About Soapyard — Artisan Soap Made in Provence
We didn’t set out to start a soap company. It began on a rainy afternoon in at the Marché Provençal in Antibes, France, where my daughter and I were hiding under the awning of a traditional soap seller. While I wondered how long the downpour would last, she stared at the stall piled high with colourful artisan soaps. I’d always thought bar soap was old-fashioned - who still uses bar soap? - but she picked up a peach-scented soap bar which smelled good enough to eat. Feeling slightly guilty for sheltering without buying, I paid for the bar.
Back home, we all enjoyed used that natural French soap and curiosity won the day and we wanted another one. A different colour, a different fragrance. That made me rethink the whole “who even uses bar soap anymore?” question. Maybe a new generation was ready for it - if the product was genuinely good, and if the design felt fresh.
So I went back to Provence, spoke to the same family-run soapmaker in Marseille, and ordered a lot more than one bar (a few tonnes, actually). Then COVID hit. Shops closed, and we began selling online - and the response surprised us.
From Tradition to Innovation — With a Twist
That’s when the Soapyard concept took shape. We kept everything worth keeping:
A traditional French soap recipe
Pure plant oils, including organic shea butter
Triple-milled soap for long-lasting quality
We gave it a practical twist: a clean, minimal block with a hole through the middle - designed for use with or without a rope. We paired it with smart and practical packaging like travel tins and cotton bags, creating a soap that’s heritage-rich but perfect for modern life.
Why Choose Soapyard?
All our soaps are:
- Made in France by a Marseille-based family of artisan savonniers
- Free from parabens, sulphates, and unnecessary additives
- Made with plant oils (no animal fats)
- Offered in over 25 unique fragrances, from classic lavender to quirky new favourites
- Unique concept, designed for everyday use but with a touch of luxury: they last, they work, and they look good.
Soapyard brings together Provençal artisan soapmaking tradition and playful design, with straightforward values and zero gimmicks. We believe in products that are made properly, with care and character.
Giving Real Soap Another Chance
That’s our story — rain, peach soap, a curious child, and a decision to do things differently. We’re proud to offer authentic French artisan soap, updated for today but true to its roots.
Thanks for giving real soap another chance.
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