Edenwood — June 2026
There is something instantly memorable about Marseille. The light feels brighter, the colours seem warmer and the scent of the region is never far away — lavender, olive oil, herbs, sea air and the unmistakable fragrance of traditional French soap.
Our recent visit gave us the opportunity to experience more of the culture behind the products we have known and loved for years.
The old port of Marseille — a city shaped by sun, sea and centuries of craft.
Traditional soapmaking — a craft passed down through generations in Marseille.
Fred and the team at Maître Savonitto — passion and precision at every stage.
La Maison du Savon de Marseille — natural ingredients, beautiful formulations.
Clint, founder of Edenwood, outside La Maison du Savon de Marseille.
La Belle Provence — the softer, more decorative side of Provençal living.
Lavender fields near Aurel — the scent and soul of Provence.
The art of fragrance — from the perfume traditions of Grasse to everyday soap collections.
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A city shaped by soapmaking
Marseille is a city full of contrast. Its historic streets, busy harbour and sunlit buildings sit alongside a confident, creative energy. The city feels relaxed but alive, with a character that reflects the wider spirit of Provence.
Soapmaking has long been part of that story. Traditional Marseille soap grew from a simple combination of vegetable oils, water, salt and alkaline ingredients. Over generations, it became closely connected to the identity of the city and the surrounding region.
Today, that heritage continues through traditional soap cubes, fragranced soaps, skincare, home products and beautifully presented gifts.
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Visiting Maître Savonitto
One of the highlights of our trip was spending time with Fred and the team at Maître Savonitto. Fred showed us more of the production process and the care that goes into creating and finishing their soaps. Seeing the workshop in person brought the products to life and gave us a much clearer understanding of the people, techniques and attention behind them.
It was also a reminder that these are not simply colourful soaps on a shelf. Each product passes through real hands and is shaped by years of practical experience.
Maître Savonitto
Passion and precision at every stage — the people and craft behind one of Marseille's finest soap workshops.
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La Maison du Savon de Marseille
We also spent time strengthening our connection with La Maison du Savon de Marseille, a brand that has become central to Edenwood's French soap collection. For La Maison du Savon de Marseille, naturalness is more than a promise — it is a philosophy.
Its products are created using carefully selected ingredients chosen for their purity, fragrance and skincare benefits. Vegetable oils including olive, argan and copra form the basis of many formulations, while organic shea butter is used for its nourishing and moisturising qualities.
Natural essential oils and evocative fragrances bring each collection to life — from calming Provençal lavender to the sun-soaked warmth of Monoï.
Clint, founder of Edenwood, outside La Maison du Savon de Marseille — a visit that deepened our connection with this exceptional brand.
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Discovering La Belle Provence
Our journey also introduced us more closely to La Belle Provence and its celebration of the colours, ingredients and fragrances of southern France. The brand reflects the softer, more decorative side of Provençal living — beautiful soaps, traditional scents and products inspired by the landscapes and everyday rituals of the region.
It sits naturally alongside the wider story of Marseille soapmaking, offering another way to experience the fragrances and atmosphere of Provence at home.
La Belle Provence
The softer, more decorative side of Provençal living — beautiful soaps and traditional scents inspired by southern France.
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Why Marseille soap remains so popular
Traditional Marseille soap is valued for its simplicity and versatility. Depending on the formulation, it can be used for cleansing the hands and body, caring for fabrics or supporting everyday household tasks.
Many people appreciate solid soaps because they are long-lasting, easy to use and often require less packaging than liquid alternatives. Vegetable oil-based soaps can also provide a gentle, effective cleanse without making an everyday skincare routine feel overly complicated.
The enduring appeal lies in the combination of practicality, heritage and authenticity.
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Lavender and the landscape of Provence
Few ingredients are as closely associated with Provence as lavender. Across the region, lavender fields create sweeping areas of purple against warm stone, green hills and bright blue skies.
The lavender of Sault, near Mont Ventoux, is particularly celebrated. Grown at altitude, it is known for its distinctive fragrance and its deep connection to the local landscape. Lavender represents more than scent. It evokes calm, tradition and the natural beauty of Provence.
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From Provence to Grasse
Fragrance plays an important role in French soapmaking. Many of the soaps and body care collections we enjoy are influenced by the perfume traditions of southern France, particularly those associated with Grasse.
Known internationally for its perfume heritage, Grasse has helped shape the way flowers, natural ingredients and aromatic materials are blended into distinctive fragrances. This influence can be felt across many French soap collections — from lavender, verbena and rose to marine scents, warm woods and exotic Monoï.
Each fragrance creates its own sense of place and turns a simple everyday wash into something more memorable.
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The people behind the products
What stayed with us most was the warmth of the people we met. From Fred at Maître Savonitto to the teams behind La Maison du Savon de Marseille and La Belle Provence, there was a genuine pride in the products, the ingredients and the culture of the region.
Those conversations gave us a deeper appreciation of the work behind each collection and strengthened the relationships that allow Edenwood to bring these products to customers in the UK.
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Bringing the spirit of Provence home
Our visit to Marseille reminded us why these products continue to resonate so strongly. They combine natural ingredients, beautiful fragrances, practical everyday care and a genuine connection to southern France.
More than anything, they carry a sense of place — the warmth of Marseille, the fragrance of Provence and the passion of the people who create them.
We are proud to continue sharing those stories and bringing the essence of Provence a little closer to home.
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Discover our collection of French soaps, body care and home fragrances.
