Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Provence, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur!

Camargue

Why Visit?

Embark on a breathtaking journey through the stunning landscapes of Camargue, a region renowned for its raw natural beauty and rich biodiversity, all accessible by wheelchair and mobile scooter.

Day 1: Arrival in Arles

Begin your Camargue adventure in the historically rich town of Arles. Check into a wheelchair-friendly hotel like the Hôtel Arles Plaza, which offers accessible rooms and facilities. Spend your afternoon exploring the Roman ruins, like the Arles Amphitheatre, which provides ramps and an elevator for wheelchair access.

Day 2: Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau

Drive or take an accessible taxi to the Parc Ornithologique de Pont de Gau, just a 30-minute ride from Arles. The park features well-maintained, flat pathways ideal for wheelchairs and scooters. Here, you can observe the famous flamingos of Camargue and numerous other bird species in their natural habitat. The park also rents out Tundra wheelchairs, specially designed for natural terrains.

Day 3: Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer

Head to the charming coastal town of Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer, about 45 minutes from Arles. Visit the fortified church, Notre-Dame-de-la-Mer, which offers ramped access. Later, enjoy the sea views from accessible beach paths or boardwalks, and dine at Le Bruleur de Loups, known for its accessibility and local cuisine.

Day 4: Aigues-Mortes

Travel to the medieval town of Aigues-Mortes, approximately 35 minutes away. Explore the ramparts with accessible viewing platforms that offer panoramic views of Camargue. The town is also famous for its salt marshes, which can be explored through guided tours on specially adapted trains.

Day 5: Departure

After a fulfilling exploration of Camargue, head back to Arles to depart. This itinerary promises a blend of culture, history, and nature, all tailored to be enjoyable and fully accessible to everyone.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Place du Forum

Why Visit?

Welcome to the historic heart of Arles, where the vibrant Place du Forum awaits your exploration, offering a seamless blend of ancient allure and modern accessibility. This iconic square, famously captured in Van Gogh"s "Café Terrace at Night," is not just a feast for the eyes but also a delight in terms of accessibility.

Morning: Arrival and Exploration

Begin your day by arriving at Arles via the wheelchair-accessible train from nearby cities like Marseille or Montpellier. From the Arles train station, you can easily rent a mobile scooter or use your wheelchair; it’s a smooth 15-minute ride to the center of town. Upon reaching Place du Forum, the compact nature of the square allows you to navigate easily between the sun-bathed café terraces and shops.

Midday: Cultural Immersion and Lunch

For lunch, settle into one of the accessible eateries like Le Café La Nuit, inspired by Van Gogh’s painting. Here, ramps ensure easy access and offer a chance to enjoy local delicacies like ratatouille or bouillabaisse in an iconic setting. Post-lunch, visit the neighboring Cryptoportiques—a subterranean Roman gallery. Entrance ramps and lifts make this mysterious site accessible, allowing you to delve into the depths where merchants once walked.

Afternoon: Leisure and Learning

Post-lunch, wheel along to the nearby Rhône River for some serene views. The riverfront is well-paved, making it easy for wheelchairs and scooters to glide along. Don"t miss the Van Gogh trail markers throughout the town, which are accessible and lead to various spots where the artist set up his easel.

Evening: Relax and Reflect

Cap off your day by soaking in the ambient glow of the square’s lights which illuminate the ancient façades. Many cafes have accessible restrooms and spacious seating arrangements, allowing you to relax comfortably, reflecting on a day well spent amidst history and culture.

Every corner of Place du Forum promises an accessible journey through time, ensuring that beauty and history are within reach for everyone.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Church of St. Trophime (Eglise St-Trophime)

Why Visit?

Discover the historic marvels of Arles with an accessible tour of the Church of St. Trophime (Eglise St-Trophime), an architectural gem in the heart of this ancient city. Begin your journey with ease by taking a wheelchair-friendly taxi from Arles train station directly to the Place de la République, a bustling square surrounded by medieval buildings and the ideal starting point for your exploration.

As you approach the Church of St. Trophime, located on the western side of the square, prepare to be captivated by its magnificent Romanesque portal, which details the Last Judgment with intricate carvings that have stood the test of time since the 12th century. The church is equipped with ramps, making it accessible for wheelchair users and mobile scooter tourists.

Once inside, you"ll find a nave that is spacious and maneuverable. Take in the serene ambiance and the beautifully preserved columns and frescoes that tell tales of early Christian artistry. The church also houses a cloister, part of which is accessible and offers a tranquil retreat with its delicate columns and medieval sculptures.

