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Accessible day trips in Flanders and Brussels

Infopunt Toegankelijk Reizen

© Accessible Travel Info Point – Visit Flanders Grasmarkt 61, 1000 Brussels, Belgium +32 2 504 03 40 +32 2 504 04 05

www.accessinfo.be post@accessinfo.be

Last update: August 2013

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Table of contents

Introduction ............................................................................................................................................. 3

BRUSSELS ................................................................................................................................................. 4

PROVINCE OF ANTWERP ....................................................................................................................... 11

Antwerp ............................................................................................................................................. 11

Mechelen ........................................................................................................................................... 16

Other ................................................................................................................................................. 18

PROVINCE OF LIMBURG ........................................................................................................................ 23

Hasselt ............................................................................................................................................... 23

Ghent ................................................................................................................................................. 33

Other ................................................................................................................................................. 37

PROVINCE OF FLEMISH BRABANT ......................................................................................................... 41

Leuven ............................................................................................................................................... 41

Other ................................................................................................................................................. 46

PROVINCE OF WEST FLANDERS ............................................................................................................. 51

General .............................................................................................................................................. 51

Bruges ................................................................................................................................................ 51

Coast .................................................................................................................................................. 57

In Flanders Fields ............................................................................................................................... 66

Other ................................................................................................................................................. 74

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Introduction This information pack gives an overview of the possibilities regarding accessible day trips in Flanders and Brussels. People with physical disabilities often need adjustments to make their visit to a museum or attraction run more smoothly. Most of the information in this pack is therefore primarily aimed at people with a physical disability. But we do include initiatives that offer extra facilities for other types of impairment as well. Not all the sites that call themselves accessible are included in this pack. Our information is always based on objective expert research, i.e. on the positive experiences of visitors with a disability. Some journeys have also been tested by our staff. Whether or not something is accessible, varies greatly from one person to the next. Every disability or impairment is different. We recommend that you always get in touch with the places mentioned in advance so as to get a concrete idea of what to expect. This information is in no way comprehensive but it’s a start. You can always contact us for additional information, or send us your tips and experiences. Looking for more information on accessible travel in Flanders and Brussels? The following brochures are also available at the Accessible Travel Info Point

- Accessible travel in Flanders and Brussels (public and private transport option) - Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centers in Flanders and Brussels - 100 years of the Tour of Flanders: everyone’s cycling! - Accessible walking and biking in Flanders and Brussels – AVAILABLE SOON - The Great War Centenary: accessible to everyone! –AVAILABLE SOON

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BRUSSELS 1. General

A different point of view of cities

St-Jansstraat 32-38 1000 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 515 02 61 E-mail: info@vfg.be Website: www.stedenandersbekeken.be

VFG (the Flemish association for disabled people) has mapped out trails in different cities for people with a physical, learning, auditive or visual disability. Tailor-made walks or guided tours make it possible for you to put together you own excursion. Together with friends, family or accompanying person you can discover a city of art in an educational, light-hearted and playful way. The website gives you information about Brussels, Bruges, Antwerp, Hasselt and Sint-Truiden. There are also brochures about Louvain and Lier available.

Almagic – hiring of electric scooters and bikes

Mimosalaan 7 1150 Brussel

Tel.: 32 499 22 68 68 E-mail: almagic.asbl.news@gmail.com Website: www.almagic.org

Almagic hires out 4 electric scooters and all kinds of adjusted bikes (wheelchair bikes, handbikes, tandems, tricycles, joëlletes…). The prices are the same as the hiring prices of Provelo (www.provelo.org). You can hire for a maximum of 2 weeks.

Museumtalks

Brussel

Website: www.museumtalks.be

The museums in Brussels are to be heard. An elite group of famous Flemings, Walloons, residents of Brussels and world citizens comment on their favourite locations or objects that you can visit in one of the 40 participating museums. You can load their personal comments beforehand and save them on your mp3 player at home, in order to subsequently listen to them at the museum.

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Use-It (wheelchair map)

Steenkoolkaai 9B 1000 Brussel

E-mail: info@vfg.be Website: www.rolstoelplanbrussel.be

The young and adventurous will want to explore the capital. ‘You must be crazy’ is what most of your fellow wheelchair users say because Brussels has a bad reputation when it comes to wheelchairs. To remedy this, the youth travel agency Use-It in cooperation with VFG has designed a free city map of Brussels specifically for young wheelchair users (available in Dutch and French). The map really is tailored to your needs and fits on your lap so you can keep your hands free for operating your wheelchair. This successful service gives you those special insider tips provided by wheelchair users from Brussels who know what you are interested in. One of our golden tips: bring an extra cushion to soften the ride on those typical cobblestones!

To order the plan, you can mail to info@vfg.be.

Voir et Dire Bruxelles

Website: www.voiretdirebruxelles.be of op visitbrussels.be/bitc/BE_nl/content/9772/geleide-bezoeken-voor-allen.do

Voir et Dire Bruxelles is a platform for cultural-touristic organisations with thematical activities. Arau, Arkadia, de Babbelbus, Itinéraires and Pro Velo are part of it. Together, the five organizations offer quality tours with different themes. From march till december for individual subscribers and the entire year for groups. Also, they offer tours for people with a physical or hearing impairment.

© Sofie Coreynen

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2. Museums and sites

Autoworld

Jubelpark 11 1000 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 736 41 65 E-mail: info@autoworld.be Website: www.autoworld.be

More than 250 vehicles of various origin recount the history of automobile and illustrate the spectacular development of vehicles over more than a century. Fairly accessible, but help is needed to take the lift. There is an adapted toilet, but you need to ask a member of staff for the key.

Basilica of Koekelberg

Basiliekvoorplein 1 1030 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 421 16 79 E-mail: tourism@basilicakoekelberg.be Website: www.basilicakoekelberg.be

With regard to the surface, the Basilica of Koekelberg is the fifth biggest church of the world, after the Basilica of Our Lady of Peace of Yamoussoukro in Ivory Coast, the Saint-Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Saint-Paul’s Cathedral of London and the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Flower in Florence. Today, the church is first of all a place for prayers for peace. The Basilica is still used for parochial services and for big national services. But the church is more than that: it is a beautiful Art deco monument, there are two museums, annually, different exhibitions are organized and you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of Brussels. In the beginning of 2012, a new lift was installed. The Basilica, its museums and the panoramic view are now completely accessible for wheelchair users.

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Children’s museum

Burgemeesterstraat 15 1050 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 640 01 07 E-mail: info@childrenmuseum.be Website: www.museedesenfants.be

The Children’s museum is concentrated on children between the age of 4 and 12 with and without a disability. Children get to know themselves and others in a playful way. The museum is accessible and has a lift. The animators also welcome children with a learning disability. Every fourth Wednesday of the month, there are activities for deaf and hearing impaired children in sign language.

Cinquantenaire Museum

Jubelpark 10 1000 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 741 72 11 Website: www.kmkg-mrah.be

In the Cinquantenaire Museum,you can see national archaeological artefacts from prehistory to the age of the Merovingians, as well as finds from Egypt, the Near East, Iran and Classical Antiquity. Accessible via a side entrance, all floors can be visited with the lift. An adapted toilet is available, as are wheelchairs. The café is also accessible independently of the museum (hot meals are served). Guided tours are being organised for people with a visual impairment. However, reservation is required at least one month in advance. Guide dogs are allowed.

Magritte Museum

Koningsplein 2 1000 Brussel

Tel.: 32 25 08 32 11 Website: www.musee-magritte-museum.be

The Belgian surrealist painter and artist René Magritte – world-famous for his painting ‘Ceci n’est pas une pipe’– now has his own museum in Brussels. You can see an overview of his impressive oeuvre. You can conclude the visit with films about the life of the painter or films that he and his friends liked to watch or which inspired him. The museum is fully accessible, with a spacious lift and an adapted toilet. Wheelchairs are also available. The ‘museum op maat’ (museum made to measure) programme is specifically for people with a disability and other specific target groups (also available at other sites of the Royal Museum for Fine Arts). Deaf visitors can join a guided tour with a deaf guide once a month.The tour is organised on the second Saturday of each month. Individual deaf visitors who don’t want to join a guided tour, can borrow a tablet from the reception with comments on several paints in the museum, among others in international sign language. If you have a hearing aid then you can also

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reserve the Guide-U system. This system, with a headphone and microphone, is connected to your hearing aid. Ask about it when you make a reservation. Visitors with a visual impairment should certainly give the monthly Equinox programme a try. With relief drawings, music, poetry, all kinds of objects, 3D productions and audio description you can discover the wonderful world of Magritte. Adapted tours are also organised for visitors with a mental disability. All these tours must be booked in advance using the contact details below.

Mini-Europe (Bruparck)

Eeuwfeestenlaan 20 1020 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 478 05 50 E-mail: info@minieurope.eu Website: www.minieurope.eu/en

Located at the foot of the Atomium, Mini-Europe allows visitors a chance to see perfect replicas of the best monuments and sites of Europe. Reserved parking is provided at the second entrance to Bruparck (Athletenlaan – at the rear of the King Baudouin Stadium). In The Village there is a route provided for visitors in wheelchairs. This route runs past the rear of the playground and gives easy access to the square at The Village and the entrance to Mini-Europe. Mini-Europe, Oceade and Kinepolis (theatres 8, 9, 13 and Imax) are equipped to welcome visitors in wheelchairs.

Museum of Natural Sciences

Vautierstraat 29 1000 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 627 42 38 E-mail: info@natuurwetenschappen.be Website: www.naturalsciences.be/index_html

In the Museum of Natural Sciences there are 2 adapted parking spaces. You can reach the entrance door via a ramp (the outside door does not open automatically, but the parking attendant can help you). The museum has two wheelchairs that you can reserve. All floors are accessible by lift so that the exhibition areas can be visited easily. In the Gallery of Dinosaurs and in the Evolution gallery there are two smaller balconies that are not wheelchair accessible. The Dino Café and the Museum Shop are also easily accessible and can be reached without visiting the museum. There are several adapted toilets: in the dino gallery (level -2), in the minerals room (level -1) and in the insect and shell room. One toilet area is equipped for use with a hoist (dino gallery, level -2). The Education service offers workshops for people with a cognitive, visual or auditory limitation. The PaleoLAB is accessible for wheelchairs. Questions about accessibility: suppoosten@natuurwetenschappen.be or call: 32 (0)2 627 41 98.

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Museum on Measure – The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium

Regentschapsstraat 3 1000 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 508 34 66 E-mail: info@fine-arts-museum.be Website: www.extra-edu.be/MSM?lang=en

The Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium group different museums established in Brussels, including the Museum of Ancient Art, the Museum of Modern Art, the Wiertz Museum, the Munier Museum and the Magritte Museum. Museum on Measure is active in the complete Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, this means in the permanent collection but also outside of the museum. There are guided tours for deaf and hearing impaired, blind and visually impaired, people with a learning and/or physical disability, youngsters and adults with economical, social or cultural difficulties in search of a better social and cultural integration.

Musical Instruments Museum (MIM)

Hofberg 2 1000 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 545 01 30 E-mail: info@mim.be of bespreekbureau@mim.be (workshops) Website: www.mim.be/en

In the MIM you will find a world famous collection of musical instruments in a beautiful Art Nouveau building. Discover the sounds of old and modern, Belgian or exotic instruments and continue on your way with a whistle. A wide lift brings you easily to all of the exhibition rooms. There is also an adapted toilet and there are wheelchairs available. The museum organises workshops, guided tours and concerts for people with a learning disability, blind and visually impaired visitors and deaf or hearing impaired persons. The restaurant, with a beautiful view of Brussels, can be visited without visiting the museum and is also accessible.

© www.milo-profi.be

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Royal Museum of the Armed Forces and of Military History

Jubelpark 3 1000 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 737 78 09 E-mail: infocom@klm-mra.be Website: www.klm-mra.be

A museum for enthusiasts of weapons, armours, military uniforms, tanks and fighter planes. Most rooms are accessible; the 1st floor of the aeroplane hall is not accessible, nor is the Archway Gallery (with exception of the Napoleonic section). The adapted toilets are accessible with help. Wheelchairs are available. Guided tours are also organised for people with a visual or hearing impairment. You do, however, need to reserve one month in advance.

3. Restaurants & pubs

If you want more information about accessible pubs and restaurants in Brussels, you can take a look at http://www.brusselvoorallen.be/?lang=en. Also, the Use-It wheelchair plan offers more information about the accessibility of a few restaurants and pubs.

Restaurant L'Objectif (Silken Berlaymont hotel)

Karel De Grotelaan 11-19 1000 Brussel

Tel.: 32 2 231 09 09 E-mail: hotel.berlaymont@hoteles-silken.com In the restaurant of the Silken Berlaymont hotel, there is narrow circulation space, but it is sufficient to use. A wheelchair-accessible table is available. There also is sufficient room in front of, next to and diagonally in front of the toilet. A handrail is provided.

