Much of this is down to the disabled themselves, whose expectations are much higher now than ever before.
There was a time when the disabled were pushed into the background and no one considered they could, or would, join in the activities taken for granted by their able bodied friends and family, writes Coral Luke.
This is why the Auxois region of Burgundy are making nine important sites accessible to people with various disabilities.
Five sites are now open to the disabled and people with reduced mobility: the other four sites will hopefully be ready by the summer of 2008.
Each community of communes in the Pays d’Auxois has adapted a site in partnership with l’Office National des Forets. A booklet published to accompany the project "A la Découverte des Plateau de l’Auxois" explains the countryside, monuments, buildings and the formation of the rock formations, valleys and rivers that makes up the region; as well as the fauna and flora it supports.
Some of the flora to be found is oak, privet, viburnum, blackthorn, juniper, orchids, anemone and hedge clematis. You can also see red squirrel, song thrush, woodpecker, jackdaw, lark, grasshopper, crickets, bunting and green lizards. The forests also support deer and wild boar.
Sites already accessible are le Sentier des Roches de Saffres, Sentier des Falaises de Baulme-La-Roche, la Plage du Réservoir de Pont et Massène, Sentier de la Montagne de Pouilly and Centre d’Interprétation du Canal de Bourgogne, Cap Canal.
Le Sentier des Roches de Saffres is situated above the village of Saffres and offers a wonderful view of the village and surrounding countryside, however, the spectacular rock formations are what bring people to the site.
There is a car park and approximately a 10 minute walk to the viewing site, benches have been positioned intermittently along the route. At the moment the track is very sandy and it can be difficult for wheelchairs but hopefully the access will improve as the sand is compacted.
Le Sentier des Falaises de Baulme-La-Roche overlooks the pretty village of Baulme-La-Roche and the falaises (cliffs) dominate the area all around. This is the latest of the sites to be made accessible.
La Plage du Réservoir de Pont et Massène is a popular tourist attraction throughout the summer but also has a lot to offer all year round. The réservoir attracts lovers of watersports and fishermen while beyond the barrage is a beautiful nature walk.
Le Sentier de la Montagne de Pouilly overlooks the small town of Pouilly en Auxois and the Burgundy canal. Le sentier (walk) is circular and as well as plenty of trees and flowers there is a short walk to the statue of the Madonna.
There is parking but the start of the walk is very gravelly and is difficult for wheelchairs but the route does improve. The guide for the Pouilly Sentir Madone walk, Pierre Bouhier, has learnt sign language so he can accompany people on the walks and is a mind of information.
Also at Pouilly en Auxois is le Centre d’Interprétation du Canal de Bourgogne, Cap Canal. From here there are canal trips on the Billebaude various trips are available and the captain speaks perfect English.
In the same complex there is a maritime museum which shows the history of the canal and the last electric tug; the original of which is conserved outside in a newly constructed covered dry dock. Improvements are being made for next season as the space for wheelchairs is tight, but there is a loop system and audio/visual facilities.
The four project sites are le Sentier Botanique de l’Ermitage, la Plage du Réservoir de Grosbois, le point de vue de la Butte de Thil and le site de la Ferme du Hameau.
Work is at present taking place at la Plage du Réservoir de Grosbois and although la Ferme du Hameau is accessible at present, it could be improved. The car park is on the opposite side of the road in a field which has to be closed in wet weather.
As you will have seen in my previous articles on travel and tourism, things are changing in France after they have lagged behind Britain for so long. Certainly here in l’Auxois we are pleased and excited over these new projects.
Further information:
To order a copy of the A la Découverte des Plateau de l’Auxois booklet write to or contact:
Communauté de Communes du Canton de Vitteaux,
Maison du Canton de Vitteaux,
21350 Vitteaux,
France.
Tel: 0033 (0)3.80.49.65.66
Offices de Tourisme et Syndicats d'Initiative de l'Auxois
Arnay le Duc: 0033 (0)3.80.90.07.55
Montbard: 0033 (0)3.80.92.53.81
Pouilly en Auxois: 0033 (0)3.80.90.77.36 (the capitainerie)
Pouilly en Auxois: 0033 (0)3.80.90.74.24 ot.pouilly.en.auxois@wanadoo.fr
Vitteaux: 0033 (0)3.80.33.90.14
Semur en Auxois: 0033 (0)3.80.97.05.96
People can ask for "idées de visites pour les personnes handicapées et à mobilité réduite 'L'Auxois pour Tous'"
Pierre Bouhier, guided tours at Pouilly en Auxois Sentier Madone
Tel: 00 33 679 01 34 72
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