Rampal Latour

Through the years

• 1828: Pierre Rampal is Master Soapmaker at the Court-de-Payen soap factory in Marseille, Salon de Provence.

• 1900: Pierre Rampal (grandson) Master Soapmaker at the Gounelle soap factory then producer of soaps and oils "La Côte d'Azur", receives gold medals at the World Fair (Paris) which boosts the family business.

• 1907: Pierre Rampal founded the soap factory "Rampal-Fils" in Salon-de-Provence.

• December 1984: The company Rampal Patou is registered.

• July 2004: Rampal Patou is dissolved and the production is continued by the family of Jean-Louis Plot. The new brand is named "Rampal Latour", in reference to the authentic soap-making expertise transmitted by 5 generations of Rampal to the Plot family.

Rampal Latour is one of the last five soap makers in the Marseille region that makes the authentic "Savon de Marseille" using traditional methods.

Vocation: Take care of you, as we have every day since 1828

 

A little bit of History

Salon de Provence is known as the « Ville des Savonniers » (City of Soapmakers). In the 19th century, Salon de Provence's ambition was to continue and develop the manufacturing of soap. And so it did, with more than 12 soap factories at the beginning of the last century, the economy and wealth of the town were primarily built around its soap factories.

In 1873, the city managed to become one of the main regional centers in the manufacturing and trade of soap thanks to its important resources in oils, the progressive mechanization of production and the arrival of the railway.

The First World War was followed by the advent of washing powders, which marked a halt to decades of euphoria for the craft of soap. In 1900 there were twelve soap factories in Salon de Provence. Today only two are left, including our soap factory, Rampal Latour, proud to transmit and constantly improve its know-how as a master soap maker, and continuing to promote Marseille soap. Rampal Latour keeps the local heritage alive and perpetuates the know-how of soap makers in Salon de Provence.

 

A new factory...with traditional roots

The Rampal Latour soap factory has been able to cross generations with its good, simple and genuine products. This success is due to the daily care given to the quality of our soaps, but also to the deep desire to constantly seek to improve in order to best meet the expectations of our contemporaries. With its pioneering spirit, the soap factory has always innovated while respecting the tradition that has been handed down.

Today the soap factory continues to develop and innovate by opening a second factory in Salon de Provence. It is located in the Bel Air district, behind the Crau racecourse. At the end of 2021, a new extension will complete the production center, where we have transferred the manufacturing of our linen soap flakes and all our perfumed soaps (previously manufactured at the historic factory on rue Félix Pyat in Salon).

This modern factory will honor Marseille soap since it is where all our Marseille soaps will be produced. We have invested in a new production line to offer all the necessary conditions for the complete manufacture of an exceptional Marseille soap.

Still made in a cauldron according to the "Marseille" method, exclusively from 100% vegetable oils, without perfumes, colors, additives or preservatives, Rampal Latour Marseille soaps respect the tradition that has been passed down to us from generation to generation. But today our Marseille soaps are also more gentle on the skin and nature.

This is because after 3 years of research, we have developed in this modern factory a new manufacturing process that allows us to keep the glycerin, known for its protective and moisturizing properties, at the heart of the soap. This new process is more ecological since it consumes up to 7 times less energy and up to 4 times less water. This new factory allows us to innovate and to find all the authenticity of the tradition of our Marseille soap.

 

Rampal Latour : Genuine Marseille Soap since 1828

Marseille Soap is much more than a soap. It is the pride of Provence. The passion of a profession. A tribute to nature. A beneficial presence. An obviousness that is passed on. It is a lifestyle. And for us, pioneers in the art of making real Marseille soap, it is a reminder of the trust our customers have placed in us for 185 years.

 

In the footsteps of Pierre Rampal, Marseille soap maker in 1828

In 2014, the Rampal Latour factory launches the first real Extra Pure Marseille soap certified by Ecocert (COSMOS Natural), in 600g cube, 300g bar and 150g square. Proud of this recognition, Rampal Latour, ardent defender of the real Marseille soap, Extra Pure, intends to continue its innovations by combining tradition and modernity. The passion of our soap-making trade, the taste for a job well done and the determination to guarantee the best service to our customers, wherever they are in the world, have always led us to go beyond the standards. We are able to meet the highest quality requirements because we innovate, are strengthened by our two hundred years of experience and proud of our authentic know-how.