Savonnerie du Fer-à-cheval, Historic soap factory in 14th arrondissement of Marseille, France

Savonnerie du Fer-à-cheval is Marseille's oldest soap factory, on chemin de Sainte-Marthe in the 14th arrondissement. Its long, low facade of pale, stained masonry carries the words "Fer à cheval" in faded green letters, with two small barred windows near the right end and dark metal railings along the base. The listed ensemble includes the production workshop's facades and roofs, the cauldron building with its old equipment over three levels, and a basement room with seven riveted sheet-metal vats.

A candle factory opened at 66 chemin de Sainte-Marthe in 1850, in what was then the countryside outside Marseille. In 1856 the site became a soap factory, the oldest in Marseille. It was listed as a monument historique on 8 January 2019, covering the production workshop facades and roofs, the cauldron building with its old equipment on three levels, and a basement room with seven riveted metal tanks.

The factory produces authentic Marseille soap using only plant oils and traditional methods without artificial additives. Visitors can observe how this craft remains actively practiced within the historic facility.

Tours are available on weekdays, with different time slots for individual visitors and groups. It is advisable to inquire in advance or register, especially when visiting as a group.

The 8 January 2019 listing covers the production workshop's facades and roofs, the cauldron building with its old equipment across three levels, and a basement room holding seven riveted sheet-metal vats. The facade still carries the faded green lettering "Fer à cheval".