About Fer à Cheval

The Original Savonnerie of Marseille, founded in 1856

Fer à Cheval is the oldest and most renowned Savonnerie in Marseille, producing authentic Savon de Marseille using traditional methods that date back over 160 years.

A cornerstone of Marseille’s cultural and industrial heritage, Fer à Cheval is widely recognised as the authority on genuine Savon de Marseille — preserving techniques that have been passed down through generations of master soap makers.

A Living Heritage of Excellence

Awarded the prestigious EPV – Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant (Living Heritage Company) status by the French state, Fer à Cheval is recognised for its exceptional artisanal know-how and commitment to preserving French manufacturing excellence.

As a founding member of the Union des Professionnels du Savon de Marseille, Fer à Cheval plays a central role in protecting the authenticity, integrity, and definition of true Savon de Marseille.

Authentic Savon de Marseille, Made the Traditional Way

Fer à Cheval’s Savon de Marseille is still produced in Marseille using traditional cauldron cooking methods and time-honoured formulations.

• Savon de Marseille Olive Oil
  Made exclusively with 100% pure olive oil, this iconic soap is gentle, biodegradable, and suitable for everyday use on skin, hands, and home.
  This olive oil Savon de Marseille is available online in the UK exclusively through us.

• Savon de Marseille “Natural”
  Made with 100% sustainably sourced, responsibly managed palm oil, offering the same traditional performance and purity while meeting modern sustainability standards.

Both formulas are free from added fragrance, colourants, and unnecessary additives — remaining true to the original Marseille soap charter.

Tradition, Evolved with Care

While Savon de Marseille remains its hero product, Fer à Cheval has thoughtfully expanded its range to meet modern needs without compromising authenticity.

Today, the collection includes naturally fragranced soaps for hands, body, and home, all crafted using the same expertise, discipline, and soap-making knowledge developed over centuries.

Each product reflects a balance of tradition and everyday practicality — honest formulas designed to be used and trusted daily.

Visit the Savonnerie

Fer à Cheval continues to produce soap in its historic Marseille workshop, which remains open to the public. Visitors can experience guided tours and witness the traditional production of Savon de Marseille first-hand — a rare opportunity to see living heritage in action.

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.