Our Story
Fer à Cheval manufacture since 1856
With more than 167 years of existence, Fer à Cheval manufacture perpetuates the method of manufacturing and saponifying Marseille soap in cauldrons according to the true “Marseillaise” method. It was in the 19th century, in the Marseille city, that hundreds of small factories made soap, the flagship product of Marseille.
1850 to 1856 : creation
In 1850, a candle factory was set up in the middle of the Marseille countryside. It was around 1856 that part of the candle factory was transformed into a real soap factory. The Fer à Cheval brand is created.
1900 to 1953
In 1900, Fer à Cheval manufacture joined the capital and won the gold medal at the Paris Universal Exhibition for the quality of its soaps. It was in 1953 that the brand merged between Huileries Antonin ROUX and Savonnerie J.B Paul to become the Fer à Cheval brand: it was the beginning of a lucky adventure.
1974 to 2003 : Le Chat
Nearly twenty years later, in 1974, the Salvador group bought the Savonnerie Marseillaise and then manufactured the famous Marseille Le Chat soap for many years.
In 2003, a new owner took over the activity of the Fer à Cheval brand: the Compagnie des Détergents et du Savon de Marseille, a group which aims to continue to perpetuate this ancestral soap recipe.
2003 to today
It was 10 years later that, bought by the Seghin family, the Fer à Cheval brand was once again revealed to the public. It is developing in France and internationally and carries the colors of the emblematic product of Marseille, its authentic soap made in cauldrons.
Why are we called Fer à Cheval manufacture?
In the 19th century, it was customary to name your brand or soap company with an expression, a word or other symbol recalling happiness and luck to make the activity prosper under the best auspices.
The Fer de la Savonnerie Marseillaise also features 7 nail holes instead of the usual 8, here also a lucky number. With so many symbols, success and fortune were promised to us.
We are always happy to remain the oldest Savonnerie de Marseille in activity which still produces Marseille Soap according to its ancestral recipe. We like to believe that this name will continue to bring us luck with more than 167 years of good and loyal service.
Values
Since 1856, the Fer à Cheval Manufacture has inherited exceptional know-how as well as a distinctive art of living. Over the years, we have been able to preserve our artisanal knowledge, passed down from generation to generation, while cultivating true good manners. Our Manufacture, anchored in Living Heritage, is proud to continue to make a flagship product of Marseille's cultural heritage with tradition and passion. We have kept the soul of an artisan, and patiently make a soap that is not perfect but very much alive.
