Provence is one of France’s biggest tourist draws, with its benevolent climate, gorgeous scenery and thriving arts scene. But that’s not all it has to offer, as a look at the Marseille Soap Museum website will demonstrate.
Soap and Provence have a long association going back hundreds of years, and the Marius Fabre soap factory in Salon-de-Provence is a major player on this scene. The company has opened up a popular museum on the premises of its working factory. Everything that’s connected with Marseille soap in any way has its place here, from the advertisements you can see below to tools, machinery, (including very early soap presses), washboards and soap stamps made from boxwood (chosen because of its hardness). There’s also lots of information about the development of soap-making, its place in Provençal society and more. The museum is free for individuals and is open on weekdays and Saturdays.
What’s more, Salon-de-Provence’s strategic location offers easy access to many of the region’s biggest draws. The cultural capital of Avignon is close, as are beautiful natural parks like the Camargue, the Alpilles and the Luberon. Just click here to find out more about attractions in the local area.