Wheelchair-Friendly Adventures in Graves, Bordeaux!

Graves Wine Region

Why Visit?

Graves Wine Region Accessible Tour Itinerary

Day 1: Bordeaux City to Graves

Begin your journey in Bordeaux, a city celebrated for its accessibility. Rent a mobility scooter or confirm a wheelchair-accessible vehicle through local services like Bordeaux Mobility. Set off south towards Pessac, the northern gateway to the Graves wine region. First stop: Château Pape Clément. One of the oldest planted vineyards in the region, the estate offers accessible paths leading through its historic vineyards. Enjoy a guided wine tasting in their wheelchair-friendly tasting room.

Travel Tip: Arrange your vineyard visits ahead of time to ensure they can accommodate specific mobility needs.

Day 2: Further Exploration

Head towards the heart of Graves, to the Sauternes sub-region, famous for its lusciously sweet white wines. Visit Château Guiraud, a pioneer in organic viticulture in Sauternes region, offering accessible facilities and a delightful tasting room. The estate provides ground-floor access and spacious areas ideal for mobility scooters.

Lunch Stop: Enjoy a picnic lunch at Château Smith Haut Lafitte. They provide accessible picnic areas with breathtaking views of the vineyards. Post-lunch, explore their art-filled gardens, easily navigable by wheelchair.

Day 3: Historical Insights and Modern Tasting

Conclude your wine journey at Château Haut-Bailly, renowned for their velvety reds and picturesque setting. The château ensures accessibility with paved pathways and a customized tasting area for visitors with reduced mobility. Engage with sommeliers who provide insightful anecdotes about the region’s winemaking evolution and the specifics of vine cultivation.

Before leaving, make a quick stop at the Graves Wine and Tourism House in Podensac. It offers comprehensive access and multimedia exhibitions about the area"s wine history.

Getting Around: Throughout your trip, utilize local taxi services like *Handynamic* for comfortable travel between estates and Bordeaux.

Experience the charm and rich flavors of the Graves wine region, with each stop promising full accessibility, ensuring a delightful and inclusive tour.

End of Itinerary

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

Bordeaux Cathedral (Cathédrale St. André)

Why Visit?

Bordeaux Accessible Tour: Cathédrale St. André and Surrounds

Start your day at the heart of Bordeaux with the majestic Cathédrale St. André, an architectural gem that dominates the city"s skyline. To reach the cathedral, take the tram Line A or B to the "Hôtel de Ville" station, which is equipped with ramps and tactile paving for easy access. The cathedral itself offers wheelchair access through the north transept door, allowing everyone to explore its awe-inspiring interior without barriers.

Upon entering Cathédrale St. André, you"ll be struck by the soaring Gothic arches and the stunning 13th-century stained glass windows. The nave is entirely accessible, and you can admire the detailed stone carvings and the serene ambience of this historic sanctuary. Remarkably, this cathedral has been a witness to royal marriages, including that of Eleanor of Aquitaine in 1137.

After soaking in the spiritual atmosphere, wheel your way to the nearby Pey Berland Tower, named after its patron archbishop. While the tower itself is not accessible due to stairs, its presence is best appreciated from its base, where you can gaze up at the intricate stonework and the statue of Our Lady of Aquitaine that crowns the tower.

Next, consider a leisurely stroll or roll around the adjacent Palais Rohan, now the City Hall, which sports an impressive façade and accessible public areas. End your tour with a visit to the nearby Musée d"Aquitaine (5-minute roll from the cathedral). This museum offers accessible entrances and is replete with artifacts and exhibits that tell the rich story of Bordeaux and the region.

Each location is equipped with accessible restrooms and nearby dining options like Café Rohan, which offers smooth access and a view of the cathedral, perfect for a reflective lunch. Enjoy your day soaking in the spiritual and historical richness of Bordeaux, all from the comfort of your wheelchair or scooter.

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

Grand Theatre

Why Visit?

Welcome to a wheelchair-friendly exploration of the Grand Theatre, a beacon of culture and history. Prepare for an accessible and enriching experience through one of the most iconic cultural landmarks.

Morning: Arrival at Grand Theatre

Start your day by arriving at the Grand Theatre. The building is fully equipped with ramps and elevators, ensuring smooth access for all. Parking is available with designated spaces for disabled visitors. Public transport options such as buses and taxis also provide accessible services right to the main entrance.

Tour of the Grand Theatre

Begin your tour at 10 AM with a pre-booked guided group that focuses on accessibility. As you move through the grand lobby, notice the Braille signage accompanying all visual displays. The tour includes the main hall, where you’ll learn about the architectural adaptations made to accommodate guests with disabilities, including special seating arrangements that provide unobstructed views of the stage.