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PROVINCE OF ANTWERP

Antwerp 1. General

Accessible Antwerp

Website: www.visitantwerpen.be/docs/stad/bedrijven/actieve_stad/as_tnc/toegankelijkheid%20antwerpen.pdf

The city of Antwerp offers on her website www.visitantwerpen.be >”People like you” > “Disabled” the brochure “Accessibility of Antwerp” in PDF. In the brochure, you can find a summary of all the accessible churches, museums and attractions, a list of every reserved parking space and some useful information about transport, lending services of material and homecare stores.

2. Museums and sites

Aquatopia

Koningin Astridplein 7 2018 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 205 07 40 E-mail: info@aquatopia.be Website: www.aquatopia.be/en

In Aquatopia, you travel through tropical rain forests, streams, rivers, underwater caves, coral reefs up to the bottom of the ocean and you get to know more than 10.000 fish and sea mammals. Aquatopia is wheelchair accessible and disposes of two wheelchairs. You can get more information about the availability of those wheelchairs at the telephone number 32(0)3 201 07 50.

Antwerp Zoo

Koningin Astridplein 26 2018 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 202 45 40 E-mail: info@zooantwerpen.be Website: www.zooantwerpen.be

The Antwerp Zoo is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in Europe. Make sure you have enough time for a visit, because there are many things to see and to experience. Penguins in Vriesland, elephants and giraffes in a unique Egyptian temple and hippos in the pink villa: here you can admire more than 950 species and over 5,000 animals. The zoo is easily accessible. There is a special obstacle-free wheelchair path. Two accessible toilets.

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© www.milo-profi.be

© Antwerpen Toerisme & Congres

Wheelchairs are available (reservation in advance). The restaurant Paon Royal, and the self-service restaurants Flamingo and Stokstaartje are also accessible. In addition, there are also special programmes and guided tours organised for people with a visual, hearing or learning disability. Guide dogs allowed. More info: 32 70 23 33 54.

Cathedral of Our Lady

Groenplaats 21 2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 213 99 51 E-mail: info@dekathedraal.be Website: www.dekathedraal.be/en

Accessible with help. There is a floor plan with braille inscriptions. Guided tours for people with a visual and learning disability are possible if arranged in advance.

City Hall Antwerp

Grote Markt 1 2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 232 01 03 E-mail: toerisme@stad.antwerpen.be Website: www.visitantwerpen.be

Easily accessible through a side entrance, accessible toilet. Visits are only possible in group with a guide, reservations through Tourism and Convention Antwerp, tel. : 03 232 01 03, Fax: 03 203 95 91, website : www.visitantwerpen.be, e-mail : toerisme@stad.antwerpen.be. The tourist information centre at Grand Place 13 is accessible as well. Accessible toilets at Grand Place 15 and in the city shop, Grand Place 11.

MAS | Museum Aan de Stroom (museum at the stream)

Hanzestedeplaats 1 2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 338 44 00 E-mail: MAS@stadantwerpen.be Website: www.mas.be/MAS-EN/Publicatiekanalen/Stad/Musea/Musea-MAS/MAS-EN/Startpagina-MAS-EN.html

Patrimony forum in Antwerp with theme tales about the stream, the city, the port and the world. A MAS guide will take you to the desired floor

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© Antwerpen Toerisme & Congres - fotograaf Dave Van Laere

with the lift. The panorama (+10) is only accessible through stairs, but the terrace at +9 is accessible for wheelchairs. There are special guided tours for people with a visual or auditory disability. A deaf loop system is provided at the reception. A CD for a Daisy player can be borrowed at the reception as well. There is an accessible toilet and there are 4 wheelchairs available.

Middelheim Museum

Middelheimlaan 61 2020 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 288 33 60 E-mail: middelheimmuseum@stad.antwerpen.be Website: www.middelheimmuseum.be/Middelheimmuseum-EN/Middelheimmuseum-EN-MIDDELHEIM-MUSEUM.html

The Middelheim Museum is unique in the art city of Antwerp. The open air museum offers an interesting overview of over a hundred years of visual arts in an extraordinary setting. You probably need some help on the round cobble stones of the access pathway. To reach the castle, you can use a platform lift, but you cannot operate it independently. The door to the castle is rather heavy to open by yourself. The door pull of the exhibition room ‘Braempaviljoen’ is difficult to grab and there are three steps. Both on the inside and on the outside there are adapted toilets, but both toilets have limited room in front of the toilet.

MOMU - Fashion Museum

Nationalestraat 28 2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 470 27 70 E-mail: info@momu.be Website: www.momu.be/en/index_momu.jsp?layout=momu&layout=momu

You will find the Fashion Museum in the heart of the city, close to the Groenplaats. From the beginning, the Fashion Museum had a dynamic view that exceeds the character of a regular museum. No fixed organization of the own collection, but changing thematic exhibitions about a designer or a fashion related topic, each time with pieces from the own collection completed with lent pieces. The museum is accessible by public transport or by car (sufficient car parks in direct neighborhood). The access roads from the Nationalestraat and Drukkerijstraat are from flat cobalt stones and are sufficiently wide. Automatic sliding doors give access to the museum. There is a lift that deserves every floor. The lift doors are only 80 cm wide, and the lifts are rather small for some wheelchair users. The museum is on the second floor. An adapted toilet is available in the basement. The transfer space next to the toilet is rather limited.

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Photo Museum

Waalsekaai 47 2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 242 93 00 E-mail: info@fomu.be Website: www.fotomuseum.be/en/index_fomu.jsp?layout=fomu&layout=fomu&layout=fomu

This exceptionally dynamic and ambitious Photo Museum does not only exhibit photographs, but also preserves them, and on top of that, the museum invites a photographer every month to explain his or her work. Guided tours are given and workshops are held for young and old. Visit the permanent exhibit and discover the history of photography.

You might need a push on the incline to the front door. All exhibition rooms on the different floors in the museum are easily accessible, but the showcase tables are not adapted to wheelchair users. There is an adapted toilet, but the space in front of the toilet is only 100 cm.

Silver Museum Sterckshof

Hooftvunderlei 160 2100 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 360 52 52 E-mail: nfo@zilvermuseum.be Website: www.provant.be/vrije_tijd/cultuur/musea/zilvermuseum/toegankelijkheid

The Silver Museum is established in the castle Sterckshof in Deurne. Sterckshof is a house with many rooms and with room for silver. The silver collection covers the period from the 16th century until now and is thematically presented, the technique, the marks as well as the style and the use of the objects are treated in their context. By means of thematic or time-bounded exhibitions and publications, the museums fills the gaps in the history of the Belgian silversmith’s trade. There are 2 wheelchairs available for free. You can find a reserved parking place in the Cornelissenlaan. There are guided tours in Flemish sign language for the hearing-impaired visitors. Moreover, for guided tours and workshops, the deaf loop system can be used. It is necessary to make a reservation.

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3. Restaurants and pubs

Taverne Den Bolhoed

Sudermanstraat 3 2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 231 45 35

Tavern/restaurant without doorstep, with wide corridors and an adapted toilet.

Taverne Passage (Grand Bazar Shopping Center)

Beddenstraat 2/1 2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 233 95 95 Website: www.grandbazarantwerp.be/winkels/taverne-passage

Located in the basement. Spacious lift and accessible toilet.

Tearoom Désiré de Lille

Schrijnwerkersstraat 14-18 2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 233 62 26 Website: www.desiredelille.be/index.php?

Spacious tavern with wide corridors and an accessible toilet.

Terrace Café (Hilton)

Groenplaats 32 2000 Antwerpen

Tel.: 32 3 204 12 12 E-mail: anrhitwsal@hilton.com

Restaurant of the Hilton hotel in Antwerp. Sufficient space and the tables are suitable for wheelchair users. Sufficient space next to, in front of and diagonally in front of the toilet (raised and extended) in the Lobby Lounge. There are 2 safety rails.

© www.milo-profi.be

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Mechelen 1. Museums and sites

Kazerne Dossin: memorial, Museum and Documentation centre about Holocaust and Human rights

Goswin de Stassartstraat 153 2800 Mechelen

Tel.: 32 15 29 06 60 E-mail: info@kazernedossin.eu Website: www.kazernedossin.com/EN

During the Second World War, more than 25,000 Jews and gypsies departed from Barracks Dossin to extermination camps. This emotionally charged site now tells the story of the persecution of Jews and gypsies in Belgium. The museum is easily accessible and has a large lift. The texts are sometimes a bit high to read easily from a wheelchair. There is an accessible toilet.

Planckendael

Leuvensesteenweg 582 2812 Mechelen

Tel.: 32 15 41 49 21 Website: www.planckendael.be

In this green oasis close to Mechelen you can get a close look at both large and small animals from every continent. Take a raft from Africa to Oceania, or act like a monkey yourself in the trees 14 metres above the ground. If you visit the zoo by car you will find (paid) reserved parking spaces right next to the entrance. Close to Mechelen station however you can also set course with an accessible boat straight to Planckendael. You can reserve wheelchairs in advance. The De Ooievaar, De Gazelle and Toepaja restaurants are accessible. In De Gazelle and Toepaja you will also find an accessible toilet. Special themed tours are organised for people with a visual, auditive and cognitive impairment.

Provincial sports and recreation centre De Nekker

Nekkerspoel-Borcht 19 2800 Mechelen

Tel.: 32 15 55 70 05 E-mail: reservatie@denekker.be Website: www.denekker.be

On the outskirts of Mechelen, there is a sports and recreation domain mainly known for the beach where hundreds of visitors relax and have fun during the summer.

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On the 65ha of green area, there is not only a lake with swimming area and a beach, but also playgrounds, a waterslide and outdoor and indoor sports facilities, a skate street with different ramps and an indoor playground Nekki. Easily accessible via surfaced roads. There are accessible toilets. There are also diver’s floats for wheelchair users as well as volleyball, basketball and handball equipment that can be adapted to wheelchair users.

St. Rumbold's Cathedral

Onder den Toren 12 2800 Mechelen

Tel.: 32 70 22 00 08 E-mail: toerisme@mechelen.be Website: http://sintromboutstoren.mechelen.be/en/index.html

Access via side entrances. The tower is not accessible for wheelchair users but you can take a virtual tour with a multimedia guide.

Toy Museum

Nekkerspoelstraat 21 2800 Mechelen

Tel.: 32 15 55 70 75 E-mail: info@speelgoedmuseum.be Website: www.speelgoedmuseum.be/EN/homeEN.html

Discover a great collection of toys of the past and the present. Puppets, party games, trains, teddy bears, building toys and so much more. The playful and interactive presentation of the permanent collection and the temporary exhibitions will make every visit a unique experience. Fully accessible for wheelchair users. Guide dogs are allowed. Guided tours and workshops are organised for people with a mental impairment. The Toy Museum has a special Toy Library for children with a disability or suffering from chronic illnesses. Specially adapted toys can be borrowed on Saturdays from 10am to 12.30am.

2. Restaurants and pubs

Vé Café

Vismarkt 14 2800 Mechelen

Tel.: 32 86 139 164 E-mail: info@vé-café.be Website: www.hotelve.com/index.asp?taal=uk

This brasserie is a part of Hotel Mercure Mechelen Vé. Everywhere enough circulation space, tables adapted to wheelchairs are present. Enough room next to, in front of and diagonally in front of the toilet. Two handrails are provided.

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3. Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centers

Tourism Mechelen Hallestraat 2-4-6 2800 Mechelen Tel: +32 70 22 00 08 Fax: +32 15 29 76 53 E-mail: toerisme@mechelen.be Website: http://toerisme.mechelen.be/en/index.html

Other 1. Museums and sites

Brewery Duvel Moortgat

Breendonkdorp 66 2870 Puurs

Tel.: 32 3 860 94 00 E-mail: brouwerijbezoek@duvel.be Website: www.duvel.be

Have you ever wondered about the magical brewing process that creates Duvel? During the course of the 2 ½ hour brewery tour, you will have a chance to discover and experience the complex brewing process that makes Duvel so unique. The brewery and the visitors center are accessible. The bottling line, though, is not accessible for wheelchair users. There’s an adapted toilet in the visitors center, but we can’t offer any objective information about it.

Beguinage

2500 Lier

Website: www.toerismelier.be/pages/ontdekken_.php?level1=1&level2=2&level3=117

The beguinage of Lier has been established in 1258 and is the oldest one in Flanders. Since 1999, it is recognized as world heritage by UNESCO. Take the many cobble stones into account.

© Sofie Coreynen

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Zimmer pavilion

Zimmerplein 18b 2500 Lier

Tel.: 32 3 800 03 95 E-mail: info@zimmertoren.be Website: www.zimmertoren.be/en/home

Easily accessible, has an adapted toilet. On the Zimmer Square next to the Solar System you will find a bronze scale model of the Zimmer Tower in 3 languages and in Braille.

