Discover Guide du Routard

Do you know about the Guide du Routard? The Guide du Routard is a true success story. A product that has become deeply ingrained in French travel culture and is now both a reference and a cultural icon. Dive deep into this special traveler’s guide!

A Brief History

The Guide du Routard, literally translated as The Globetrotter Guide, is a French traveler’s guide that was first published in 1973. It all started in 1972 when a young Philippe Gloaguen went on a hitchhiking backpack trip that took him to India. During the trip, he kept memories of everything he did in a logbook (carnet de route). Upon returning to France, he submitted his idea to numerous publishing companies, most of which rejected him, but one saw the potential and agreed to publish his travel guide. Interestingly, the word routard was coined specifically for this guide!

But it’s not just a normal travel guide—it is a guide for young, curious, and adventurous people who are ready to take the road freely in search of unforgettable experiences around the world. As seen on the cover of the guide, the logo was drawn specifically to represent the founder walking with the globe on his back!

Since 1973, more than 50 million copies have been sold, and every year, around 150 editions are published. As of 2025, the founder Philippe Gloaguen is still the director and continues the legacy he created. It has become a reference in most French households, appealing to more than just young adventurers. People often keep them as souvenirs and build collections of their travels.

Why Has It Become Such an Iconic Institution?

Several reasons contribute to its success:

1. A Thorough and Trusted Process

The guide’s unique approach lies in how it is created. What they call “investigators-snoopers” work for the Guide. They are hired by the publishing team to travel, test restaurants, hotels, and attractions, and provide useful information and key details for travelers. They have strict criteria and guidelines that they follow before rating and writing down any address. This ensures a level of quality and transparency that only a vade-mecum can provide.

The mindset of these expert travelers is to write as if they are addressing a close friend, with no hidden agendas or biased opinions. That is why people have trusted the book for decades. Moreover, the editorial team keenly reads and reviews what is submitted to the Courrier des lecteurs (letters to the editor) and incorporates feedback into the final copies. This democratic system ensures a strong connection with readers.

2. Adapting to the Digital Age

They renew their collections every year and publish other works such as collector’s books and magazine editions, targeting both their traditional audience and new customers. They have adapted to the internet era by launching a website, a travel agency, mobile apps, and by competing with social media influencers while remaining a trusted reference.
It’s also a mark of trust for travelers—restaurants and hotels proudly display their Guide du Routard label as a badge of quality.

A Unique and Responsible Travel Philosophy

The success of this book is deeply tied to its identity. The Guide du Routard promotes a responsible approach to travel, less focused on mass tourism and more on meaningful, local, and authentic experiences. It reminds travelers that, in a foreign land, they are the guests.

Additionally, the guide considers environmental concerns and adapts to new forms of tourism, such as bike travel guides. This humanist and respectful method is particularly appreciated by travelers.

So if you are planning a trip soon, come check out our library which has a few editions and many other gems!