The Provence, France -

La Lézardière is a wheelchair accessible villa located in the backcountry of the Provence, a famous part of Southern France known for its wine and lavender fields. It’s about 40km off the coast to make it secluded enough to avoid tourist traffic but close enough to take day trips to popular attractions. After the owner of the property became paralyzed it was converted to be wheelchair accessible and is now available for rent.

The main building of the property is the one that is wheelchair accessible and is in the center of the property. Inside there are two bedrooms and bathrooms but only one bedroom and bathroom is accessible. The bathroom has a roll-in shower with hand-held nozzle and a commode/shower chair is available.  The main building also has a full kitchen, equipped with refrigerator, oven, stove, and dishwasher. There is also a large living room with a table seating 8-10 people and satellite TV. This room is open to those staying in the main building as well as the guest house.  In addition, the main building has a lovely office with large windows that look out onto the landscape.

No matter where you want to go at La Lézardière you will find smoothly paved paths. This includes access to the various terraces to sit outside and enjoy good company. Even if it rains there is a covered terrace with an outdoor table so you can still be in the fresh air.  Right outside the accessible main building is a pool, in which a mechanical chair lift can help someone using a wheelchair down into the pool.

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Like most small European towns, the ones near La Lézardière are not up to high ADA standards found in America. Some areas of the older towns may have cobble stones and stairs but there are ways of getting around this, like sticking to the paved streets. One usually won’t have trouble getting through the door of a restaurant or shop but if there is a stair or two, there’s always a friendly face willing to help. Finding a wheelchair accessible restroom can be a bit of a search but not impossible. France is working on improving accessibility.

One such town is Cotignac and is about a 30 minute walk or 5 minute drive from La Lézardière.  Cotignac rests at the foothill of a jagged hillside. It was originally carved out in ancient times and is regarded a sacred. Each Tuesday there is a colorful market with local arts, crafts, fresh produce, and more.  There is even a spectacular waterfall nearby.  Aups is another town to explore as well as Aix-en-Provence which is an old and well respected university town. Famous artists as Cezanne or Picasso have once lived there. Finally, Tourtour is a scenic artist village, “Le village au ciel.” You have a spectacular view from the house to this beautiful village on top of a mountain.

Another attraction while staying at La Lézardière to see is le Thoronet, a romantic monastery built by the strict Zisterzinser brotherhood in the 12th century. It belongs to the world heritage sites. Today it is open to the public as museum. A visit is very rewarding, however, one using a manual wheelchair will need a good amount of assistance. There are many stairs inside throughout and because of this, there is no admission fee for a wheelchair user and his or her companions. For someone in a power chair, viewing the inside of the monastery is almost impossible. However, the courtyard is accessible via an unpaved ramp. Furthermore, the National Park of Gorge du Verdon is the largest canyon in Europe and although it is not accessible, you can still enjoy the incredible views by driving around it.

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Lanzarote, Spain –

Lanzarote is a small and very unique island off the coast of Spain famous for its wild beauty and dramatic geological landscapes. Surrounding this island you will find beaches of every color – from white, to golden to black beaches – everything from small coves to long, stretchy beaches.  All the houses are white with blue, green or brown doors and windows, representing the elements. The island is a favorite place for many Europeans to vacation to because of its incredible natural beauty and the charming character of the people and places you experience.

Over the past couple of years, the government has been actively improving the infrastructure of the main tourist resort area called Puerto del Carmen. Last year they finished the new beach promenade which can take you all the way into Arrecife, the capital of the island – the promenade is wide and perfect for wheelchair users and also with a cycle path built in.  In addition, the two main beaches (Matagorda Beach and Playa Blanca) have been equipped with a ramp for wheelchairs and easy access to the sea for wheelchair users.

Furthermore, on Sundays the old capital, Teguise, turns into a large marketplace where you can buy everything from tablecloths to watches, handbags, belts and sunglasses – well worth a visit. Nearby is the Jardín de Cactus, a unique park with more than 10,000 cacti. Another natural attraction is the Timanfaya National Park where you can drive through and see the volcano that is the heart of the island.

Located near the attractions of the tourist area Puerto del Carmen is a wheelchair accessible place to stay called Casas Heddy (see below photos). The entire place was created for those with a physical handicapped in mind, so there are wonderful details that make every moment just that more comfortable. The outdoor heated pool is designed for the disabled, and there is even a fully equipped physiotherapy department with heated indoor pool and treatment rooms. The majority of all the guest rooms, which come in single, double, and triple sizes are on the ground floor and are wheelchair accessible. Casa Heddy offers day trip excursions with their own transportation and guide as well as other forms of entertainment every day of the week. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also included.

Information & Reservations:
Casa Heddy
casasheddy@condestinolanzarote.com

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Algarve, Portugal -

Dama da Noite translates to “lady of the night,” which is a sweet smelling  flower that opens only at night. It also the name a villa in Portugal that is wheelchair accessible. This particular accessible room was modeled under the guidance of a wheelchair user, so there are many wonderful details that make staying here just that much more comfortable.

The accessible villa is large enough for a small group, no more than 6. There are three bedrooms, two with twins beds and one with a king, which also has the wheelchair accessible bathroom with a roll-in shower. In addition, there is a large living area, kitchen with roll-up access, and a poolside patio.

The town of Algarve is a very charming place where you can enjoy the culture and ambiance of Portugal.

Reservations & Info:
Dama da Noite

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St. Simons Islands, GA -

Right off the Atlantic shoreline in Georgia are the oceanfront Shipwatch Condominiums. With only 52 units it is a quiet and relaxing get-a-way in the southeast part of the United States. The Shipwatch Condominiums are located in an area called Georgia’s Golden Isles.

Room #108 has been modified to be wheelchair accessible and includes two bedrooms, two full baths, a combined living, dining, and kitchen area, and a private balcony. The condominium’s maximum occupancy is 6 people: 1 King, 2 Twins, 1 Sleeper Sofa. There is complimentary in-room high-speed Internet access and even transition ramps at the front and patio door for a smooth entrance for a wheelchair user. Guests ares also welcome to use the outdoor BBQ grills by the pool.

Daily, weekly, and monthly rates are available all year round. See a complete price breakdown.

Information & Reservations
Bill Stepro: bmmk4@verizon.net
H: 419.468.9047  C: 419.569.6114

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Zalakaros, Hungary -

The Sunny Roth Villas is located in the South West part of Hungary in a town called Zalakaros. It is a small cluster of individual villas for your own privacy, one of them is wheelchair accessible with a roll-in shower. Each villa has a small living space and kitchen. Outside the pool that is shared by all has a wheelchair lift to gently lower one into the water. Sunny Roth Villas also has a wheelchair friendly bike that you ride with your hands, shown below.

More information & reservations:
www.sunnyrothvillas.com
info@sunnyrothvillas.com

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