Beguinage, beguinage church and beguinage museum

Begijnhof 56 2300 Turnhout

Tel.: 32 14 42 12 48 E-mail: begijnhofmuseum@turnhout.be Website: www.begijnhofmuseum.be

The beguinage in Turnhout is an island of tranquility in the middle of the city. Together with 12 other Flemish beguinages, it is on the list of the cultural world heritage of UNESCO since 1998. The beguinage in Turnhout is barely accessible for wheelchair users due to the narrow footpaths and poor road surface. The museum is accessible with assistance and has an adapted toilet.

Cross-border park De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide, visitors centre De Vroente & apiculture museum

Putsesteenweg 131 2920 Kalmthout

Tel.: 32 3 666 61 01 E-mail: bijenteeltmuseum@kalmthout.be Website: www.kalmthout.be/Toegankelijkheid-voor-mensen-met-beperkte-mobiliteit.html

At the border of the Kalmthoutse Heide, you can find the Nature Education centre De Vroente and the apiculture museum. It is an ideal location for a day surrounded by nature. You can park your car on the car park of Kalmthoutse Heide (also the car park of De Vroente, the apiculture museum), where you can find 7 reserved parking places.

Nature Education centre De Vroente

NEC de Vroente is at the main entrance of the Kalmthoutse Heide and is the visitor’s centre of “Cross-border park De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide”. Walkers and nature lovers can also go there with all their questions. The centre is accessible to wheelchairs and there is an adapted toilet. There are also two special wheelchairs with large tires for walks in the Kalmthoutse Heide. The “Wombat” wheelchairs make it possible to go through the shifting sand. You can borrow them for free for a couple of hours. It is recommended to reserve in advance: Tourist office Kalmthout, tel. 03 666 61 01, toerisme@kalmthout.be.

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More information: www.kalmthout.be/natuureducatief-centrum-de-vroente.html

Apiculture museum

Apiculture is an age-old tradition in the Kempen. In this museum you get to know more about the marvelous world of the bee. The museum is accessible to wheelchairs and has an adapted toilet. The museum brochure is available in braille at the reception. A special guided tour for people with a visual disability is possible on demand.

More information: www.kalmthout.be/bijenteeltmuseum.html

Cross-border park De Zoom-Kalmthoutse Heide

There are 2 semi-paved paths for wheelchair users and for baby carriages.One path starts at the entrance gate De Vroente; this accessible path ‘Klein Zwitserland’ goes by the Withoefse Heide. On the road, you can find an adapted picnic table. An other semi-paved path starts at the entrance gate Ravenhof/Moretusbos. This path leads you through the old castle garden. If you prefer to go into the sandy woods, you can borrow a wombat wheelchair for free at the tourist office (see information NEC De Vroente)

More information: www.grensparkzk.nl/minder-mobiel

Olmen Zoo

Bukenberg 45 2491 Balen

Tel.: 32 14 30 98 82 E-mail: info@olmensezoo.be Website: www.olmensezoo.be

Easily accessible via surfaced paths. There are two accessible toilets and an accessible restaurant with adapted toilet. Wheelchairs are available. Special guided tours are organised for people with a visual and learning disability.

Town walk Geel

Markt 1 2240 Geel

Tel.: 32 14 56 63 80 E-mail: toerisme@geel.be Website: www.geel.be/product.aspx?id=2319

The town walk was developed by Tourism Geel in cooperation with the Tourist Information Office and the federation of guides in Geel and takes you to the most beautiful places and monuments of the City of Charity. The route of the walk is indicated by brass signposting nails and departs at the Tourism house De Waag on the Markt. The walk is suitable for wheelchair users. The accompanying brochure of the walk is available at Tourism Geel, Markt 1, 2440 Geel and costs 2,5 euro a piece.

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2. Restaurants and pubs

Café 't Koningsrek

Bovenstraat 2 2880 Bornem

Tel.: 32 3 889 96 57

Right behind the Scheldt front in Branst nearby Bornem, there is the café ‘t Koningsrek. Someone tipped us off that this café has no doorstep at the entrance and an adapted toilet. We don’t have any objective details; you’d better ask the proprietor based on your specific requirements. The environment became famous because the TV-show Stille Waters was shot in the area. The café only serves drinks.

Restaurant Dennenhof

Bredabaan 940 2930 Brasschaat

Tel.: 32 3 663 05 09 E-mail: dennenhof@valk.com Website: www.moteldennenhof.be/nl/restaurant

In the restaurant of hotel Dennenhof, the space to turn and to walk is limited. There are tables adapted to wheelchairs. There is enough room next to, in front of and diagonally in front of the toilets. Two handrails are provided.

3. Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centers

Tourism Heist-op-den-Berg Postweg 6 2220 Heist-op-den-Berg Tel: +32 15 25 15 82 Fax: +32 15 24 31 98 E-mail: toerisme@heist-op-den-berg.be Website: www.heist-op-den-berg.be VVV Baarle-Nassau-Hertog Nieuwstraat 16 5111 CW Baarle-Nassau Tel: +31 13 507 99 21 E-mail: info@vvvbaarle.com Website: www.vvvbaarle.nl

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Tourism Malle Antwerpsesteenweg 246 2390 Westmalle Tel: +32 3 310 05 14 Fax: +32 3 311 71 70 E-mail: toerisme@malle.be Website: www.toerisme-malle.be Tourism Klein-Brabant – Scheldeland Het Landhuis Boomstraat 1 2880 Bornem Tel: +32 3 899 28 68 Fax: +32 3 744 20 26 E-mail: info@tkbs.be Website : www.toerismekleinbrabant.be Tourism Brasschaat Bredabaan 407 2930 Brasschaat Tel: +32 3 650 03 00 E-mail: toerisme@brasschaat.be Website: www.brasschaat.be

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PROVINCE OF LIMBURG

Hasselt 1. Museums & sites

Cultural Centre Hasselt

Kunstlaan 5 3500 Hasselt

Tel.: 32 11 22 99 31 E-mail: info@ccha.be Website: www.ccha.be

Has an accessible café where meals and snacks can be bought. There is also an accessible toilet. The large theatre is also wheelchair accessible; reservation in advance is possible.

Japanese Garden

Gouverneur Verwilghensingel 23 3500 Hasselt

Tel.: 32 11 23 52 00 E-mail: toerisme@hasselt.be Website: toerisme.hasselt.be/en/content/3742/jardin-japonais.html

The largest authentic Japanese garden in Europe. Easily accessible, help might be needed on the somewhat steeper slopes. The stepping stones and the waterfall are not wheelchair accessible, but there is a route around them. There is an adapted toilet. Two wheelchairs are available at the check-out but these have to be booked in advance.

Fashion Museum

Gasthuisstraat 11 3500 Hasselt

Tel.: 32 11 23 96 21 E-mail: modemuseum@hasselt.be Website: www.modemuseumhasselt.be

Since 1995, the fashion museum Hasselt is located in the former convent of the Grauwzusters, a protected building situated at the ‘Green Boulevard’ (inner ring road) in Hasselt. The museum exposes different themes of fashion in changing expositions. Very good access via ramps and a lift. The adapted toilet is rather small. There is a special programme for people with a cognitive limitation; reservations are necessary.

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National Genever Museum

Witte Nonnenstraat 19 3500 Hasselt

Tel.: 32 11 23 98 60 E-mail: jenevermuseum@hasselt.be Website: www.jenevermuseum.be

In a 19th century agricultural distillery – in the middle of the city of Hasselt - the National Genever Museum tells the story of Belgian genever, from grain to drink. You can follow the production process, among others, in an authentic 19th century distilling facility A limited number of rooms are accessible. There is an adapted toilet.

2. Restaurants and pubs

Brasserie De Groene Hendrickx

Zuivelmarkt 25 3500 Hasselt

Tel.: 32 11 28 82 10 E-mail: groene@lodge-hotels.be Website: www.lodge-hotels.be/lodge/enghome.jsp

The brasserie of the hotel of the same name has enough circulation space and a table adapted to wheelchairs. Narrow circulation space at the door and toilet, but enough for use. Enough room next to and diagonally in front of the toilet, in front of the toilet it is limited (98cm). Two handrails provided.

Koper (Radisson Blu hotel)

Torenplein 8 3500 Hasselt

Tel.: 32 11 77 00 00 E-mail: info.hasselt@radissonblu.com Website: www.radissonblu.be/hotel-hasselt/dineren/koperhuis

Restaurant of the Radisson Blu Hotel Hasselt. Narrow room at the buffet, but sufficient for use. Tables adapted to wheelchair users are present. Enough room next to (88cm), in front of and diagonally in front of the toilet. Two handrails are provided.

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© Jonathan Vaes

3. Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centers

Tourism Hasselt Maastrichterstraat 59 3500 Hasselt Tel: +32 11 23 95 40 Fax: +32 11 22 50 23 E-mail: toerisme@hasselt.be Website: www.hasselt.eu

Other

1. Museums and sites

Mining museum

Koolmijnlaan 201 3582 Beringen

Tel.: 32 11 43 11 17 E-mail: toerisme@beringen.be Website: mijnmuseum.be/en

The mining museum brings the history of the Limburg pit coal mines back to life. In the museum, you can find an imitated mine pillar and you get an idea of the working conditions at 1000m under the ground. A large model illustrates strikingly the size and the functioning of the mine. The museum also possesses a large collection of objects about the mine as well as historical documents and footage. The Mining museum itself is partly accessible (only the ground floor). The visitors centre is accessible via a separate entrance and has an adapted toilet.

Meuse centre De Wissen

Maaspark 3650 Dilsen-Stokkem

Tel.: 32 89 75 21 71 E-mail: info@dewissen.be Website: www.dewissen.be

De Wissen is the ideal starting point to discover the region of the Meuse: tourist information, exhibitions, film, Basketry museum, guest rooms, camping rafts, brasserie, walking routes, bike rentals, silent boats, twikes…

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The Meuse museum and the Basketry museum are accessible from the visitors centre via a lift and ramps. The cafe is also accessible and there is an accessible toilet.

Bokrijk

Bokrijklaan 1 3600 Genk

Tel.: 32 11 26 53 00 E-mail: bokrijk@limburg.be Website: www.bokrijk.be/en/praktisch-info.aspx

Bringing the past back to life in an interesting and exciting way is what you will experience during a visit to the Open Air Museum of Bokrijk. It's a permanent re-enactment of daily life in the Flemish countryside more than 100 years ago. A visible past. More than a hundred historic buildings with furnishings were rebuilt meticulously and embedded in a typical green landscape. The Open Air Museum is closed from October 1st 2012 until March 28th 2013. The Bokrijk Park is open every day of the year and free of charge. There are hardened paths everywhere, but some houses are inaccessible to wheelchairs. There are adapted toilets. It is possible to borrow a wheelchair free-of-charge from the information centre (main entrance of the Open Air Museum

Hoge Kempen National Park

Winterslagstraat 87 3600 Genk

Tel.: 32 89 32 28 10 E-mail: info@rlkm.be Website: www.rlkm.be/en/hoge-kempen

You can enjoy the beauty of the Hoge Kempen National Park even if you have a disability. The Kattevennen and Pietersheim parks are excellent starting points. You will find all the necessary information for visiting the park and also about the easily accessible attractions and facilities which are really worth a visit.

Europlanetarium (Cosmodrome)

Planetariumweg 18/19 3600 Genk

Tel.: 32 89 65 55 55 E-mail: cosmodrome@genk.be Website: www.cosmodrome.be

One of the five active observatories in Flanders. Here, you will get to know a lot more about astrology, space travel and meteorology. The Cosmodrome has giant binoculars and a projector that represents meticulously the movement of the stars and planets on a screen of 400m². It can reproduce star-spangled skies from every place on earth and from no matter which date. In total, it shows 9000 stars.

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The Cosmodrome has 110 seats and 6 of these can be removed to give the opportunity to wheelchair users to sit among the audience. A specially adapted toilet is available. An accessible tavern, De Krater, can be reached with the lift from the Kattevennen entrance gate or via the terrace. The extensive library has publications with pictures of star constellations in braille for the visually impaired.

Domain Pietersheim

Neerharenweg 12 3620 Lanaken

Tel.: 32 89 71 21 20 E-mail: pietersheim@lanaken.be Website: www.pietersheim.be

The Pietersheim park is one of the five gateways to the Hoge Kempen National Park where the recently renovated medieval fortress with moat of Pietersheim is located. It houses the recently renovated medieval fortress with moat of Pietersheim, a quiet witness to the famous and turbulent battles of the Lords of Pietersheim. A suspended footpath, which is also accessible for wheelchair users, lets you explore the secrets of the fortress. This journey full of surprises also includes informative modules that tell the story of Pietersheim. The park also has a children’s farm and a playground with a few accessible toys. The activities tower is connected to three other toys via a tread. Children in a wheelchair can map out their own track between the different toys. A sandbox is made at the height of a chair, so that children in a wheelchair can easily join.

