Fer a Cheval

Fer a Cheval is the oldest and most renowned Savonnerie in Marseille, famous for their 'Hero' product, Traditional Savon de Marseille.

Recently awarded EPV, 'living heritage' status, a recognition from the French state for French companies that have an artisanal or industrial know-how of excellence and a founding member of the Union of Savon de Marseille, Fer a Cheval are champions of authentic traditional soap making, and the leaders and authority on Savon de Marseille and a cornerstone of Marseille's culture.

As the industry leader they make Savon de Marseille for other brands, you will see this stamped 'Fabrique en Fer a Cheval' on the cubes, however the formulations are different for all their clients.

Fer a Cheval's Savon de Marseille is exclusively made with 100% pure Olive Oil

Fer a Cheval is available in the UK exclusively through us.
You will also find three other brands in the UK:
La Corvette also imported by us, 70/30 oil formulation split 70% Olive Oil and 30% Coconut Oil
La Maison du Savon de Marseille with a 70/30 oil formulation split 70% Olive Oil and 30% Coconut Oil where as
Foufour consists of a 70/30 split of 70 % Olive Oil, 20% Coconut Oil and 10% Sustainable Palm Oil.

The 'Natural' Savon de Marseille is made with 100% Sustainable, responsibly sourced, Palm Oil.

A Brief History

1850 to 1856: Creation

In 1850, a candle factory was set up in the middle of the Marseille countryside. Around 1856, part of the candle factory was transformed into a full-fledged soap factory. The Fer à Cheval brand was created.

French Soaps UK / Fer a Cheval FR

1900 to 1953: Success

In 1900, the Savonnerie Fer à Cheval moved to the capital and won a gold medal for the quality of its soaps at lParis Universal Exhibition. In 1953, the brand merged with Huileries Antonin ROUX and Savonnerie J.B Paul to become the Fer à Cheval brand: the beginning of a lucky adventure.

French Soaps UK / Fer a Cheval FR

1974 to 2003: Le Chat

Nearly twenty years later, in 1974, the Salvador group bought Savonnerie Marseillaise and went on to manufacture the famous Savon de Marseille Le Chat for many years.

In 2003, a new owner took over l Fer à Cheval brand: the Compagnie des Détergents et du Savon de Marseille, a group whose aim is to continue perpetuating this ancestral soap recipe.

French Soaps UK / Fer a Cheval FR

2003 to present

10 years later, bought out by the Seghin family, the Fer à Cheval brand was once again unveiled to the public. The brand is expanding in France and l, and is now proudly displaying the colours of Marseille's emblematic product, its authentic soap made in cauldrons.

French Soaps UK / Fer a Cheval FR

The Savonnerie Today

As with any growing and evolving brand, Fer a Cheval have diversified from their 'hero' product whilst keeping their core authenticity. The range now includes natural fragranced soaps for hand body and home all using the expert know how of their soap masters.

Shop the full collection here or watch below the making of Traditional Savon de Marseille at the Fer a Cheval Savonnerie in Marseille. If you are in the area they do regular tours you can book on to witness this in person.

Take a tour of Fer a Cheval

Browse Fer a Cheval

Hero Products

Hero status is awarded for a reason. Truly multipurpose, 100% hypoallergenic, and the most versatile soap in the world. You only need

Traditional Savon de Marseille
Black Liquid Soap

in your home for a healthy, economical & hypaollergenic lifestyle

Customer Favourites

The Fer a Cheval range is exceptional and our customers buy from across the range of products. Whilst buying does vary with seasonality, these are year round customer favourites.