Our story...
Let's introduce ourselves!
In August 2010, after more than a year spent in a camper van crisscrossing the American continent as a family - and particularly Latin America - we returned to France, our heads full of memories and a desire: to launch our own adventure.
We're Christian, Valérie, and our children. After traveling 60,000 kilometers on the dusty trails of South America, we set down our suitcases in the southwest of France. Less than fifteen minutes later, the decision was made: to create a company in our image, to sell what we're passionate about, in a way that suits us.
Our playground is the web - so our business for almost 15 years. And our first idea, the one that naturally imposed itself, is MapsCompany.
Why maps 🤔?
Because during our trip, we often struggled to find the right maps at the right time. A GPS failure at the gates of Sud-Lipez (Bolivia), missed trails, poorly marked roads... All this taught us one thing: travel maps—road, topographic, hiking—remain indispensable companions, whether during the trip, or simply beforehand, to prepare for it.
Since this realization, we have made it our mission to bring together the best cards available in one place. When the site launched (December 2010), our catalog included 200 references. By May 2011, more than 1,000. And today, in 2025, you will find more than 19,500 references !
2025: A new identity to continue the same journey
In September 2025, we will unite La Compagnie des Cartes and MapsCompany under one name: Cartovia .
Why this change? Because more and more of you are trusting us, from all corners of the world— more than 160,000 customers to date!—and we wanted a brand that better reflects this spirit of borderless exploration. A name that speaks to all languages, to all desires for escape, and that keeps at its heart the same passion: to accompany you on your adventures , with the best maps, guides, and accessories.
Cartovia is the natural continuation of the story we have been writing for more than fifteen years.
A story that began as a duo, with passion, rigor... and lots of cards!
Today, we are still here, Valérie and Christian Baudchon, founders and directors and still owners , fully involved in every choice, every collaboration, every shipment that leaves our warehouse.
Still French-Canadian 🇫🇷🇪🇺🇨🇦 , still 100% independent, and more motivated than ever to make Cartovia your trusted ally in all your explorations.
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Are you looking for a specific map, a particular scale, a remote corner, or a poorly covered area? Write to us—we're familiar with most publishers, and if the map exists, we'll help you find it. Do you have a question, a comment, or just want to chat with us? Click here to write to us. |
And for the record... it all really started here: a magical night in 2009, spent on the Salar de Uyuni , at an altitude of almost 3,700 meters, in Bolivia.