Wheelchair accessible walking route ’t Dorpshuys

Schoolstraat 13 3680 Maaseik

Tel.: 32 89 86 40 03 E-mail: dorpshuys.opoeteren@gmail.com Website: www.hetdorpshuys.be

The ancient town hall of Opoeteren has been converted into a charming touristic residence with 5 rooms and a terrace for cyclists. The residence has accessibility label A. The co-ordinator for the disability policy and the disability council of the city of Maaseik and Regionaal Landschap Kempen en Maasland have outlined a walk accessible to wheelchairs. It starts at ‘t Dorpshuys and is about 4km. You can get a map for free.

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Museums Maaseik

Lekkerstraat 5 3680 Maaseik

Tel.: 32 89 56 68 90 E-mail: musea@maaseik.be Website: www.museamaaseik.be

The Pharmacy Museum and the Regional Archaeological Museum are accessible. They have an adapted, but cramped toilet. Assistance may be required on the slopes. The Baking Museum is not accessible for wheelchair users. Assistant and guide dogs are welcome.

Visitors centre and tourism Voerstreek

Pley 13 3798 s Gravenvoeren

Tel.: 32 4 381 07 36 E-mail: voerstreek@skynet.be Website: www.voerstreek.be/?lang=en

Whoever wants to get to know the Voerstreek in a playful and interactive way, can go to the visitors centre, where you can visit the nature education and the cartographic-historic exposition for free. You can also ask for brochures of some short walks over asphalted paths or walkways. Cobbles make the entrance difficult to access. Otherwise easily accessible, with an adapted toilet. It is rather cramped, there are no handrails and you have to be able to negotiate a 77 cm door.

Museum De Mindere

Capucienessenstraat 1--3 3800 Sint-Truiden

Tel.: 32 11 67 29 71 E-mail: info@demindere.be Website: www.demindere.be

The De Mindere Museum tells the life of Francis of Assisi, including the story of his disciples, the Friar Minors, in an accessible way: life in the monastery, their vocation and training, the missions, etc. Easily accessible museum with lift and an adapted toilet. The toilet is however quite cramped and you have to be able to negotiate a 76 cm door.

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Gallo-Roman Museum

Kielenstraat 15 3700 Tongeren

Tel.: 32 12 67 03 30 E-mail: grm@limburg.be Website: www.galloromeinsmuseum.be

In the Gallo-Roman Museum you will discover the many facets of man’s history, from prehistoric times to the end of the Roman age. You will learn about major events that changed history and see more than 2000 objects from the museum’s own collections, carefully explained and presented in a fascinating way by Niek Kortekaas and De Gregorio & Partners. So don’t forget to visit the Gallo-Roman Museum which was chosen as best European museum in 2011. The museum is also accessible with its wide passages, spacious lifts and accessible toilets. Tours can be booked upon request for the blind and visually impaired. They also have many sensory tables that make it possible to feel history.

2. Restaurants and pubs

Restaurant De Wintertuin (Castle of Wurfeld)

Kapelweg 60 3680 Maaseik

Tel.: 32 89 56 81 36 E-mail: info@kasteelwurfeld.be

The restaurant of the castle of Wurfeld is in the winter garden. There is enough circulation space and tables adapted to wheelchairs. Enough room next to, in front of and diagonally in front of the toilet. 2 handrails are provided.

Restaurant De Kommel

Kommel 1 3798 Voeren

Tel.: 32 4 381 01 85 E-mail: info@dekommel.be

In the restaurant of the hotel of the same name, the circulation and positioning space is narrow, but it is just enough. Tables adapted to wheelchairs are present. Largely accessible toilet with handrails.

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3. Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centres

UiT in Genk Europalaan 34 3600 Genk Tel: +32 89 65 44 80 Fax: +32 89 65 44 88 E-mail: uitingenk@genk.be Website: www.uitingenk.be C-mine Visitors center C-mine 10 bus 2 3600 Genk Tel: +32 89 65 44 90 Fax: +32 89 65 44 89 E-mail: c-minebezoekersonthaal@genk.be Website : www.c-mine.be Visitors center Kattevennen Planetariumweg 18 3600 Genk Tel: +32 89 65 55 55 Fax: +32 89 65 55 74 E-mail: kattevennen@genk.be Website: www.toegangspoortkattevennen.be Tourism Maasmechelen Zetellaan 35 3630 Maasmechelen Tel: +32 89 76 98 88 E-mail: toerisme@maasmechelen.be Website: www.toerismemaasmechelen.be Visitors center De Lieteberg Zuurbroekstraat 16 3690 Zutendaal Tel: +32 89 25 50 60 E-mail: info@lieteberg.be Website: www.lieteberg.be Tourism Riemst Tongersesteenweg 8 3770 Riemst Tel: +32 12 44 03 75 Fax: +32 12 44 03 79 E-mail: toerisme@riemst.be Website: www.riemst.be/toerisme

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Tourism Peer Markt 3 (2) 3990 Peer Tel: +32 11 61 16 02 Fax: +32 11 61 16 05 E-mail: toerisme@peer.be Website: www.toerismepeer.be

© Nathalie Guerra

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PROVINCE OF EAST FLANDERS

The Scheldeland car route

Sint-Niklaasstraat 2 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 9 269 26 00 Website: www.tov.be/campagnes.aspx?pageid=185878

The Scheldeland car route is a signposted car route across the Scheldeland, the tourist area around the river Scheldt. The Scheldt meanders between Ghent and Antwerp in seductive curves through an attractive landscape of green embankments and unique mud flats and marsh lands. The river Dender flows into the Scheldt in Dendermonde and the river Rupel in Rupelmonde. You can use the many ferries to hop from one river bank to the other. - Circular 1 Scheldt and Rupel is approximately 100 km / 60 miles and lets you explore the Scheldeland near Antwerp with its authentic landscape and inhabitants (also called Small Brabant). You can continue your journey towards the Rupel area and visit Breendonk Fort, the Provincial Recreation Centre De Schorre and the cultural city of Mechelen. - Circular 2 Scheldt and Durme is also about 100 km / 60 miles and takes you through the East Flanders side of the river Scheldt. Don't forget to stop in Buggenhoutbos, visit the UNESCO city of Dendermonde and get some fresh air at the Donkmeer lake in Berlare. And also remember to taste the many local specialities, in particular eel and beer. This exciting route is perfect for touring several days and suited for everyone. No less than 4 places with accessible accommodation can be found along this route! This brochure also includes extra information and useful pictograms for the disabled. You can immediately see where accessible facilities can be found in museums, tourist information centres, cafés and restaurants.

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Ghent 1. Museums and sites

Ghent-Authentic

Keizer Karelstraat 97/201 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 498 10 99 61 E-mail: info@ghent-authentic.com Website: www.ghent-authentic.com

Ghent-Authentic is a tour company in Ghent that not only provides tour guides but also organises visits to Ghent, providing practical information (where to park, walking distances, town maps, etc.) and advice, and booking restaurants, museums, etc. If you are less good on your legs and/or you use a wheelchair,medieval Ghent, with its tangle of alleys, stairways and steps, can be quite a challenge. Ghent-Authentic has developed a wheelchair walk especially for you.

MIAT

Minnemeers 9 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 9 269 42 00 E-mail: publiekswerking.miat@gent.be Website: www.miat.gent.be/en

The Museum of Industrial Archaeology and Textiles (MIAT) is housed in an old cotton mill and gives a unique picture of the radical technological and industrial changes which our society has undergone over the last 250 years. Small doorstep at the door, but otherwise easily accessible. There are two adapted toilets and an accessible snack bar. A wheelchair is available.

Museum Dr. Guislain

Jozef Guislainstraat 43 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 9 216 35 95 E-mail: info@museumdrguislain.be Website: www.museumdrguislain.be/index.php?lang=en

A museum in Belgium’s oldest psychiatric hospital, built in 1857. You will find a permanent collection that illustrates the history of psychiatry and an international collection of outsider art or art brut. Easily accessible. There is an accessible toilet. Guided tours for people with a visual impairment are possible. A sign language interpreter can be arranged.

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Museum of Fine Arts

Fernand Scribedreef 1 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 9 240 07 00 E-mail: museum.msk@gent.be Website: www.mskgent.be/en

The collection of the Museum of Fine Arts in Ghent includes paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages till the first half of the twenthiest century. Entrance via a ramp on the right of the steps. The museum is easily accessible with the lift. There is an adapted toilet and an accessible snack bar.

S.M.A.K.

Citadelpark 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 9 221 17 03 E-mail: museum.smak@gent.be Website: www.smak.be/index.php?la=en

S.M.A.K. is a special museum for contemporary art. The museum has an extensive international collection of almost 2000 pieces of art, with humdingers like Joseph Beuys, Panamarenko, Marcel Broodthaers and a large collection of arte povera. Easily accessible. Has an adapted toilet (but no support handle) and an accessible café. There are special guided tours for people with a learning or auditory disability.

STAM

Godshuizenlaan 2 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 9 267 14 00 E-mail: stam@gent.be Website: www.stamgent.be/en

Whoever wants to know about the Ghent of now and of the past can visit STAM on the fine Bijloke site. A chronological trail brings you from contemporary Ghent in the modern reception building to the early beginnings of the Arteveld city in the former abbey areas. In these settings you can sometimes really imagine yourself to be in the past. The numerous objects on exhibition and interactive elements turn the city museum into a ‘vree wijze’ (local

© Phile Deprez

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expression for ‘very cool’) experience for young and old. A slope next to the cycle racks enables you to reach the entrance easily with a wheelchair. The doors and passageways are wide enough and a spacious lift brings you quickly to all of the halls. The STAMcafé and the toilet are also accessible. For guided tours you can request a sign language interpreter in advance.

St.-Baafs Cathedral

Sint-Baafsplein 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 9 225 16 26 E-mail: sint-baafskathedraal@kerknet.be Website: www.visitgent.be/en/node/8184

Whoever visits Gent, should definitely take a look at ‘The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb’ (1342). This world-famous polyptych, made by the brothers van Eyck, is one of the showpieces of the Sint-Baafs Cathedral. The cathedral is Gent’s oldest parish church, first mentioned in 942. The crypt, richly decorated with frescoes, is a remainder from that time. In the 12th century, a Romensque church was built. Only in the 15th and 16th century the church got its current, gothic, view. Limited access, but the entrance and the most important sites, such as the ‘Adoration of the Lamb’ painting are easily accessible. Wheelchair users could use a little push at the entrance, since the slopes are quite steep. There is an adapted toilet in the Ibis Hotel 30 m away.

St. Nicholas' Church

Cataloniëstraat 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 9 234 28 69 Website: www.stniklaas.com/ENGELS/Welkom.htm

A wheelchair user might need a little push on the cobblestone path leading to the church. You could also use some help entering the church: there is a steep slope immediately behind the heavy entrance door. During the opening hours, however, the doors are always opened. Good access via ramps.

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2. Restaurants and pubs

Restaurant Van Artevelde (NH Gent Belfort)

Hoogpoort 63 9000 Gent

Tel.: 32 9 233 33 31 E-mail: nhgentbelfort@nh-hotels.com

Restaurant and bar Van Artevelde is a part of hotel NH Gent Belfort. Enough circulation space in the restaurant and tables to accommodate wheelchair users are present. The toilet door is 83 cm broad. Circulation space in toilet is narrow, but enough room next to, in front of and diagonally in front of the toilet. A handrail is provided. Small doorstep at the door, but otherwise easily accessible. There are two adapted toilets and an accessible snack bar. A wheelchair is available.

3. Accessible Tourist information centers and visitors centers

Visit Gent Sint-Veerleplein 5 9000 Gent Tel: +32 9 266 56 60 Fax: +32 9 266 56 73 E-mail: visit@gent.be Website : www.visitgent.be

© www.milo-profi.be

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Other 1. Musea and sites

MOU - Museum Oudenaarde and Vlaamse Ardennen

Markt 1 9700 Oudenaarde

Tel.: 32 55 31 72 51 E-mail: toerisme@oudenaarde.be Website: www.mou-oudenaarde.be

Oudenaarde, starting point for further exploration through the Flemish Ardennes, 1000 years of history among waving hills. The MOU – brings that history to life. Through interactive media and special historic pieces, you travel through time, from the Dark Ages till today. The MOU is located in one of the most beautiful city halls of Belgium, centrally on the market place of Oudenaarde. It takes up the oldest part, the 14th century clothmakers’halls, symbolizing the glorious textile history of Oudenaarde. You might need help on some short but rather steep slopes and a low doorstep. Downstairs, there are cobble stones in the museum. There is a lift, because of which the three floors are accessible. Only the hall with the wall hangings is not accessible to wheelchairs because of three steps. There is a large accessible toilet, but the room in front of the toilet is limited because of the wash basin and there are no handrails.

