Stopping over at a winemaker's is one of the loveliest ways to travel by motorhome. At Clos de Pougette in Cournou (Lot), we have welcomed motorhome travellers for over fourteen years — free of charge, simply, in the sharing logic that makes the France Passion network special.
Why stop at a winemaker?
Beyond free parking, the winemaker stop offers:
- An exceptional setting (pitch at the foot of the vines, guaranteed quiet).
- Cellar access for a no-pressure tasting.
- The chance to buy directly at the estate, at cellar prices.
- A moment of exchange with the winemaker when they have a minute.
- Immersion in the estate's life: in September, you'll see harvest in full swing.
Radically different from a classic campsite or motorway aire — for free.
How France Passion works
France Passion is a network of about 2,000 producers (winemakers, cheesemakers, market gardeners, brewers…) who agree to host motorhome travellers free for one night. The condition: be an annual subscriber (~€30/year), receive the paper guide and mobile app listing all hosts.
Among winemakers, the spirit is simple: "We offer you the night, you discover our wines. No buying obligation, but many buy by choice." The system has worked for over 30 years because it respects both sides.
Park4Night, another logic
Park4Night is a community app (free, with premium) listing parking spots — official aires, free spots, private welcomes, farms — across Europe. Our listing is referenced and travellers leave reviews and photos.
Park4Night and France Passion are not in opposition: many travellers use both. Park4Night for flexibility and community reviews, France Passion for welcome quality and reliability.
What you'll find at our place
At Clos de Pougette:
- A few pitches at the foot of the vines, on stabilised or grassy ground depending on season.
- Drinking water available.
- Accessible restrooms (just ask on arrival).
- Total quiet, no traffic, no noisy neighbours.
- Pets welcome (ours too are sociable).
- Tasting cellar open during welcome hours.
What we don't offer:
- No full service bay (waste/freshwater).
- No 230V power (special case on request).
- No public Wi-Fi (but decent 4G on site).
A simple, winemaker's welcome, not a starred campsite. That's its charm.
How to book
Low season (October to June): no booking needed, you can arrive same day. We just ask you to come to the cellar on arrival to introduce yourself and receive your pitch.
Peak season (July, August) and harvest (mid-September to mid-October): a phone call or text the day before is recommended. Direct line: +33 6 22 50 51 42.
What to do nearby
Clos de Pougette is ideally placed in the Lot valley:
- Cahors (20 min): medieval centre, Pont Valentré, market.
- Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (35 min): one of France's most beautiful villages.
- Rocamadour (1 h): spectacular pilgrimage site, gorges walks.
- Padirac chasm (1 h 15): navigable underground gulf.
- Conques (1 h 30): abbey church and Pierre Soulages stained glass.
You can easily stay 2–3 days in the region, multiplying winemaker stops — many welcoming estates in the Lot.
Practical recommendations
- Arrive before 6 p.m. when possible: Pierre is more available before evening.
- Fill up (water, fuel) before arrival — no service bay on site.
- Don't drink your wines and drive the next day — obvious but stated.
- Buy if you like, not by obligation. France Passion spirit.
- Leave the pitch clean — that keeps the network alive.
In short
The motorhome welcome at Clos de Pougette is free, friendly, and rare. Many estates have stepped back from this service — it requires space and availability. We keep it because it's part of our identity and lets us meet fascinating people every season — couples on a European tour, young retirees, vacationing families, a Belgian winemaker scouting.
To prepare your stopover, see the motorhome page. To find us: Cournou, 46140 Saint-Vincent-Rive-d'Olt, GPS 44.4475, 1.3344.