Lunch Break

Around noon, head to the theatre’s café. The café is noted for its spacious layout, with tables adequately spaced for mobility devices. Enjoy a meal from their menu featuring local and international cuisine, all while basking in the ambient historical décor of the theatre.

Afternoon: Workshop and Performance

Post-lunch, participate in a pre-booked workshop typically available for visitors on accessibility in the arts. Learn about the theatre"s inclusive programs and perhaps catch a rehearsal in action!

Evening: Live Performance

Cap off your visit with a live performance. Ensure you have pre-booked your tickets for a show that provides audio descriptions and sign language interpretation. The theatre’s state-of-the-art sound system is designed to enhance the auditory experience for all.

Departure

After a standing ovation, head back via your chosen mode of transportation, filled with memorable experiences and new insights into the world of accessible arts.

This itinerary promises a day filled with culture, learning, and accessibility, ensuring a delightful visit to the Grand Theatre for everyone.

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

Port of the Moon (Port de la Lune)

Why Visit?

Explore the enchanting Port of the Moon (Port de la Lune), the heart-shaped bend of the Garonne River that flows gracefully through Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its remarkable urban ensemble.

Start your day at the Cité du Vin, a stunning piece of modern architecture that resembles a swirling wine glass. Fully accessible, this cultural facility offers elevators and wheelchair-friendly exhibitions, ensuring a seamless experience. Delve into the world of wine through immersive displays and top your visit with a taste of international wines at the Belvedere, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and river.

From there, board the accessible tram line B directly outside Cité du Vin and disembark at Quinconces to visit the Esplanade des Quinconces. This sprawling public square, one of the largest in Europe, is easy to navigate with a scooter or wheelchair, and hosts monuments like the Girondins Column and the stunning fountain, symbolizing the freedom of the seas.

Stroll or roll along the riverfront, set on a smooth, flat pathway ideal for wheelchairs. The scenic promenade leads to the iconic Place de la Bourse, which mirrors its elegant 18th-century façade in the shimmering water of the Miroir d’eau. This water mirror is the world"s largest reflecting pool, offering stunning photo opportunities and refreshing mists on sunny days.

End your tour at the CAPC Museum of Contemporary Art, located in a revitalized warehouse that is fully accessible. Explore thought-provoking exhibitions and installations from international artists, all within the comfortable reach of wheelchair users.

Each site on this itinerary promises lift access and adapted restrooms, ensuring a comfortable, enriching experience as you uncover the beauty and culture of Bordeaux’s Port of the Moon.

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

Basilica of St. Michael (Basilique St. Michel)

Why Visit?

### Wheelchair-Friendly Tour to Basilique St. Michel, Bordeaux

#### Morning Arrival

Begin your adventure through the enchanting city of Bordeaux by arriving at the mesmerizing Basilique St. Michel. Located in the heart of the city"s historic quarter, this stunning gothic structure offers not only architectural beauty but also accessibility. The nearest tram stop, "Saint-Michel" on line C, is conveniently equipped with ramps and is just a short roll away from the basilica.

#### Explore Basilique St. Michel

Constructed between the 14th and 16th centuries, Basilique St. Michel stands out with its impressive 114-meter tall bell tower which offers a panoramic view of Bordeaux. While the tower itself isn"t accessible, the main entrance to the basilica is wheelchair-friendly, with no steps and wide doors for easy access. Inside, you"ll be greeted by the vast and airy nave, breathtaking stained glass, and the serene ambiance of this historic sanctuary. Information about the basilica"s fascinating history, including its role during the French Revolution and the World Wars, is available in accessible formats.

#### Lunch by the Flea Market

Post exploration, head to the nearby Capucins market (Marché des Capucins), just a 10-minute roll away. Every Saturday, the area transforms into a bustling flea market where you can enjoy local delicacies from accessible stalls. The market area is flat and has smooth pathways, making it a joy to navigate through the lively atmosphere.

#### Afternoon at the Riverfront

Conclude your visit with a leisurely stroll along the Garonne River. The recently renovated riverfront is completely accessible, featuring wide, flat promenades that are perfect for wheelchairs and scooters. As you soak in the tranquil river views, reflect on the rich history and vibrant culture of Bordeaux you"ve experienced today.

Wheelchair or scooter-bound visitors to Basilique St. Michel will find Bordeaux welcoming and accommodating, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free experience in this charming French city.

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