Tour of Flanders Centre

Markt 43 9700 Oudenaarde

Tel.: 3255 33 99 33 E-mail: info@crvv.be Website: www.crvv.be/en/295-home

Are you also crazy about the race? Then you can enjoy yourself here to your heart’s content. The Centre Tour of Flanders is a multifunctional visitors centre that houses among others an experience museum, an exhibition room, a film auditorium, a museum shop and a cycling tavern. In the museum, you are indulged in the unique atmosphere of the Tour of Flanders thanks to multimedia techniques, objects, words and pictures. At the counter you can find (cycling-related) touristic information about the Flemish Ardennes.

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You might need help to open the entrance door. You can take the lift to go to the exhibition room. But the lift is only 100 cm wide and 128 cm deep. An adapted toilet is available, but it will be too small for most wheelchair users. Moreover, the wash basin has a non-automatic tap.

Provincial Archaeological Museum (pam) Ename

Lijnwaadmarkt 20 9700 Oudenaarde

Tel.: 32 55 30 90 40 E-mail: museum@ename974.org Website: www.pam-ename.be

The Provincial Archaeological Museum at Ename throws light on the history of the Flemish Ardennes, in particular in the late middle ages. It lies in the centre of a village with a rich heritage and literally under the shadow of a church where you are surrounded by history on every side. The museum is easily accessible and has a specially adapted toilet. There is a specially adapted parking space near the entrance to the museum, which has a low reception desk and a lift. The showcases are sufficiently low and a wheelchair can be provided by the museum. Tactile surfaces are provided for the blind and visually impaired and you can also touch replicas of valuable objects and listen to special audio guides. Texts in large type are also available. A special educational programme for visitors with a learning disability is also available. Subtitling is provided for visitors with a hearing impairment. For those with hearing difficulties, there is also an audio guide. Tour guides are also available on request. .

The Flemish Ardennes carriage

Reutelstraat 10 9772 Kruishoutem

Tel.: 32 9 383 66 27 E-mail: m.verbeeck@skynet.be Website: www.vlaamseardennenkoets.centerall.com

You can take the Vlaamse-Ardennenkoets for a ride in a carriage or covered wagon through the Flemish Ardennes landscape. In addition, on set days 30-minute tourist tours are also offered in the cultural centre of Oudenaarde. You can also surprise someone with a gift voucher for a trip in a covered wagon. Since 2009 an adapted covered wagon has been available that is fully accessible for wheelchair users. With their knowledge of the region, De Vlaamse-Ardennenkoets staff will also be delighted to give you tips about the culinary and tourist offerings.

© Pam Ename

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Carriages Verdonckt

Rubberigtsbank 39 9681 Maarkedal

Tel.: 32 55 21 87 17 E-mail: koetsen.verdonckt@telenet.be Website: www.koetsen-verdonckt.be

Fancy a day out in a horse-drawn carriage through the beautiful Flemish Ardennes? Wheelchair users can come along too. ‘Koetsen Verdonckt’ (Carriages Verdonckt) offers rides for groups of 16 to 24 people. The carriage is accessible by wheelchair. If you’d rather take the reins yourself you can sign up for an introductory pony-trap course (the wagon has room for a wheelchair). The carriage museum is an absolute must if you want to really immerse yourself in this world, and – you've guessed it – there's access for wheelchair users.

Provincial visitors centre Huysmanhoeve

Bus 1 9900 Eeklo

Tel.: 32 9 327 04 47 E-mail: huysmanhoeve@oost-vlaanderen.be Website: www.huysmanshoeve.be

The Huysmans Farm visitors centre is the ideal base for exploring the Meetjesland region. At this centuries-old farm you can learn about the nature, culture, history, countryside and recreational possibilities in the area. The Huysmans Farm is located just outside the centre of Eeklo and is partially accessible.

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2. Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centers

Tourism Sint-Niklaas Grote Markt 45 9100 Sint-Niklaas Tel: +32 3 760 92 60 E-mail: toerisme@sint-niklaas.be Website : www.sint-niklaas.be/vrije-tijd/toerisme Tourism Temse Markt 1 9140 Temse Tel: + 32 3 771 51 31 Fax: +32 3 771 94 34 E-mail: toerisme@temse.be Website: www.temse.be

© www.milo-profi.be

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PROVINCE OF FLEMISH BRABANT

Leuven 1. Museums and sites

Botanical garden

Kapucijnenvoer 30 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 29 44 88 E-mail: groendienst@leuven.be Website: www.leuven.be/en/tourism

Easily accessible, there is an accessible toilet.

Culturel Centre 'Romaanse Poort'

Brusselsestraat 63 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 23 84 27 E-mail: 30cc@leuven.be Website: www.30cc.be

Easily accessible especially via spacious lifts. There is an accessible toilet. Guide dogs allowed.

Great Beguinage and Beguinage church

Schapenstraat 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 20 30 20 E-mail: toerisme@leuven.be Website: www.leuven.be/en/tourism/sightseeing/monuments/great-beguinage.jsp

The great beguinage is a typical city beguinage with about ten small roads, squares, parks and gardens which are crossed by the Dijle. It has been a while since the beguines lived there, but the calm has never left. The Sint-Jan-de-Doperkerk is an early gothic church, in which every third Wednesday of the month the carillon is played on (not during the examination period of the university students). Accessible, but cobbles all over make for a bumpy walk or ride.

© Layla Aerts

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City hall

Grote Markt 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 27 22 76 E-mail: visit@leuven.be Website: www.leuven.be/en/tourism/sightseeing/monuments/town-hall.jsp

The town hall of Leuven is one of the most famous gothic town halls in the world. You can find it at the Grand Place of Leuven. Accessible through an entrance at the left (Boekhandelstraat), accessible with help.

Historic guided tour Louvain (Hear and Feel Louvain)

Grote Markt 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 27 22 76 E-mail: gisele.vandoren@leuven.be of visit@leuven.be Website: www.gidsenleuven.be/node/8

In Leuven there’s a lot to be seen! But you can also experience the university city with your other senses. This approach is already the winning card of city guide David Mellaerts. During his guided tour you feel the hammer blows of the stone masons and hear in the reverberation of your own footsteps the echoes of centuries past. You don’t need to have a visual disability to enjoy such a visit. You can request a guided tour with David or one of his colleagues at the Leuven guide association.

Museum M Leuven

Leopold Vanderkelenstraat 28 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 27 29 29 E-mail: bezoekm@leuven.be Website: www.mleuven.be

M-Museum Louvain and M-Treasury of Saint-Peter are accessible for wheelchairs and has 3 wheelchairs and 20 mobile folding chairs. You can borrow the folding chairs for free according to availability and in exchange for an identity card. You should book these in advance. Do you have a visual impairment? Then you can discover the museum with the adapted 'Empire of Senses' tour (‘Rijk-der-Zinnen’-rondleiding). The theme, perspective or method of approaching the works of art changes every two

© Marc Van Langendonck

© www.milo-profi.be

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© Toerisme Leuven

months. You can find the dates of the 'Empire of Senses' tours on the website. Booking is essential.

St. Peter's Church and M| St. Peter's Treasury

Grote Markt 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 29 51 33 E-mail: bezoekm@leuven.be Website: www.mleuven.be

The Saint-Peter Treasury is in the choir of the Saint-Peters church, which is known as one of the most beautiful examples of the Brabant gothic of the 15th century. In 1410, the construction of the church was started and it took more than a century to build. In 1998, the impressive choir aisle was organized as museum. Wheelchairs entrance at the side, but a bit tight with a standard wheelchair.

St.-Anthony's Church - Damian Crypt

Pater Damiaanplein 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 20 08 11 E-mail: toerisme@leuven.be

The canonization of Father Damian brings a new international public to Leuven. Various locations in the city refer to him. A visit to the sepulchre in the Sint-Antoniuskerk, between the city centre and the Grand Beguinage, certainly forms a highpoint. The crypt was made more accessible for people with a physical impairment. The staircase lift offers a solution for visitors who are less able to walk, but the most recent adaptation is a wheelchair accessible entrance at street level (in de Ramberg) along which you come directly to the sepulchre.

STUK Arts centre (STUKcafé)

Naamsestraat 96 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 32 03 00 E-mail: info@stuk.be Website: www.stuk.be//language/en

Accessible restaurant and pub in Leuven with an accessible toilet.

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University library

Ladeuzeplein 21 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 32 46 60 E-mail: erna.mannaerts@bib.kuleuven.be Website: bib.kuleuven.be/bibc/cb-cultureel/bezoeken

Accessible via entrance on right-hand side of the building.

2. Restaurants and pubs

Brasserie Improvisio

Brusselsestraat 63b 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 20 76 46 E-mail: improvisio@skynet.be Website: www.improvisio.net

© www.milo-profi.be

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Accessible catering establishment in Louvain with an accessible toilet.

Foodsquare

Vuurkruisenlaan 4 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 21 32 00 E-mail: H3153@accor.com

The brasserie of Novotel Louvain Centre has enough circulation space and there are tables adapted to wheelchairs. There is enough room next to and diagonally in front of the toilet. The room in front of it is 90 cm. There are 2 handrails.

Memling Taverne

Diestsestraat 38 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 22 33 72

Accessible catering establishment in Louvain with an accessible toilet.

Restaurant De Blauwe Maan

Mechelsestraat 22 3000 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 29 97 47 E-mail: deblauwemaan@skynet.be Website: www.deblauwemaan.be

In their beautiful renovated medieval house, Kristie Dehert and Johan Gilbert serve a French-Belgian kitchen with Mediterranean influences.

Restaurant Voltaire

J. Vandenbemptlaan 6a 3001 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 20 44 43 E-mail: info@voltaire.be Website: www.voltaire.be

Accessible catering establishment in Heverlee with an accessible toilet.

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Other 1. Museums and sites

Paper mill Herisem

Fabriekstraat 20 1652 Alsemberg

Tel.: 32 2 381 07 70 E-mail: info@herisem.be Website: www.herisem.be

The museum is in large part easily accessible and there is an accessible toilet. However, the doorway of that toilet is only 75cm large.

National botanic garden of Belgium

Nieuwelaan 38 1860 Meise

Tel.: 32 2 260 09 70 E-mail: info@br.fgov.be Website: www.plantentuinmeise.be/PUBLIC/GENERAL/facilities.php

The national botanic garden of Belgium is with its 92ha one of the largest botanic gardens in the world and holds 18,000 sorts of plants.

Wheelchairs and walking frames can be borrowed at the main entrance. You can find toilets for wheelchair users across from the Herbarium and near the Garden Shop. You can ask a brochure with practical information for people with a disability at the entrance.

Palm breweries

Steenhuffeldorp 3 1840 Steenhuffel

Tel.: 32 52 31 74 11 E-mail: info@palmbreweries.com Website: www.palm.be

The group Palm Breweries produces a lot of renown beers. The beer Palm itself is known from the draft horse on the logo. Besides paying a visit to the brewery and the visitors center, you can also admire the horses in the stud farm. The brewery itself is unfortunately not accessible for wheelchair users, but you can visit the visitors center and the stud farm. In the visitors center you can watch a film and taste beers. There’s also an adapted toilet, but we don’t have any objective information about it. The guides take the blind and the visually impaired into account on their tours. You should give them this information in advance.

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Royal Museum for Central Africa

Leuvensesteenweg 13 3080 Tervuren

Tel.: 32 2 769 52 11 E-mail: info@africamuseum.be Website: www.africamuseum.be/home?set_language=en&cl=en

The Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA) is an ethnographical and natural history museum in Tervuren just outside Brussels, Belgium. It was first built to King Leopold II's Congo Free State for the 1897 World Exhibition. It focuses mainly on Congo, Belgium's former colony. Not all rooms are accessible; because of the sometimes steep slopes and heavy doors, assistance is recommended. There is an adapted toilet and an accessible café. Wheelchair users can call at the large gate on the Leuvensesteenweg main road. The museum has 5 wheelchairs but booking is advised. The museum will be closed for renovation as from end of 2013. It will re-open in May 2016.

