Our history

If you’re browsing our website, you probably already have a rough idea of what we’re all about…

But if you’ve arrived here by chance, then first of all: Hello, and Welcome!
You’ve reached the France Passion website, a community of people passionate about travel, motorhome adventures of course, but much more than that.

At France Passion, what we love above all is creating unforgettable encounters, whether for a day (or more often for a night…) or for a lifetime.
We could share countless stories of friendships and even love that began thanks to us…

How did this whole adventure begin?

A little over 30 years ago.
It was 1992, and Pierre Ginoux, then editor of Cépages Magazine and a motorhome traveller in his spare time, came up with the idea of bringing the two worlds together:
a network of motorhome stopovers hosted by locals, especially winegrowers.

The idea was simple and meaningful.
For the hosts, it meant offering a warm welcome on their property, opening the doors to their daily lives, sharing their expertise, and creating genuine connections.
For travellers, it meant enjoying peaceful, stunning locations far from crowded campsites, discovering local life, crafts and products, and exchanging stories.

And then?

Naturally, the very first “Sud Passion” network was created, starting with 160 Rhône Mediterranean wine estates.
But the enthusiasm grew so quickly that just one year later, Pierre renamed it France Passion.
Since then, the concept has continued to flourish, opening the network to farms, producers and artisans throughout France.
 

What about today ?

There are more than 2,000 unique stopovers across 91 departments, bringing together enthusiasts from every background.
And when we say “from every background”, we mean it. Our motorhome guests come not only from France, but also from Belgium, Switzerland, England, Sweden, Italy, Finland…

Although Pierre Ginoux sadly passed away in 2020, his friends Didier Garcin and Marc Guillermain proudly took over and have continued to carry on the spirit, ideas and history of France Passion year after year.

Today, Jeanine, Françoise, Florence, Valérie, Roxane, Jérôme and Marc ensure the smooth running of the organisation, maintain relationships with hosts and travellers, and work to develop an ever more comprehensive guide each year.

And of course, we are constantly looking for new hosts to enrich our Guide des Étapes, a mission that keeps us busy!

If you know a farmer, winegrower, producer or rural business owner with space to welcome 1 to 5 motorhomes on their property, feel free to send us their details!