Clay, which is of an exceptional quality in Provence, has allowed craftsmen to
express their creative skills. Thus for centuries they have been producing,
notably in Aubagne - the home of the clay indusry - plates, pitchers, dishes,
jugs... (collectively known as "terrailles") The simple technique has been
handed down by potters from time immemorial : a block of clay is soaked and
modelled or moulded, then decorated, fired and refired.
Since the 18th century Apt has become a leading name in earthenware,
fine pottery, tiles and ochre. Creations that draw enthusiaists by the crowd
are those legendary works in which red, yellow, green and white clay mingle
together to remind one of the veins of marble.
Today in Salerne, where the famous "tomettes" used to be made to cover
the floors of houses, they make enamelled tiles. Finally, the two large
pottery towns are Moustiers-Sainte-Marie and Marseilles. In the 18th century
there were already ten factories in Marseilles exporting to South America. And
if Marseilles was the cradle of large-scale pottery firing, Moustiers still
remains the most famous centre, symbolized by its blue cameos set against
white backgrounds.
