1. Where can I buy the guide if I'm already travelling?
2. What is the difference between the French and multilingual editions of the guide?
3. Can caravans use the France Passion network ?
4. Are there similar schemes to France Passion in other countries ?
5. Do you provide GPS coordinates for the stopover sites ?
6. Are dogs allowed on France Passion sites ?
7.Is it obligatory to buy produce from the host ?
Answers :
1. Where can I get the guide if I've already set out ?
The Stopover Guide is available from members of the MASTERS France network: www.masters-france.com visit the "Reseau" section at www.masters-france.com to find your nearest dealer.
2. What is the difference between the French and multilingual editions of the guide ?
Both editions include all the same stopover sites, but in the multilingual edition directions to the properties are given in French, English and German.
The general guidelines are presented in French, English, German, Spanish, Dutch and Italian.
3. Can caravans use the France Passion network ?
Only self-sufficient motor homes (WC, waste, electricity…) can use the host network.
It would be impossible for the farms and vineyards participating in the network to accommodate the enormous numbers of caravans circulating in Europe, and a number of access routes may also be impassable for caravans.
You’ll find farms and vineyards that can welcome caravans on our partner’s website www.bienvenue-a-la-ferme.com
4. Are there similar schemes in other countries ?
Yes, other organisations have followed the France Passion model:
Italy : www.fattoreamico.it - Special rates for France Passion members.
Spain : www.espana-discovery.com
Switzerland : swissterroir.ch
Belgium : www.arsvivendivzw.be
For other countries contact the national motorhome federations.
5. Do you provide GPS coordinates for the stopover sites ?
No. Firstly because many of our properties are set deep in the countryside, and experience shows that Sat Nav systems frequently send vehicles along routes inappropriate or impassable for motorhomes (farm or forest tracks etc.).
Our invitations are updated every year, outdated versions circulate without any sort of control. For example, this year 150 hosts have left the network and, each for their own reasons no longer wish to welcome motorhomes to their properties, (retirement, death, tired of motorhomes etc.). Conversely 250 new hosts have joined us in 2011.
The contract we sign with the farmers and winegrowers stipulates that we will only disclose their addresses to up to date France Passion members. Only paid up members of the France Passion network can use the stopover sites.
Publishing the GPS coordinates for each site could allow anyone to access the private properties where you are a privileged guest:
- non-member motorhomes occupying the sites reserved for members only.
- non motorhome owners (campers, caravans etc.)
We believe the best way to guarantee both you and your host's tranquillity is not to publish this information.
Please note that postcodes and road numbers are mentioned in the directions to each site, and these can be entered into a Sat Nav system to bring you close to your destination. France Passion signs guide you the last few metres from an easily recognisable waypoint such as a village centre or crossroads.
6 . Are dogs allowed on France Passion sites ?
In most cases,yes. The few properties who do not accept dogs are all indicated in the Guide. This may be because the host has young children, or because there are working or guard dogs roaming freely around the property. As a precaution, it is advisable to check with the hosts before letting your dog out.
7. Is it obligatory to buy the host's produce ?
There is no obligation to buy: your status as a private and non paying guest means you owe nothing to your host. It is obviously not forbidden to buy either! Especially in view of the quality, authenticity and originality of the products offered by the network's farmers and winegrowers. Note that we regularly remind our hosts that the size of your baggage compartment and fridge is limited, and that guests can only buy a limited quantity of a given regional speciality.
Bear in mind that even if you don't like goat's cheese, there is nothing to stop you staying on a goat farm, or saying hello to the farmer when he passes by!
Finally, products can always be purchased later by mail order from home, but once again, there is no obligation!
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