As you tour, learn about the church"s historical significance as a former cathedral and its role in the spread of Romanesque sculpture through Provence. This site, steeped in history, is not only a spiritual center but also an integral part of the Arles, Roman and Romanesque Monuments UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Wrap up your visit by enjoying a cup of coffee at one of the nearby cafes, many of which are accessible, allowing you to reflect on the beauty and history you"ve just experienced. This tour not only offers a glimpse into the rich history of Arles but does so with the utmost consideration for accessibility, ensuring a comfortable and enriching experience for all.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Arles Museum of Antiquity (Musée Départemental Arles Antique)

Why Visit?

Welcome to a captivating journey through ancient history at the Musée Départemental Arles Antique, nestled on the serene banks of the Rhône river in the historic town of Arles. This museum, famed for its extensive collection of Roman antiquities, is not only a treasure trove of history but also remarkably accessible for those on wheels.

Morning Arrival and Entry

Start your day early by arriving at the museum from the center of Arles, which is about a 20-minute stroll or a short drive. There"s ample parking, and designated spots are available for those with disabilities. The museum is well-equipped with ramps and elevators, making it fully accessible.

Upon entering, head to the spacious lobby where wheelchairs can navigate comfortably. Begin at the permanent exhibits which showcase breathtaking Roman artifacts including statues, ancient funeral objects, and stunning mosaics. Don"t miss the "Bust of Julius Caesar," believed to be the only portrait made during his lifetime.

Midday Exploration

As noon approaches, make your way to the highlight of the museum - the fully restored Roman barge which was discovered in the Rhône in 2004. At 31 meters long, it"s displayed in a specially designed, wheelchair-accessible area that gives you an up-close view of this remarkable piece of history.

Lunch and Leisure

For lunch, the museum’s café offers delicious local cuisine with accessible seating arrangements. Post lunch, roll through to the bookshop for unique souvenirs and books.

Interactive and Engaging Afternoon

Post-lunch, participate in one of the museum"s interactive workshops often held in accessible spaces. These sessions provide a hands-on experience of Roman crafts and technologies.

Departure

As your visit comes to an end, the flat, easy paths of the museum ensure a smooth exit. On your way out, the panoramic glass doors offer one last picturesque view of the Rhône, a perfect conclusion to your enriching, accessible journey through antiquity.

This wheelchair-friendly tour ensures that the grandeur of ancient Rome is accessible to all, providing an enriching experience that transcends the barriers of time and mobility.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.

Van Gogh Café (Le Café de Nuit)

Why Visit?

Wheelchair-Friendly Tour to Van Gogh Café (Le Café de Nuit), Arles

Morning: Arrival in Arles

Begin your day in the charming city of Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage site that inspired over 200 paintings by Vincent van Gogh. Arrival is most convenient by train, with the Gare d"Arles offering good accessibility for wheelchair users. From there, the city center is a short ride away, and the streets, although historic, are surprisingly navigable for wheelchairs and mobile scooters.

Mid-Morning: Stroll through Arles

Explore the ancient streets of Arles, rolling through the Roman and Romanesque monuments. The city has made significant efforts to improve accessibility, including lowered curbs and accessible public restrooms. Don"t miss the Arles Amphitheatre and the Antique Theatre – both are equipped with ramps and offer a glimpse into the city"s vibrant history.

Lunch: Local Cuisine near Le Café de Nuit

For lunch, choose one of the accessible restaurants near Place du Forum, where local specialties like ratatouille and bouillabaisse are served. The area is relatively flat and offers smooth pathways for easy scooter or wheelchair access.

Afternoon: Visit to Le Café de Nuit

Head to the highlight of your visit, Le Café de Nuit, famously painted by Van Gogh in 1888. The café, still operational, is located at 11 Place Lamartine. While the interior of the café has steps, an accessible viewpoint with interpretive panels allows everyone to appreciate this iconic site. Here, you"ll feel the vibrancy of Van Gogh’s palette come to life in the café"s glowing façade and starlit ambiance.

Late Afternoon: Reflective Moments by the Rhône

Conclude your day with a soothing ride along the Rhône riverbank. The pathways are well-paved and offer beautiful views of the river, perfect for some quiet reflection or capturing a few photos as the sun sets over Arles, just as it did in Van Gogh"s time.

This wheelchair-friendly tour not only immerses you in the art and history but also provides a seamless experience amidst the timeless beauty of Arles.

Wheelchair-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to wheelchair-friendly travelers.