Damien Museum

Pater Damiaanstraat 37 3120 Tremelo

Tel.: 32 16 53 05 19 E-mail: info@damiaanvandaag.be Website: www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be/bezoeken/bezienswaardigheden/damiaanmuseum/index.jsp

The birthplace of Father Damien, beatified in 2009, was built around 1800. This campine house is preserved in its original state. On the basis of a audiovisual assembly and an exhibition, Father Damien is brought back alive. Quite accessible, but assistance may be needed on the rather steep slopes in the museum. There is an adapted toilet, but no space for wheelchairs next to the toilet itself. People with a visual impairment have the opportunity to hold or touch certain objects. Special assistance is provided for people with physical or learning disabilities. The guides have experience with the disabled. The museum doesn't have a restaurant but special catering is available by arrangement only 300 metres away in Huize De Veuster (call: 32 (0)16/53 65 95)

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Sportimonium

Trianondreef 19 1981 Zemst

Tel.: 32 15 61 82 22 E-mail: publiekswerking@sportimonium.be Website: www.sportimonium.be/en/home

The Sportimonium takes you through 150 years of sport in Belgium. Extraordinary photos and posters, fascinating objects, sparkling trophies and humorous sounds and images show how sports evolved in many ways into a social phenomenon in the 20th century. The Museum of course also includes items belonging to legendary sports heroes, such as Eddy Merckx, Jean Marie Pfaff or Tia Hellebaut, to admire. The sports museum is easily accessible for wheelchair users. The traditional sports offered in the sports garden and those in the sports lab can be played by wheelchair users and the visually impaired. The ‘Sportimonium Anders Bekeken’ (sports from a different viewpoint) programme gives the visually impaired the chance to visit the museum with their family, friends, companions or in a group. A permanent exhibition includes sensory boxes and audio systems to help you understand the history of sports. The first stage is the black-box, a room in total darkness where you are introduced to touching the first object. Everyone is invited to follow the entire tour, including visitors without an impairment so they can learn more about the world of the blind and visually impaired. After visiting the exhibition, you can try the showdown - a game of table tennis by touch. The ‘Measuring Up to Athletes’ activity can also be enjoyed by those with a visual impairment, but is less accessible to wheelchair users. An offer tailored to visitors with learning disabilities can be provided on request. Sportimonium visitors enter the Bloso domain via the entrance at Trianondreef 19.

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Provincial domain Het Vinne

Ossenwegstraat 70 3440 Zoutleeuw

Tel.: 32 11 78 18 19 E-mail: provinciedomein.zoutleeuw@vlaamsbrabant.be Website: www.vlaamsbrabant.be/en/index.jsp

Het Vinne has much more to offer than the accessible playground we mention on p.63. Wheelchair users can also follow a sensory experience path along a stream called the Sint-Odulphiusbeek, and you’ll use your senses to enjoy the natural beauty of this location. The bike rental firm has some special bikes for people with a disability: a wheelchair bike, a duo-bike, tandems and bicycles with a low step. In addition, there are accessible cycle routes starting from the park. It is recommended you book the bikes by e-mail or by calling the phone number indicated below. A Wombat all-terrain wheelchair is available for the walks around the lake. The visitors centre has relief maps available for the blind and visually impaired, to give them an impression of the different biotopes and the natural water balance in Het Vinne. You can also visit the herb garden, which is accessible for wheelchair users, and borrow a Daisy player.

Tourism Dijleland

Aarschotsesteenweg 212 3010 Leuven

Tel.: 32 16 31 18 61 E-mail: toerisme@dijleland.be Website: www.dijleland.be

Dijleland Tourism has developed a package for wheelchair users and the visually impaired. In the morning you can choose from a visit to the Royal Museum for Central Africa, Hof van Melijn, the Witlof Museum, the Forest Museum or the Local History Museum De Botermolen. After lunch you can choose between two bus tours in the region.

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2. Restaurants and pubs

Restaurant La Vignette

Leuvensesteenweg 12 1970 Wezembeek-Oppem

Tel.: 32 2 767 83 56 E-mail: info@lavignette.be Website: www.lavignette.be

In the restaurant of hotel La Vignette, there are different tables to accommodate wheelchairs. There is enough room next to, in front of and diagonally in front of the toilets. Two handrails are provided.

3. Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centers

Regional tourist information office Tienen Grote Markt 6 3300 Tienen Tel: +32 16 80 57 38 Tel: +32 16 82 27 04 E-mail: toerisme.tienen@skynet.be Website : www.erfgoedsitetienen.be

© Antwerpen Toerisme & Congres

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PROVINCE OF WEST FLANDERS

General

Everyone’s cycling!

Website: www.iedereenfietst.be

Westkans has investigated the accessibility of at least 360 km of cycle network along the Belgian coast. You can find the routes that fit your particular needs at www.iedereenfietst.be (available in Dutch): without gravel or cobblestones, rest areas with benches or accessible toilets, without slopes, etc. The information is useful for all cyclists, not just for those with hand bikes, wheelchair bikes, tandems or bicycle trailers. Westkans also suggests 10 easy circular cycling routes.

Bruges 1. Museums and sites

Basilica of the Holy Blood

Burg 10 8000 Brugge

Website: http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en/basiliek-van-het-heilig-bloed-basilica-of-the-holy-blood

This double chapel consists of the Chapel of Saint Basil, the understructure of the gothic upper chapel, the Holy Blood Chapel, where the relic of the Holy Blood is conserved. This relic is carried around each year on Ascension. The entrance to the ground floor chapel is narrow, but accessible with a manual wheelchair. Inside accessible with help (steps to be negotiated). The upper chapel containing the valuable relic is not accessible.

Bruggemuseum - Belfry

Markt 8000 Brugge

Website: http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en/belfort-belfry

The inner court of the Belfry is accessible to wheelchairs, but the tower itself is not. Bear in mind that there are a lot of cobble stones. In front of the Belfry, there is a bronze version of the tower, that you can touch and that has some explanation in braille.

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Minnewater

8000 Brugge

Website: http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en/minnewaterpark

A romantic park near the Minnewater and the beguinage. Bear in mind that there are many cobble stones in the medieval city of Bruges.

Market

Markt 8000 Brugge

Website: http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en/markt

The Market is located in the heart of the city centre and has a surface of about 1ha. At the south side of the square, there is one of the best-known monuments of the city, the belfry built in the 12th century (Halletoren). Bear in mind that there are many cobble stones in the medieval city of Bruges.

Sint-Salvator Cathedral

Steenstraat 8000 Brugge

E-mail: sint.salvator.brugge@skynet.be Website: http://sintsalvator.be/tourist/english

Entrance via the side, easily accessible.

The Beguinage

Begijnhof 24-28-30 8000 Brugge

Website: http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en/begijnhof-beguinage

Prinselijk Begijnhof Ten Wijngaarde (Princely beguinage Ten Wijgaarde) with its whitewashed façades and the beguinage museum, was founded in 1245 and is nowadays occupied by the sisters of the Order of Saint-Benedict. The entrance of the beguinage closes irrevocably at 6.30 PM. Bear in mind that there are many cobble stones.

Welcome-Church Onze-Lieve-Vrouw

Mariastraat 8000 Brugge

E-mail: onthaal.olvkerk@telenet.be Website: www.onthaalkerk-brugge.be/index.asp?taal=uk

Easy access. Some wheelchair users may need assistance for a 10% incline inside the church.

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Bruggemuseum - Archaeology

Mariastraat 36a 8000 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 44 87 11 E-mail: musea@brugge.be Website: http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en/archeologiemuseum-archeological-museum

This museum confronts aspects of life from prehistory, the Roman period and the Middle Ages (both Early and Late) with elements of 21st-century living. Under the motto of 'feel the past under your feet,' you will discover the history of the city through a series of 'do' and 'search' tasks. The ground floor is accessible with help. Guide dogs are allowed if arranged in advance.

Bruggemuseum - Gezelle

Rolweg 64 8000 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 44 87 11 E-mail: musea@brugge.be Website: http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en/gezellemuseum

Discover more about the work of the famous Flemish writer, Guido Gezelle, in the house where he was born. In addition to a glimpse into his life and work, explore temporary presentations about the art of the written word. The museum is easily accessible.

Groeninge Museum

Dijver 12 8000 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 44 87 11 E-mail: musea@brugge.be Website: http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en/groeningemuseum-groeninge-museum

The permanent collection shows a rich and fascinating array of artworks from the southern Netherlands (Belgium) over a period of six centuries. Accessible with help via a 6% incline; one room is inaccessible. The toilet is accessible with help.

Memling in Sint-Jan - Hospital Museum

Mariastraat 38 8000 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 44 87 11 E-mail: musea@brugge.be Website: http://bezoekers.preview.brugge.be/en/sint-janshospitaal-saint-johns-hospital

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The St. John’s Hospital (now Memling in Sint-Jan - Hospital Museum) is one of the oldest preserved hospital buildings in Europe. The museum gives a moving impression of what life was like in a medieval hospital ward. The hospital chapel is a virtual monument to the artistic genius of Hans Memling. This 15th-century artist created many of his greatest works for the St John’s Hospital, including his famous St. Ursula Shrine. The museum has two ‘plus suitcases’ developed especially for children with an auditive or visual impairment. That way, they can discover the museum tailor-made. Museum and toilet are accessible with help, entrance via lift. There are raised markings on the lift buttons for people with a visual impairment.

Observatory Beisbroek

Zeeweg 96 8200 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 39 05 66 E-mail: info@beisbroek.be Website: www.beisbroek.be/content/view/42/86/

Visitors who need accessibility receive star treatment at the Beisbroek Observatory. A platform lift takes you to the planetarium where you can enjoy the magnificent star-spangled sky. You can see how the sun apparently seems to move throughout the year, the ever-changing faces of the moon and the dancing of the planets between the shiny stars that goes on forever. The telescopes in the observatory are not accessible for wheelchairs, however, the images visible through the telescopes can be projected on the planetarium dome so that everybody can enjoy them. With an ear loop system, people with a hearing impairment can also follow the comments and music of the presentations comfortably. If you have a visual impairment, you can request the services of an employee who will explain everything in detail. There is also an easily accessible toilet present.

2. Restaurants and pubs

Café De Republiek

Sint-Jakobsstraat 36 8000 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 34 02 29 Website: www.derepubliek.be

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This Grand Café also serves meals. The café and terrace are accessible and the toilet is also specially adapted.

Restaurant Verdi

Vlamingstraat 5 8000 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 34 42 43 Website: www.verdibrugge.com

The restaurant and toilet are accessible with assistance (toilet is 148 cm long).

Restaurant Koto (Hotel De Medici)

Potterierei 15 8000 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 33 98 33 E-mail: reservation@hoteldemedici.com

This Japanese restaurant, connected with hotel De Medici, has everywhere enough space. Tables adapted to wheelchairs are present. There is positioning space next to and diagonally in front of the toilet. There is 100cm in front of the toilet. 2 handrails provided.

Restaurant Maria van Bourgondië

Guido Gezelleplein 1 8000 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 33 20 66 Website: www.mariavanbourgondie.be

The restaurant and toilet are accessible with assistance (toilet is 148 cm wide).

Tearoom - Eetcafé De Bretoen

Ezelstraat 4 8000 Brugge

Tel.: 32 50 34 54 25

The restaurant is easily accessible and has an adapted toilet.

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3. Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centers

In&Uit Brugge Concertgebouw ’t Zand 8000 Brugge Tel: +32 50 44 46 46 E-mail: info@inenuitbrugge.be Website : www.inenuitbrugge.be

© www.milo-profi.be

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Coast Navigate and park

Looking forward to a sunny day at the beach or a trip to Westhoek? But perhaps slightly put-off by the traffic jams and the thought of trying to find somewhere to park?

We can’t do anything about the traffic jams as yet, but finding somewhere to park should be a lot easier using the website www.navigeerenparkeer.be. This gives you a handy list of the parking spaces on the coast reserved for people with a disability. You can zoom in on a map or aerial photo for each municipality until you are right over the parking place. You can even see the dimensions and a photo of each place so that you know whether it meets all your requirements. This site also gives you detailed instructions on how to locate the reserved parking places on your GPS device.

Carefree sunbathing

Thanks to the initiative of ‘Zon, Zee,… Zorgeloos’ (literally, sun, sea and carefree) a “beach area” and an area in its immediate vicinity is accessible to people with a disability in Nieuwpoort, Westende, Middelkerke, Ostend, Vosseslag, De Haan, Wenduine and Zeebrugge. During the months of July and August, you can ask assistants for help. In addition, there is an accessible toilet and a specially adapted care room with a hoist, adjustable height bed and shower, beach mats and beach wheelchairs. There are parking places nearby for the disabled. 'Zon, Zee ... Zorgeloos' is a joint venture by the Province of West Flanders, the Intro non-profit association and the coastal towns concerned.

http://www.intro-events.be/nl/projecten/zon-zee-zorgeloos

© Intro vzw

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1. Museums and sites

Abbey museum Ten Duinen

Koninklijke Prinslaan 8 8670 Koksijde

Tel.: 32 58 53 39 50 E-mail: tenduinen@koksijde.be Website: http://en.tenduinen.be

In the abbey museum, you experience the daily life in a medieval Cistercian abbey. There are two reserved parking places at the entrance for disabled people. Access pathways are flat or an inclined plane. The visitors centre has a lift which is large enough. In the museum there are information signs in braille in every room.

