News

European Heritage Days 2021

After a one-year interruption in 2020, during which the European Heritage Days were held virtually, due to the health context, the Savonnerie du Midi is pleased to welcome visitors back to its Marseille site for the 2021 edition, on 18 and 19 September 2021.

"This event, which allows us to open our doors to the public for a visit of our museum, our production plant and our shop, is dear to the teams of the Savonnerie du Midi and many loyal visitors," says Guillaume Fiévet, president of the family group that took over the company a few years ago.

"Throughout the summer, we were able to welcome hundreds of visitors. By going behind the scenes of our soap factory, they were able to discover the secrets of the history of Marseille Soap, by visiting our museum, and discover the manufacturing process of this ancestral product of our heritage, from the cauldron workshop, where the master soap maker reigns, to the drying, shaping and packaging workshops. It is important to remember that the Musée de la Savonnerie du Midi is the only Museum of Real Marseille Soap in Marseille.

As part of the European Heritage Days, we plan to add to this itinerary a reception area for children with specific activities (drawing tables, soapboard activities), a restaurant area and an exhibition space with portraits of our site's employees," continues Guillaume Fiévet.

The Savonnerie du Midi, founded in 1894, joined the closed club of 'Living Heritage Companies' in 2020 and is based in the heart of the Aygalades district, in the 15th arrondissement of Marseille. The soap is still made there by the master soap makers who have succeeded each other for more than a century, around vast cauldrons, following the rules defined by Colbert's Edict in 1688.

In fact," concludes Guillaume Fiévet, "the La Corvette brand, under which a large part of our production is still distributed, has been the reference for Savon de Marseille since 1894. In fact, it is the oldest brand of genuine Marseille Soap made in the city of Marseille and still marketed.

"Our participation in the European Heritage Days is a unique opportunity to celebrate with our visitors another year of this wonderful human, industrial and heritage adventure.

When?

Saturday 18 September from 10:30 to 17:30
Sunday 19 September from 10am to 2pm

Where?
72 Rue Augustin Roux, 13015 Marseille

On the programme:

  • Go behind the scenes of our soap factory to discover the secrets of the history of Marseille Soap by visiting our museum for free.
  • Free visits with the presence of our collector Mario who will be able to answer your questions. A dozen employees of the soap factory will be present throughout the weekend to guide you or explain their mission.
  • Family activities
  • There will also be a drawing table workshop, soapboard animation, a word mystery treasure hunt and a food court for young and old.

Exhibition: Portraits of those who make soap

In the courtyard of the soap factory, you will also discover part of the team that works daily for this ancestral product of our Marseilles heritage.

Factory shop area + outdoor corner :

Did you like the world of the Savonnerie du Midi? Visit our factory shop and find all the product references of our historical brand La Corvette.

Practical information :

  • No need for reservation
  • Admission is free
  • A valid health pass is required for those over 18 years of age
  • Car parking available in front of the soap factory outside.

One thought on "European Heritage Days 2021"

  1. Vetier said:

    Thank you very much for your welcome, the explanations, the organisation, the presentation, the smiles and the availability of everyone. You have managed to bring together all the elements for a successful heritage discovery tour.

Leave a comment

Your e-mail address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *.