Category: City Breaks
Posted by: Richard Thompson
Accessible city breaks are a challenge to organise. Great news out of Sweden then as by 2010, Stockholm aims to be 'the most accessible capital in the world'!
Six years ago, the Swedish Parliament resolved to make Sweden accessible to everyone. Building laws were tightened and more stringent requirements imposed on both official and private bodies to create accessible envoronments. In short, the demands are meant to “simply eliminate obstacles in official premises and public spaces.” They are expected to be in place by 2010 at the latest.
An impressive initiative and one which could become a model for other cities to follow.
Well done Stockholm.
For further information visit:
http://www.sweden.se/templates/cs/Article____14605.aspx
Six years ago, the Swedish Parliament resolved to make Sweden accessible to everyone. Building laws were tightened and more stringent requirements imposed on both official and private bodies to create accessible envoronments. In short, the demands are meant to “simply eliminate obstacles in official premises and public spaces.” They are expected to be in place by 2010 at the latest.
An impressive initiative and one which could become a model for other cities to follow.
Well done Stockholm.
For further information visit:
http://www.sweden.se/templates/cs/Article____14605.aspx
28/04: Lille - open for all.
Category: City Breaks
Posted by: Richard Thompson
In response to my request for access information, the good folk at the Office du Tourisme, Lille, have sent me a couple of brochures mapping out access routes in and around the city. Anyone with basic French should understand the literature. Just a shame, given it's Eurostar link with the UK, that the info is not available in English.
Ville de Lille can be contacted about their accessible services by email at
squoniam@marie-lille.fr
Bon chance!
Ville de Lille can be contacted about their accessible services by email at
squoniam@marie-lille.fr
Bon chance!
Category: City Breaks
Posted by: Richard Thompson
We have received a query from a gentleman wishing to travel to Lille on Eurostar, with a companion who is a non-ambulent wheelchair user (unable to walk). He wanted to know about Lille and the train journey itself.
Well, happily, Eurostar is one of those rare services which provides a better deal for disabled travellers. Wheelchair users are able to travel with a companion in an upgraded area of the train and at greatly reduced fares. And even even better, it is all now bookable online through the Eurostar website!
With regard to Lille itself, the official tourist office website highlights an accessible guided mini-coach city tour - best booked in advance, which would be a good way to cover the city on a day trip. There are a number of hotel chains offering hotels with accessible rooms including Mercure and Novotel.
Enjoy la belle ville....Lille!
Well, happily, Eurostar is one of those rare services which provides a better deal for disabled travellers. Wheelchair users are able to travel with a companion in an upgraded area of the train and at greatly reduced fares. And even even better, it is all now bookable online through the Eurostar website!
With regard to Lille itself, the official tourist office website highlights an accessible guided mini-coach city tour - best booked in advance, which would be a good way to cover the city on a day trip. There are a number of hotel chains offering hotels with accessible rooms including Mercure and Novotel.
Enjoy la belle ville....Lille!
