Fer à Cheval, the oldest and largest soap factory in Marseille still in operation, is listed as a Historical Monument like the Château d'IF, the Cité radieuse or Fort Saint Jean.
A NEW STAGE IN THE HISTORY OF SOAP FACTORY
After the Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant label and the initiative of a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) for the protection of real Marseille soap, this is a new stage in the history of soap factory that strives to proudly preserve the meticulous and traditional manufacture of this flagship product of Marseille culture. And above all, a great recognition since the Historical Monument in France label makes it possible to protect buildings because of their historical, artistic or architectural interest.
In Marseille, only 90 monuments have obtained the inscription and Fer à Cheval is the only soap factory.
CONSIDERABLE PATRIMONIAL INTEREST
Soapmaking represents, from a historical point of view, a considerable heritage interest testifying to the traditional activity of the Marseille soap industry of the 19th century.
All the facades and roofs of the soap production workshop, the cauldron building with its 7 riveted sheet metal tanks with its old devices on 3 levels and the basement room, are now protected.
THE TRUE RENAISSANCE OF MARSEILLE SOAP
This recognition will allow renovation work and optimization of the visitors' journey. Visits that take place every Wednesday, tracing the history of Marseille soap and its manufacturing secrets, transmitted to each new generation of master soap makers.
The inscription on the Historical Monuments also seems to announce the true revival of Marseille soap, recognized as the healthiest and most natural alternative to industrial products, and appreciated for its countless virtues and its multiple uses (skin care, home maintenance, laundry maintenance...).