Wheeled World

Holidays together in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region

Whether in mountain resorts or in the countryside, the range of activities available to people with disabilities is increasing. Whether it’s an excursion on a joëlette, a cimgo, a handiski (ski wheelchair) or experiencing other unique activities, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes will take you to the highest peaks. 

Disabled-friendly holidays

A few active associations that offer guided activities : 

The Auvergne-Rhône-Aleps region works to ensure that everyone has access to culture and leisure activities! Museums, parks, farm visits, and company visits; they will all welcome you with open arms.  

The Gallo-Roman Museum Saint-Romain-en-Gal has successfully met the challenge of providing essential facilities for people with reduced mobility on a site listed in the Historical Monuments register. The special visitor’s booklets (guides for PRMs and in easy to read and understand) make it easier for everyone to visit!

Find out more on the Partir Ici website link : https://www.partir-ici.fr/fr/a/musee-gallo-romain2

The Délices Foréziens Farm has been awarded by the Grenelle Environment Forum. Enjoy a fascinating visit at Saint-Cyr-les-Vignes in the Loire region and meet farmers that have a modern approach but are still very attached to their land and their animals. The farm can only be visited with the tour guide, Céline, who is trained to welcome people with disabilities and knows the basics of French sign language. Tours are adapted to the needs of all visitors: sign language, tours based on all 5 senses, large print, wheelchairs, etc

Find out more on the Partir Ici website: https://www.partir-ici.fr/fr/a/ferme-des-delices-foreziens

L’Aventure Michelin,  a lively and entertaining showcase accessible to all with a sensory trail, video guides with French Sign Language, audio guides, easy to read and understand booklets. The museum has been rewarded a national “Tourism and Disability Trophy” by the Tourism and Disability Association 

Find out more on the Partir Ici website: https://www.partir-ici.fr/fr/a/laventure-michelin

All the region’s certified “Tourism and Disability” sites :  https://tourisme-handicaps.org/espace-grand-public/les-structures-labellisees/

Let’s not forget that France is the land of gastronomy! The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region invites you to enjoy the specialities of its terroir through its restaurant and producers located on the “Vallée de la Gastronomie.” 

Maison Chapoutier, has wine and a big heart for everyone; this famous domain in the northern Rhône Valley welcomes all kinds of visitors. The special feature is that all the labels on the bottles are printed in Braille. This practice dates back to 1996, as a tribute to Maurice de La Sizeranne, founder of the Valentin-Haüy Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, who also owned a plot of Hermitage which was bought by Maion Chapoutier. There are tours with a French sign language interpreter organised for the hearing impaired. Visitors with disabilities are always welcome, and wheelchair users can even visit part of the vineyard using the Benur electric wheelchair, which eliminates the need for transfers.

Find out more on the Partir Ici website : Caveau Chapoutier : https://www.partir-ici.fr/fr/a/caveau-m-chapoutier

Café Joyeux in Lyon, a community restaurant that hires and trains people mainly with Down’s Syndrome or cognitive disorders such as autism.

La famille est au complet : prêts pour tester Benur sur la ViaRhôna !
H+ Tourism Destination: Tourist offices and destinations that are also committed in giving a warm and disabled-friendly welcome in their regions. They have put in place some initiatives and resource sites to welcome all types of visitors. 

Download the brochure.

Clermont Auvergne Tourism promotes sustainable and eco-responsible initiatives such has soft mobility, local producers, sensitive natural areas, sites that are accessible to people with a reduced mobility. Pedestrian crossings and pavements have been designed to make walking easier for people with reduced mobility. A tour of the historic centre of Clermont-Ferrand is available in braille, contracted braille and larger print.  

https://www.clermontauvergnetourisme.com/tourisme-responsable/nos-offres-accessibles-a-tous/

Aix-les-Bains, Riviera of the Alpes has published a guide for people with disabilities and their carers. Every day, Aix-les-Bains strives to improve the reception, orientation and quality of life of its inhabitants and visitors, especially those with disabilities. Discover the Handi Aix guide here:  https://www.aixlesbains-rivieradesalpes.com/guide-handiaix-2021.pdf

The Tourist Office of Chambery, is certified Tourism and Disability for all four types of disabilities, is committed to providing information to disabled people in reliable, consistent and objective manner on the accessibility of the town’s various sites and attractions, accommodation, restaurants… according to the person’s disability (reduced mobility, visual, hard of hearing and mental)   

https://www.chamberymontagnes.com/handitourisme/

Visit Grenoble and its interactive itineraries for people with motor disabilities in wheelchairs but also for parents with strollers with tours of the old town, street-art and other must-see’ spots of the city. https://generateur.andyamo.fr/

The Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region is also raising the bar in terms of the accessibility of tourist accommodation: special holiday accommodation for carers or people receiving care, holiday villages, furnished accommodation, hotels, etc.  

Find out more about all the accommodations in the region that have been awarded with the Tourisme & Handicap label: