Faiencerie de Gien began in Gien, Val de Loire, France, in 1821. Gien had several important assets: an abundance of raw materials: clay, sand and siliceous stones, and the Loire, which was used for transporting wood from the forests of Orleans, which was used for the baking ovens.

In the early years, until 1850, they created white earthenware octagonal forms and shapes that imitated silverware. They then introduced themed plates, which suited the tastes and cultures of the times.

From 1850 they became more creative and the artisans became more experienced, perfecting their skills. The manufactory started to offer decorative items and dinner services inspired by Rouen, Saxony, Marseille, the Renaissance, the Ottoman Empire and the Antiquity. They continued growing and they started offering personalised items bearing family crests of European homes.

From 1918-1945 there was social, economic and political upheaval and they did their best to stay in production. From 1945 they modernised production by building the largest tunnel kilns in Europe. Following competition from Italy and Portugal in the 1970s, the manufactory focused its attentions on tile production and this gave them the opportunity to participate in architectural projects, decorating real estate.