Olive Oil Soap from Marseille
Marseille Olive Oil Soap, or le savon d’huile de Marseille, is a traditional soap made of plant oils, Mediterranean ocean water, and the alkaline ash of sea plants. Produced exclusively in Le Provence, Marseille Soap is known for its purity, and has been used for washing the face and body for over 600 years. Louis XIV limited its composition to primarily olive oil, and today, the soap is recognized by its olive-green hue.
Marseille Soap is crafted in 7-10 days using cauldrons in a five-step process without preservatives, colorings, perfumes, and animal fats. The soap is cut into geometric shapes (or flakes) and marked with a proprietary seal. Marseille Soap is crafted by only four manufacturers who collectively form L’Union des Professionnels du Savon de Marseille. They also produce modern and classic variations of Marseille Soap, such as liquid dish soap and laundry detergent.
These soap manufacturers, or savonneries, are open for public tours and classes.
- Fer à Cheval – Originally a candle factory in 1856, the factory is among the oldest and located at the center of Marseille. 66 Chem. de Sainte-Marthe 13014 Marseille
- La Savonnerie Marius Fabre – including laundry detergent and dish soap. 148, avenue Paul-Bourret 13300 Salon-de-Provence, France
- Savonnerie du Midi – The historic savonnerie hosts a museum that is built around a cauldron. 72 Rue Augustin Roux, 13015 Marseille, France
- Le Sérail – Visits are free upon reservation on Friday. Though the shop is smaller, the prices are among the lowest. 50 Bd Anatole de la Forge, 13014 Marseille, France
I like to purchase several bars of soap, and even gift them to friends and family.