Savonnerie du Midi, Soap factory museum in Les Aygalades, France
Savonnerie du Midi is a soap factory in the Aygalades district of Marseille that produces soaps using traditional methods and functions as a museum. The facility includes several production halls with equipment that show the steps from oil mixing to finished bars.
The factory was founded in 1894 and marked the start of modern soap production in Marseille. After relocating to its current building in 1970, it continued operations there while preserving 19th century techniques.
The name Savonnerie du Midi refers to the soap-making tradition of southern France, where olive oil and natural ingredients have been used for generations. Visitors can observe how this craft still shapes the quality of production in the workshops today.
The factory is reachable on foot or by public transportation and sits in an industrial district with limited parking. Visitors should check in advance since opening hours vary seasonally and it often closes on weekends.
The factory still produces two distinct soap brands, La Corvette and Maître Savon de Marseille, both known internationally. This dual production shows how a single operation can run two strong brand identities simultaneously.
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