The soap factory "Le Serail" our provider is one of the last artisanal and traditional soap factory in Marseille
\
In the 1900s, Marseille, a major city in Provence, witnessed the decline of its soap industry, with nearly a hundred factories closing due to the rise of synthetic detergents. Against this backdrop, Vincent BOETTO, a resilient man who had returned from deportation in Germany, took a bold step and founded the soap factory Le Sérail in 1949. His mission was to preserve the know-how and tradition of authentic Marseille soap-making.
He set up the factory on a farm within the city limits, installing the original equipment necessary for producing traditional Marseille soap cubes, including the iconic cauldrons used to prepare the soap paste. Today, the factory may appear aged, but the machinery is a true treasure, essential to maintaining the artisanal process that has earned Le Sérail its prestigious recognition. The factory's commitment to preserving this heritage has been acknowledged by the French government, which awarded it the “Entreprise du Patrimoine Vivant” (Living Heritage Company) label.
Since 2009, Vincent's son, Daniel, has continued to uphold his father's legacy, overseeing the soap-making process with the same dedication to craftsmanship and tradition. Every piece of equipment, dating back decades, has been preserved, allowing the factory to adhere strictly to the original steps required for producing traditional Marseille soap. The label, granted by the Marseille Chamber of Commerce and Industry, assures customers of an authentic manufacturing process that respects the skills of master soap makers and uses cauldrons just as it has for generations.
As one of the five founding members of the “Union of Professionals of Marseille Soap,” established in 2011 to protect and promote genuine Marseille soap, Le Sérail is a true institution in the city. Its products are celebrated for their exceptional quality and the reassurance they provide to customers worldwide, including in the United States, who seek genuine, traditionally-made soaps.