The law of 11 February 2005 requires establishments open to the public, including campsites for their buildings and communal facilities, to be accessible to all types of disability. This obligation remains in force and is now based on specific technical standards.
Facilities that affect the entire campsite
Accessibility on campsites is not limited to accommodation alone. It is all the more complex to implement as it covers a wide range of areas: movement within the campsite, adapted reception areas, shared sanitary facilities, access to facilities and services, etc. Today, for example, more than 5,000 campsites in France declare that they have at least one sanitary facility adapted for people with disabilities, in accordance with legal requirements.
Outdoor professionals have gradually adapted their equipment and practices. These adaptations are based on standardised criteria (passage width, slopes, manoeuvring areas, signage) and reflect a comprehensive approach to accessibility that goes beyond simply installing a few ramps.
Specially designed accommodation
Most establishments offer one or more adapted accommodations. Most of these are mobile homes, but in recent years manufacturers have expanded their range to include chalets and even specially designed tents. Whatever the type of accommodation chosen, the rules are almost the same: optimised circulation areas for wheelchairs, lowered and adapted kitchen units, lowered wall units, bathrooms with walk-in showers and transfer bars around the toilets, lower beds, etc. In addition, builders have made great efforts to ensure that "PRM accommodation" no longer looks like... hospital rooms.
Accessible leisure activities
The accessibility law also applies to everything that has to do with leisure activities on the campsite. For example, in the swimming pool, this means a wider, gently sloping foot bath, the installation of a launching gate, etc. In the wellness areas, if there are no "PRM spas", adaptations have been made such as equipment built into the ground or the use of the same transfer devices as the swimming pool. For the sauna or hammam, access ramps can be installed and chairs adapted to hot and humid environments can be provided.
In addition, playground manufacturers now offer a complete range of adapted structures. For outdoor fitness areas, the current trend is to mix and match workshops to make them even more of a meeting place. Some brands have designed structures on which you can mount an able-bodied and a PRM machine.
Making life easier for people with disabilities
In addition to accommodation and equipment, the campsite also provides services and facilities for disabled people. For example, there are trolleys with special tyres that allow you to drive on the sand of a beach and make it easier to get into the water. For blind guests, some campsites (e.g. Cala Gogo in Saint-Cyprien) have provided welcome booklets in the form of MP3 players which they make available on arrival. In the same spirit, other campsites have provided "raised pathways" to help people find their way around the campsite, which are different depending on whether they lead to the aquatic area, the reception, the restaurant, etc. . It should be noted that the quality of the welcome also depends on staff awareness of different types of disability.
Tourisme & Handicap, the official label for accessible campsites
Before you even book, the best way to check that the campsite where you plan to spend your holiday is state of the art in welcoming disabled people. the Tourisme & Handicap label, now managed by the State via Atout France, is the only official certification guaranteeing facilities adapted to people with motor, visual, hearing and mental disabilities.
It is characterised by a blue sign, usually located at the entrance to the campsite. It clearly informs visitors about the accessibility of the establishment according to the type of disability: hearing, mental, motor or visual (1 to 4 disabilities).
It is all the more reliable and trustworthy because it is not easy to obtain, as the criteria for awarding it are quite strict.
See all Tourisme & Handicap campsites