History

Our History

Since 1856, Savonnerie Fer à Cheval has developed exceptional artisanal know-how and a unique art of living. Discover our beautiful history, the oldest and most authentic Savonnerie in Marseille.

Savonnerie Fer à Cheval, since 1856

With more than 167 years of experience, Savonnerie Fer à Cheval continues the traditional method of manufacturing and saponification of Marseille Soap in cauldrons according to the true "Marseillae" method. It was in the 19th century, in the Phocaean city that hundreds of small factories made Soap, the flagship product of Marseille.

1850 to 1856: Creation

In 1850, our story started with a candle factory in the middle of the Marseille countryside. It was around 1856 that part of the candle factory was transformed into a Savonnerie or soap factory. This was the birth and creation of Fer à Cheval.

1900 to 1953: Success

In 1900, the Savonnerie Fer à Cheval wins the gold medal for the quality of its soaps at the Paris Universal Exhibition. It was in 1953 that the brand merged between Huileries (oil mill) Antonin ROUX and Savonnerie J.B Paul to become the Fer à Cheval brand: it was the beginning of a lucky adventure.

1974 to 2003: The Cat (Le Chat)

Nearly twenty years later, in 1974, the Salvador Group bought the Savonnerie Marseillaise and then manufactured the famous Marseille Soap Le Chat (The Cat) for many years.

In 2003, a new owner took over the brand: the Compagnie des Détergents et du Savon de Marseille, a group that aims to continue to perpetuate the wondeful heritage and ancestral soap recipes of Fer A Cheval.

2003 to today

10 years later, the Seghin family purchased the brand, and Fer à Cheval was again unveiled to the public. Today, the brand is developing in both France and internationally, and proudly wears the colors of Marseille's emblematic product, its' authentic Soap made in cauldrons.

Why do we call Savonnerie Fer à Cheval?

In the 19th century, it was customary to baptize your brand or soap company with an expression, word or other symbol recalling happiness and luck. The Horseshoe or Fer a Cheval is our talisman or symbol guiding us forward to a prosperous business.

The Fer de la Savonnerie Marseillaise Horseshoe also has 7 nail holes instead of the usual 8, 7 being a lucky number. With so many symbols, our success and fortune are assured!

We are proud to remain the oldest Savonnerie de Marseille still in operation that produces Marseille Soap according to its ancestral recipe. We like to believe that our name will continue to bring us luck, with more than 167 years experience in producing the finest quality products and services.

Our Values

Since 1856, Savonnerie Fer à Cheval has developed exceptional know-how and a unique art of living. Over the years, we have preserved our artisanal knowledge, passed on from generation to generation, while cultivating a real savoir-vivre. Our Factory, rooted in Living Heritage, is proud to continue to make a flagship product of Marseille's cultural heritage with tradition and passion. We have kept an artisan soul, and with patience, create a soap that is not perfect but alive and well

Find out More

The Savonnerie Fer à Cheval is anchored in the Heritage of the city of Marseille.

An authentic Savonnerie (soap factory) listed as a Historic Monument, it is a place of life: overhanging with steam, a quivering boil coming from the saponification process, a know-how that perfectly summarizes the entire history of its heritage. Established since 1856, the Savonnerie Fer à Cheval is today one of the last to perpetuate the tradition of an entire city. Far from the industrial giants, True Marseille Soap requires special attention. Our Master Soap Makers keep a watchful eye on their soap paste: every bubble, every smell, every noise, every bloom has a meaning that only they can translate.