple ideas:
- A wedding: the couple’s names and wedding date.
- A new baby: the child’s name and date of birth.
- A home: a name, an address or a short welcome message.
- A stay in Provence: a favourite place and the year of the trip.
A short message leaves more room for the illustration and is easier to read. For ideas connected with the region, explore our personalised Provence keepsakes. For a particular occasion, our wedding gifts and new baby gifts offer different starting points.
Finding a home for your engraved tile
On a hallway console, a shelf or a desk, a tile can remind you of a place or person throughout the day. Picture that spot when choosing its format. To display it on a wall, select the hanging option when the product page offers one; to stand it up, choose a stable support.
Do you also enjoy illustrated scenes? Our collection of decorative tiles with fixed designs offers another world to explore. Choose an image for its mood or colours, then check the product page for its material and finish.
The stated preparation time for an engraved design is 3 working days, plus delivery. Once you have chosen your design, check the name, date and preview: your message gives this Provençal material its next chapter.