Fer à Cheval, Marseille's oldest and largest soap factory still in operation, has been listed as a Historic Monument, like the Château d'IF, the Cité Radieuse and Fort Saint Jean.
A NEW STAGE IN THE HISTORY OF THE SOAP FACTORY
Following the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) label and the IGP (Protected Geographical Indication) initiative to protect genuine Marseille soap, this is a new milestone in the history of the soap factory, which is proudly preserving the meticulous, traditional manufacture of this flagship product of Marseilles culture. And above all, it's a fine recognition, since France's Monument Historique label protects buildings for their historical, artistic or architectural interest.
In Marseille, only 90 monuments have been listed, and Fer à Cheval is the only soap factory.
CONSIDERABLE HERITAGE INTEREST
From a historical point of view, the soap factory is of considerable heritage interest, testifying to the traditional activity of the Marseille soap industry in the 19th century.
All the facades and roofs of the soap production workshop, the cauldron building with its 7 riveted sheet metal vats and its 3-storey fixtures, and the basement room, are now protected.
THE TRUE RENAISSANCE OF MARSEILLE SOAP
This recognition will enable renovation work to be carried out and the visitors' tour to be optimized. Visits take place every Wednesday, retracing the history of Marseille soap and its manufacturing secrets, handed down to each new generation of master soap-makers.
This listing also heralds the renaissance of Marseille soap, recognized as the healthiest and most natural alternative to industrial products, and appreciated for its countless virtues and multiple uses (skin care, home care, linen care...).