Accessible Nieuwpoort

Marktplein 7 8620 Nieuwpoort

Tel.: 32 58 22 44 44 E-mail: info@nieuwpoort.be Website: www.nieuwpoort.be/nieuwpoort/view/nl/nieuwpoort/inwoner/wonen/toegankelijk_nieuwpoort

For 14 years, Stedelijk Adviesraad voor Personen met een Handicap (municipal advisory body for disabled people) issues an annual brochure, named “Toegankelijk Nieuwpoort” (Accessible Nieuwpoort). The brochure holds every public service, parking space, accommodation, addresses for accessible health care, catering establishment (with adapted toilet), etc. that is accessible to wheelchair users. Apart from the information about the assistance project ‘Zon, Zee… Zorgeloos’, the four beach wheelchairs, the Tiralo-sea wheelchair, the wheelchair bike and the accessible municipal pool with pool wheelchair and pool lift are treated in the brochure. The relief panel for blinds and visually impaired on the esplanade at the Loodswezenplein is new. The panel shows the Yser estuary, the adjoining nature reserve, the palisades, breakwaters, the lighthouse, the beach and the sea in several tactile elements. This brochure is available for free at the tourist office of the city of Nieuwpoort, Marktplein 7, 8620 Nieuwpoort. Tel: 058 22 44 44, fax: 058 22 44 28, e-mail: info@nieuwpoort.be. You can also consult it completely on www.nieuwpoort.be. Click on the opening page on the right on ‘Toegankelijk Nieuwpoort’. The casino is accessible to wheelchair users.

Casino Koksijde

Casinoplein 10 8670 Koksijde

Tel.: 32 58 53 29 99 Website: www.casinokoksijde.be

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The casino is accessible for wheelchair users.

Fort Napoleon

Vuurtorenweg 8400 Oostende

Tel.: 32 59 32 00 48 E-mail: fort.napoleon@erfgoed-vlaanderen.be Website: www.fortnapoleon.be

Most wheelchair users will need help though to reach the entrance.

Most of the fort is accessible with the exception of the roof of the museum area and the roof terrace of the bistro and restaurant. A computer is provided that gives wheelchair users information about those sections on the roof of the fort which are not accessible to them. There is an adapted toilet.

Mu.ZEE

Romestraat 11 8400 Oostende

Tel.: 32 59 50 81 18 E-mail: info@muzee.be Website: www.muzee.be/?m=muzee&lang=en

The museum houses a unique collection of Belgian art from 1830 to now. Learn about the Great Masters and be surprised by changing combinations and temporary exhibitions. Most of the rooms are easily accessible. In a manual wheelchair you might need a slight push up a few of the ramps. An accessible lift is also provided. At the bookshop you will find an easily accessible toilet.

Navigo - National Fisheries Museum

Pastoor Schmitzstraat 5 8670 Oostduinkerke

Tel.: 32 58 51 24 68 E-mail: info@navigomuseum.be Website: http://en.navigomuseum.be

The NAVIGO Museum invites everyone, young and old, to explore the history of Flemish marine and coastal fishing. Get to meet the Flemish fisherman’s family, the heroic Iceland fishing-boat sailors and the shrimpers on horseback, a unique living tradition in Oostduinkerke. The rich museum collection brings together the heritage, art, crafts and

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natural surroundings of the North Sea. The museum has a lift, a specially adapted toilet, and is easily accessible. There are just a couple of thresholds in the fisherman’s hut. The new sensory aquarium is also accessible. There is a small step at the entrance to the Herberg de Peerdevisscher tavern. The entrance to the specially adapted toilet is on Vrijheidsstraat.

North Sea Aquarium

Visserskaai 8400 Oostende

Tel.: 32 59 50 08 76 E-mail: noordzeeaquarium@skynet.be Website: http://users.skynet.be/noordzee.aquarium

The North Sea Aquarium is accessible through a separate entrance, but not every passage way is as broad.

Patrimony walks for everyone

Zeedijk 8400 Oostende

Tel.: 32 59 70 11 99 E-mail: info@toerisme-oostende.be Website: www.westkans.be/nl/projecten/versterkte-steden

A historical patrimony walk through Ostend. You can download an excellent flash card for the walk with all the accessibility information about the walk. The information dates from 2004.

Paul Delvaux Museum

Paul Delvauxlaan 42 8670 Koksijde

Tel.: 32 58 52 12 29 E-mail: info@delvauxmuseum.com Website: www.delvauxmuseum.com

The museum is accessible and has an adapted toilet that is accessible with help.

Provincial domain Raversijde

Nieuwpoortsesteenweg 636 8400 Oostende

Tel.: 32 59 70 22 85 E-mail: domein.raversijde@west-vlaanderen.be Website: www.west-vlaanderen.be/kwaliteit/Leefomgeving/raversijde/raversydeEN/Pages/default.aspx

© Toerisme Koksijde, Westtoer

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The Atlantik Wall military defence bunkers are one of the top attractions on the coast and one of the three museums in the Provincial Domain of Raversijde. A unique set of bunkers and trenches from the First and Second World Wars. The museum is the ideal place to gain an impression of what it was like on the “Longest Day”. The Prince Charles Memorial is a reminder of the period when the Prince Regent stayed on the estate. The Walraversijde archaeological site goes even further back in time and allows you to experience a 15th century fisherman’s life. Unfortunately the Atlantik Wall is not accessible by wheelchair, but you can watch a film about this historic defensive wall in the Memorial. Walraversijde is easily accessible. There you will also find an accessible toilet fitted with safety rails. Only the ground floor of the Prince Charles Memorial is accessible. There is good access to the Walrave Café-Restaurant, which has an easily accessible toilet.

Recreational domain Grasduinen

Zandstraat 8450 Bredene

Tel.: 32 59 56 19 70 E-mail: toerisme@bredene.be Website: www.uitinbredene.be/data/grasduinen.asp?P=5&mId=57&pId=62

An excellent new attraction is now available in Bredene for visitors who want to stay a few extra days but not necessarily at the beach. The recreational park Grasduinen is a green zone for sports and playing. Several mountain bike trails and a cycle and hiking path cross the park, and you will also find several sports fields, a fit-o-meter, a large pond, park toys and sanitary facilities. The shower and the toilet are accessible for people with a disability (open every day in July and August between 9am and 6pm). You may need a push occasionally on the footpaths which have been paved with shells. All facilities are free for everyone. The entrance is located in Zandstraat near no 101, the car park is located near no 103. More information is available from the Tourist Board in Bredene. Tel 32 (0)59 56 19 70, Fax 32 (0)59 56 19 69, toerisme@bredene.be, www.uitinbredene.be

Seafront

Vismijnstraat 7 8380 Zeebrugge

Tel.: 32 50 55 14 15 E-mail: info@seafront.be Website: www.seafront.be/UK/index.asp

The buildings of the old fish market of Zeebrugge have been transformed into an interesting theme park. In Seafront, you can discover all the secrets of the sea en taste the rich fisheries history.

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For the greater part, the museum is accessible to wheelchair users, but an accompanying person can be needed to take an inclined plane and to open doors. The boats outside by the quay are not accessible. There is a narrow adapted toilet at the entrance of hall 2.

Sea Life Center

Koning Albert I-laan 116 8370 Blankenberge

Tel.: 32 50 42 42 00 E-mail: slcblank@merlinentertainments.biz Website: www.visitsealife.com/blankenberge/en

Over 50 aquariums show the mysterious underwater world. With over 2500 animals, Sea Life offers a great overview of the 7 oceans. The Sea Life Center is accessible and also has an accessible toilet and cafeteria.

Serpentarium

Zeedijk 146 8370 Blankenberge

Tel.: 32 50 42 31 62 E-mail: serpentarium@pandora.be Website: www.serpentarium.be

This reptile zoo is accessible, although the path through the exhibition space is not very broad.

The dairy museum

Brugsesteenweg 68 8370 Blankenberge

Tel.: 32 50 41 18 75 E-mail: info@zuivelmuseum.be Website: www.zuivelmuseum.be

The dairy museum is a remarkable and unique permanent exhibition of dairy material of the low countries. The visitor walks through the history of the dairy industry in Flanders during the last five centuries and brings to life the story of milk, from past till present. The dairy museum is easily accessible.

The Zwin

Graaf Leon Lippensdreef 8 8300 Knokke-Heist

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Tel.: 32 50 60 70 86 E-mail: info@hetzwin.be Website: www.west-vlaanderen.be/kwaliteit/Leefomgeving/zwin/english/Pages/default.aspx

The Zwin is an important area for salt marsh and mud flat in Belgium. It has a unique collection of European water birds in magnificent nature surroundings.

Parts of the Zwin are accessible, some of them with help. There are reserved parking places and accessible toilets at the entrance building. However, there is a small step and the entrance door is a bit narrow. The park, the birdhouse and the front next to the reserve are accessible, the salt marshes and the mud flats of the actual reserve are not. The cafeteria is accessible as well.

Turkeyenhof

Zegelaan 42 8450 Bredene

Tel.: 32 59 33 08 30

Turkeyenhof is a renovated farmhouse from 1737 in the classical polder farm style. Turkeyenhof gives you a broad view on the past of the municipality and the area through an exhibit of old equipment, Gallo-Roman discoveries, photos and posters. You can get to know the equipment for example of the clog maker, carpenter, shoemaker, bluestone manufacturer and plumber. Moreover, the museum accommodates an extended collection of North Sea shells, fossils and mammoth rests, dredged up from the North Sea by Flemish fishermen. The Turkeyenhof museum is accessible. There are no differences in height at the entrance and the hallways have no bottle necks.

2. Restaurants and pubs

Accessible restaurants and cafés at the coast

Website: www.westkans.be/nl/projecten/reca

The non-profit organization Westkans has examined the accessibility of a large number of restaurants and bars on the coast. You can find the detailed measurement results at www.toevla.be. That way, you can see whether a restaurant or café is easily accessible for you or not. If you have no time to lose and you want to sit in an outdoor café, you can consult the summarizing tables at www.westkans.be/nl/projecten/reca or at www.toegankelijkreizen.be (section Travel information and links, Belgium).

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Restaurant De Kombuis

Tijdokstraat 4 8380 Zeebrugge

Tel.: 32 50 67 83 25 E-mail: info@dekombuis.be Website: www.dekombuis.be

You can find detailed measurement data for this business on www.toevla.be. The complete Dutch brochure “Toegankelijke restaurants en cafés in Zeebrugge” (“accessible restaurants and cafés in Zeebrugge) is available in the section “Publicaties” on the website www.toegankelijkreizen.be.

Ravelingen - De Grote Rede

Zeedijk 290 8400 Oostende

Tel.: 32 59 55 27 54 E-mail: info@ravelingen.be Website: www.ravelingen.be/home.php?page=page&pid=2

You can find detailed measurement data for this business on www.toevla.be. The complete Dutch brochure “Toegankelijke restaurants en cafés in Oostende” (“accessible restaurants and cafés in Ostend) is available in the section “Publicaties” on the website www.toegankelijkreizen.be.

3. Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centers

Tourism Knokke-Heist Zeedijk-Knokke 660 8300 Knokke-Heist Tel: +32 50 63 03 80 Fax: +32 50 63 03 90 E-mail: toerisme@knokke-heist.be Website: www.knokke-heist.info Tourism Oostende 8400 Oostende Tel: +32 59 70 11 99 Fax: +32 59 70 34 77 E-mail: info@visitoostende.be Website : www.visitoostende.be Tourism Middelkerke – Kusthistories Joseph Casselaan 1 8340 Middelkerke Tel: +32 59 30 03 68 Fax: +32 59 31 11 95 E-mail: toerisme@middelkerke.be

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Website : www.toerismemiddelkerke.be Tourism Koksijde Zeelaan 303 8670 Koksijde Tel: +32 58 51 29 10 Fax: +32 58 53 21 22 E-mail: toerisme@koksijde.be Website: bezoeker.koksijde.be

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In Flanders Fields 1. Musea and sites

St. Martin’s Cathedral

Grote Markt 34 8900 Ieper

Website: www.toerismeieper.be/en

Situated behind the clothmakers’ halls, the St. Martin’s Cathedral is an old bishops’ church in gothic style, rebuilt after the First World War, with the graves of bishop Jansenius and of count Robrecht van Bethune, the ‘Lion of Flanders’. Complete access via a special side entrance.

In Flanders Fields museum

Grote Markt 34 8900 Ieper

Tel.: 32 57 23 92 20 E-mail: flandersfields@ieper.be Website: www.inflandersfields.be/en

The In Flanders Fields museum brings the historic story of the First World War in the front area of West Flanders. It is established in the rebuilt ‘Lakenhallen’ in Ieper. The museum is accessible with help and extra effort. At the entrance of the museum, there is a steep slope where you might need some help. There is a lift and several elements from the exhibition are at wheelchair height. There are accessible toilets and the museum café is easily accessible.

