Since the 17th Century, Marseille has been a leading
manufacturer of the soap know as « Savon de Marseille ». In 1688,
King Louis XIV established the rules for the production of the savon de
Marseille. He required the use of large cauldrons and pure olive oil and
prohibited any use of animal fats. Any
violation of these instructions risked disqualification from certification in
Provence. This edict ensured the quality of savon de Marseille throughout the
century.
The Authentic Savon de Marseille is a 100% natural product
made exclusively from olive, copra and palm oils without synthetic additives or
coloring. The soap is made with a minimum of 72% vegetable oil and is then cut
and stamped.
Very gentle on the skin, it is often recommended by
dermatologists as an alternative to other modern products which may cause skin
problems. It can also be used to wash delicate materials such as silk, laces
and baby clothes. And it last twice as long as other soap.
Other use :
-
A bar of savon de Marseille placed at the foot
of the bed reduces risks of cramp and rhumatism.
-
Rub stains with a damp bar of savon de Marseille
just prior washing will prove more effective than most stain remover. Ideal for
shirt collars (that’s what mum used to do all her life)
-
Used for baby clothes it reduces the risk of
allergy and irritations.
My best Savons de Marseille spots are :
My all time favorite
« L’eau de Cassis » is still ran by the same family
since 1851. Firstly creator of unique perfume which you can only find in their
shops in Cassis, Marseille and Grasse. They also do their own soaps and if you’re
lucky, you may see them being cut in the main Cassis’ shop (you might even
participate if you ask gently).
The last 2 original producers in
Salon de Provence
« Rampal Latour »
opened in 1828 and is still producing the savon de Marseille using the
tradition. I love the shop which looks like a 19th Century garage. A large
selection of soaps is on offer and you can also buy soaps shaving which I use
for my laundry.
Visit are arranged at certain time. Check their web site
« Savon Marius
Fabre » was created in 1900 and produces a large selection of perfumed
soaps. The factory also boosts a museum which is the most comprehensive one I
am aware of (open Monday to Friday in summer, all year round Tuesday and
Thursday at 10.30, Wednesday at 2.30). Maybe a bit more « industrial »
that the 2 savonneries mentionned
above but a nice visit.
A bit farther away in Sault
Sault, the Lavender Capital offers 2 wonderful artisanal soaps
maker.
The best in my taste is « Aroma
Plant » which has the Best
Lavender soap I ever came accross.
Gone organic since 1978 (crazy people…) you will also see
the process of distellery, and soaps workshops are organised on certain days. « Bring
back you own made soap » is a terrific idea for your christmas gift.
If you plan to visit the place, Aroma Plants alos offer
picnic table which you may use for free ;).
Less quaint but nice is « Savonnerie
en Provence » .
A place where you can also have a soap or beauty cream
workshop. All the machinery can be seen and the soap smell is overwhelming.
This is obviously a small selection of the places I know of.
There are more savonnerie that I need to discover but those are my favorite so
far…..
