What is the Guide du Routard ?
The Guide du Routard is a popular French travel guidebook for independent travellers. It provides practical information on accommodation, restaurants, transport and places to visit, which you can usually find at affordable prices. The tone is friendly, sometimes humorous, and the advice is generally based on real-life experiences. It covers many destinations around the world and is updated regularly.
Creation of Le Routard and how does it work ?
Le Routard is a famous collection of French travel guides, created in 1973 by Philippe Gloaguen and Michel Duval. The first wanted to offer an alternative to traditional guidebooks, with practical advice on travelling on a budget. Inspired by his own travel experiences, he wanted to help young people discover the world in a free and authentic way, outside the tourist circuits. The guidebook quickly established itself as a reference for those who prefer to travel independently, freely and economically.
Le Routard is based on an authentic approach to travel. The authors travel anonymously to test accommodation, restaurants, means of transport and sites to visit. This guarantees a certain independence of spirit and genuine sincerity in the advice given.
Today, Le Routard covers more than 150 destinations around the world. As well as paper guidebooks, it has a website offering up-to-date content, discussion forums, user reviews and booking services. It remains true to its original spirit: helping travellers to enjoy authentic experiences, far from the beaten track.
How to be included in Le Routard ?
The criteria for inclusion in the Routard are not yet known. To be listed, a request must be made by email or post, specifying the recommended establishment. The person in charge of the survey will visit the establishment on their next trip to the country or region in question, completely anonymously, in order to decide whether or not to include the establishment in the next guide.Once the new guide has been produced and if they are recommended in it, establishments can purchase a ‘Recommended by Routard’ plaque and sticker from CLAD Conseil.
Le Routard in Barcelona, the Catalan capital reveals its secrets
Barcelona is a vibrant, artistic and sunny city, ideal for curious travellers eager to discover new things. Thanks to the Routard, you can explore the Catalan capital in an authentic way, far from the overly touristy itineraries. The guide invites you to lose yourself in the narrow streets of the Gothic Quarter, admire the modernist facades of Passeig de Gràcia, or enjoy a sunset from the heights of Parc Güell.
On the cultural side, the Sagrada Família, Antoni Gaudí’s unfinished masterpiece, is a must-see, as are the Casa Batlló and the Palau de la Música Catalana.
Market lovers will love a stop at La Boqueria, near the Ramblas, or the much less touristy Mercat de Sant Antoni. For a nature break, a stroll along the Barceloneta seafront or a climb up to Montjuïc Castle offers a breath of fresh air and an unbeatable view of the city.
The Montjuïc district, on top of a hill, offers a beautiful green escape with its gardens, Olympic site and magnificent views over the city and the sea. Le Routard strongly recommends a visit to the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), housed in the impressive Palau Nacional. This museum holds a remarkable collection of Romanesque, Gothic and modern art, representative of the richness of Catalan culture.
With its useful tips and reliable addresses, Le Routard allows you to experience Barcelona intensely, soaking up its unique energy and warm atmosphere.
Born Bike Barcelona is once again featured in the Guide du Routard. Since 2021 and for the third year running, our company has been winning over travellers with its warm welcome, local commitment and original routes. Located between the Barceloneta and Born districts, the team offers tours in several languages, accessible to all, to discover Barcelona in a different way, with its historic streets, sunny beaches and modernist masterpieces. A real must for those who want to combine culture, freedom and soft mobility.