France Passion - the original motorhome travel guide
Celebrating 30 years of "Formule Invitations”France Passion is the oldest member of the FEFI (Fédération Européenne de la formule). Here, the “Formule Invitations” was invented, the invitation program, where local hosts, often farmers or winemarkers, can invite campers to their farms or wineyards, offer them a spot to stay overnight and showcase their products. We all know, how this program developed since the beginnings in 1992. The FEFI now covers the majority of Europe and France Passion has built a network with more than 2100 hosts! In this article we will tell you the rich history of France Passion and how it works.
How it started
Pierre Ginoux - builder of the hospitality networkWhen talking about France Passion, one name comes up immediately - Pierre Ginoux. He was the editor of the wine magazine Cépages-Magazine and a passionate motorhome fan. When travelling to the south of France in 1992, he noticed very early, that more and more motorhomes are passing through this beautiful Mediterranean region along the many wine yards. Ginoux’s goal was to offer places of hospitality and build a network between passionate campers and passionate wine makers. He published “Sud Passion”, a notebook, where the “Formule Invitations”, the invitational program, was first mentioned. The idea immediately became a success and 160 wine makers from the southern regions of France connected with him right at the beginning. In the following year, 150 other wine makers as well as farmers joined the program and since those new members were not only limited to the south of France, but to the entire country, Sud Passion changed into France Passion.
When reading about Pierre Ginoux, you can feel his deep passion to the motorhome life. In an interview to Camping-Car Magazine in 2017, he said: “Today, I no longer drive motorhomes, but I have excellent memories of my France Passion tours! On my last trip, I was lucky enough to spend the night at an exceptional stop in the Verdon. A lovely estate overlooking fields of lavender and wheat, with a breathtaking view of Lake Sainte-Croix! The pitches are in the shade of hundred-year-old oaks, and I recommend tasting their lavender honey and olive oil - which can be enhanced with a few truffles, for the amateurs. And of course, there is also the warm and friendly welcome of the owners.”
Unfortunately, Pierre Ginoux passed away at the age of 83 in October 2020. But with France Passion and the FEFI network, his legacy lives on and offers countless holiday memories to thousands of camping fans all over Europe.
The team
Continuing the legacyToday 7 people at France Passion take care of the everyday tasks. While Françoise, Michèle, Jeanine and Florence are responsible for the sales department, which means building up relationships to the hosts and handling the finances, Marc and Alexandra are the communication experts at France Passion. Didier is the head of France Passion.
How it works
Reaching your goals with magazine and appThe concept is identical in all FEFI related platforms. Once a year, France Passion publishes a new magazine highlighting some of the hosts. In addition to purchasing the book, readers will receive a vignette, which grants them free and unlimited access to the camping spots for one year. Here they can spend the night. For easier navigation and additional info, users can also download the France Passion app, where they can use GPS navigation to find a host in their surroundings, save favourites or search by keywords. As always in life, kindness and manners go a long way. Visitors should of course introduce to the host. In return, many hosts offer access to water or electricity or they will be happy to present their farm and their products.
Photo competition in 2022
Collecting this summer's most beautiful memoriesIn 2022, France Passion celebrates its 30th anniversary. Therefore, France Passion started a big photo competition lasting until September 10th, 2022. Every France Passion can take part and there are many prices for the participants, including an organized trip in a motorhome or free subscriptions.
Future plans
Delivering a better user experience update by updateSince the world becomes more digital day by day, main focus of the future plans is on optimizing the France Passion app. France Passion just released a new version, which enables the user to select the language right on the login page and to receive more information on festivities and gourmet apoointments right at the user’s stops. More features will be released soon and we can’t wait what France Passion has in store for us!