Patrimony walks for everyone

Markt 17a 8647 Lo-Reninge

Tel.: 32 58 28 91 66 E-mail: info@lauka.be Website: www.westkans.be/assets/files/Lo_fl.pdf

Historic patrimony walks through Lo, excellent flash cart about the walk with all the information about accessibility can be downloaded. The information dates from 2004.

Patrimony walks for everybody

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Rijselstraat 77 8930 Menen

Tel.: 32 56 53 23 63 E-mail: schippershof@menen.be Website: www.westkans.be/assets/files/Menin_fl.pdf

Historic patrimony walk through Menen, excellent flash card about the walk with all the information about accessibility can be downloaded. The information dates from 2004.

Saint Nicholas Church

Kerkstraat 1 8957 Mesen

Tel.: 32 57 22 17 14 E-mail: toerisme@mesen.be Website: www.mesen.be/website-default/101-www.html?branch=1&language=1

This neo-roman and neo-gothic house of prayer with two corner towers and a prominent crossing tower, was originally the abbey church of the Benedictine nuns. A neighbouring house and other abbey buildings belonged to it. Around 1057, when the abbey was founded, the Roman crypt was built. The alternative entrance via the side of the church is has no doorsteps. You might need some extra help to open the heavy door to the prayer and reflection room. The ‘Crypt’, located in the basement is not accessible to wheelchairs.

St. John's Church

Sint-Janskruisstraat 1 8970 Poperinge

Tel.: 32 5734 66 76 E-mail: toerisme@poperinge.be Website: www.toerismepoperinge.be/nl/pagina/1212-1224-1258-1322/sint-janskerk.html

The St.- Johns Church, a preserved monument in gothic style, is located in the Sint-Janskruisstraat. The church is mainly known as a place of pilgrimage of Our Blessed Lady. Because of her, a miracle took place in 1479, and that is why we have an annual Mary Procession. You reach the church via a flat path without obstacles. The entrance of the church has 2 double doors, which are easy to open. One of the parts of the doors is not wide enough, but when both door parts are open, there is enough room. In the church, everything is easily accessible.

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Patrimony walks for everyone

Grote Markt 29 8630 Veurne

Tel.: 32 58 33 55 31 E-mail: infotoerisme@veurne.be Website: www.westkans.be/assets/files/Veurne_fl.pdf

Historic patrimony walks through Veurne, excellent flash cart about the walk with all the information about accessibility can be downloaded. The information dates from 2004.

St. Walburga church

Sint-Walburgastraat 8630 Veurne

Tel.: 32 58 33 55 31 E-mail: infotoerisme@veurne.be Website: http://tourism.veurne.be/product/1568/default.aspx?_vs=0_N&id=1160

The St. Walburga church is the only example in the coastal area of a majestic gothic church. It provided a choir and trans-chapels, a transept, a nave and towers, but only the choir section, the eastern transept wall and the western tower spring have been realized. During the summer, you can enjoy pipe organ concerts held in the church. Right after the entrance door there are two steps, but a mobile inclined plane is provided. But it is too steep to use without any help.

Hopmuseum

Gasthuisstraat 71 8970 Poperinge

Tel.: 3257 33 79 22 E-mail: hopmuseum@poperinge.be Website: www.hopmuseum.be/en

The Hop Museum is located in the Municipal Scale complex. In here, they used to weigh, test and stack hop. You can find an extended collection of authentic hop equipment, completed with audiovisual fragments and small quizzes. You will experience the history and the life cycle of hop. You might need help to open the double doors. Via the lift, you can reach the exhibition rooms, but because of the passageways there is little room to manoeuvre. There is an adapted toilet, but because of the position of the toilet, it is too small to use for most wheelchair users.

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The Old Cheesefactory

's Graventafelstraat 48a 8980 Zonnebeke

Tel.: 32 51 77 70 05 E-mail: info@deoudekaasmakerij.be Website: www.deoudekaasmakerij.be/en

Does the thought alone about cheese bring water to your mouth? Then this is the right address for you. This museum offers a unique introduction to the production process from milk to cheese. The Old Cheese factory is not just the museum, but also an interactive and experimental introduction to cheese in all its aspects. Here, you won’t only smell and feel cheese, you’ll also taste it. You probably need help on the inclined access pathway and to open the entrance door. You need a push to reach the exhibition rooms on the ground floor and in the basement via the inclined plane. The exhibition rooms in the basement is accessible via a platform lift of only 79 cm wide and 100 cm deep.

Provincial domain De Palingbeek

Palingbeekstraat 8902 Ieper

Tel.: 32 50 40 32 57 E-mail: johan.mahieu@west-vlaanderen.be Website: www.west-vlaanderen.be/kwaliteit/Leefomgeving/bezoekerscentra/palingbeek/Pages/default.aspx

Extensive area for walking with extensive flora and fauna. The paths are easily accessible. Restaurant De Palingbeek is perfectly accessible and has an adapted toilet. Visitors with a learning disability can go on a quest (not suitable for wheelchair users). There is an ecologic farm where you can help, suitable for people with a learning or motor disability and for deaf, hearing impaired, blind and visually impaired participants.

Castle domain Zonnebeke

Ieperstraat 7a 8980 Zonnebeke

Tel.: 32 51 77 04 41 E-mail: info@passchendaele.be Website: www.passchendaele.be

The castle domain Zonnebeke is open as walking area: a magnificent 7 ha forest park with open spaces and a central lake. On the domain, you’ll also find the Memorial Museum Passchendaele 1917. The domain is easily accessible; there is an accessible toilet.

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Yser Tower

Ijzerdijk 49 8600 Diksmuide

Tel.: 32 51 50 02 86 E-mail: info@ijzertoren.org Website: www.ijzertoren.org/popup.php?action=textfragment&naam=splash_english&lang=3

The IJzertoren (Yser Tower) houses a museum about World War I and II. You can experience both wars, feel the fear of soldiers and citizens, walk in trenches and sit in the middle of bombardments. Sloping areas help you over obstacles, there are adapted toilets and you can drink something in the accessible cafeteria. A lift leads to most important floors. On the computer of the ‘virtual museum’ you walk through the whole museum at your own tempo, and thus also the floors that cannot be reached with the lift. There is a braille model with braille text and audio explanation. The personnel is also always ready to help.

City walks Ieper

Grote Markt 34 8900 Ieper

Tel.: 32 57 23 92 00 E-mail: toerisme@ieper.be Website: www.toerisme-ieper.be/en

‘Even Snoepen van Ieper’ and ‘Ieper soldaat maken’ are two new ways to discover the city in an original way. The two walks are developed with an eye to visitors with a learning disability. Along the way, you hear, see and taste Ieper in a way you did not know before. If there are one or two wheelchair users in the company, that is not a problem.

© www.milo-profi.be

© Westtoer

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Tourist office Lo-Reninge

Markt 17a 8647 Lo-Reninge

Tel.: 32 58 28 91 66 E-mail: info@lauka.be Website: www.lauka.be

Various tours/walks are organised, some of which are also accessible for wheelchair users. These range from city and nature walks, to visits to sites and even horse-riding and canoeing.

2. Restaurants & pubs

Foodsquare (Novotel)

Sint-Jacobsstraat 15 8900 Ieper

Tel.: 32 57 42 96 00 E-mail: H3172@accor.com In the brasserie of Novotel Ieper Centrum, there is enough room and there are tables to accommodate wheelchair users (depth is limited to 40 cm underneath the table). The brasserie has an adapted toilet with enough circulation room and room in front of and diagonally in front of the toilet. Two handrails are provided.

Restaurant Pacific Eiland

Eiland 2 8900 Ieper

Tel.: 32 57 20 05 28 E-mail: info@pacificeiland.be Website: www.pacificeiland.be

Restaurant and tearoom Pacific Eiland is at an idyllic island along the historic “vestingroute” in Ieper. The restaurant is accessible with help. There is no own car park, but within a radius of 200 m, there are adapted parking places. The access pathway goes via a footbridge. The slope of the bridge is rather steep. Some help can be necessary. The entrance is broad enough and is without doorsteps. The tractive power of the door is heavy. Near the entrance to the room, there is a 6 cm doorstep. There is enough circulation room in the room, but there is limited room to ride under the tables (30 cm deep). On the way to the toilet, the lock door is heavy to open. The adapted toilet is small, but can be used by a wheelchair user (turning circle in toilet is 140 cm, room next to the toilet is 90 cm, in front of the toilet, 100 cm).

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Tearoom-restaurant Hill 60

Zwarteleenstraat 40 8902 Ieper

Tel.: 32 57 20 88 60 E-mail: info@hill-60.be Website: www.hill-60.be

Tearoom-restaurant Hill 60 is close to the historic site in Zillebeke, a borough of Ieper. The restaurant is accessible with help. There is an own car park, but there are no adapted parking spaces provided. The foundation consists of pebble stones. Both from the public domain and from the car park, the access pathway is flat and without obstacles. Near the entrance, there is a doorstep. The passage way is limited; only 80 cm broad. There is enough circulation space in the room, but the room to ride underneath the tables is limited (30 cm deep). The door to the toilet is 80 cm broad. The adapted toilet is large enough. What is lacking, is a handrail at the wall next to the toilet.

Restaurant Callecanes

Callecanesweg 12 8978 Poperinge

Tel.: 32 57 38 88 08 E-mail: info-reservatie@hotel-callecanes.be

The restaurant of the hotel of the same name has enough circulation room. There are tables to accommodate wheelchair users as well. There is enough space next to, in front of and diagonally in front of the toilet. Two handrails are provided.

Restaurant 't Gemeentehuis

Lostraat 1 8600 Diksmuide

Tel.: 32 58 62 48 35 E-mail: tgemeentehuis@hotmail.com Website: www.restaurant-tgemeentehuis.be

Restaurant and tearoom ’t Gemeentehuis is located in the rural polder village Nieuwkapelle, a borough of Diksmuide. The restaurant is accessible with help. There is no own car park, but within a radius of 200 m, there are adapted parking spaces on the public domain. At the entrance, there is a doorstep, but this is provided with a (temporary) inclined plane. On the inside, the circulation room is limited because of screens to create a lock. There is enough circulation space in the room. The way to the sanitary is wide enough and without obstacles. The door to the adapted toilet is 82 cm broad. There is enough circulation room in the toilet and there are handrails.

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Restaurant Belvedere Rodeberg

Rodebergstraat 49 8950 Heuvelland

Tel.: 32 57 44 41 13 E-mail: info@hotelbelvedere.be Website: www.hotelbelvedere.be

In the beautiful landscape of Heuvelland, on the top of the Rodeberg, there is the restaurant Belvedere. The restaurant is accessible with help. There is an own car park in asphalt with adapted parking place. The access pathway is without obstacles and is wide enough. Both the inclined plane at the front of the building and the platform lift serving the entrance at the back of the building, are easily accessible. There is enough circulation space in the room. The tables can accommodate wheelchair users. The way to the sanitary is wide enough and without doorsteps. At the door of the adapted toilet, the circulation space is limited. The adapted toilet is large enough. What is lacking, is a handrail at the open side of the toilet.

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4. Accessible tourist information offices and visitors centers

Tourist information and visitors center Veurne Grote Markt 29 8630 Veurne Tel: +32 58 33 55 31 E-mail: infotoerisme@veurne.be Website: www.veurne.be Visitors center for Ieper and the Westhoek Lakenhalle Grote Markt 34 8900 Ieper Tel: +32 57 23 92 20 Fax: +32 57 23 92 75 E-mail: toerisme@ieper.be Website : www.toerisme-ieper.be Tourism Poperinge Grote Markt 1 8970 Poperinge Tel: +32 57 34 66 76 Fax: +32 57 33 57 03 E-mail: toerisme@poperinge.be Website: www.toerismepoperinge.be

Other 1. Museums and sites

Wijnendale Castle

Oostendestraat 390 8820 Torhout

Tel.: 32 50 22 07 70 E-mail: toerisme@torhout.be Website: www.toerismetorhout.be/en/wynendale-castle-kasteel-wijnendale

Visit this historic castle domain with its impressive moated castle, and you will be very impressed. The castle museum is set up in the left wing: definitely worth a visit! A visitors centre is accommodated in the porter’s lodge, where the visitors can receive information about the region (Ommeland Bruges) and exhibitions take place. You might need help on the cobble stones to the entrance. The first part of the double entrance doors is only 62 cm wide. To go from the entrance to the exhibition space, you’ll have to go via a rather steep incline, where a push would be useful. There is an adapted toilet, but only one handrail

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is provided. The circulation space around the wash basin is rather small too. The glasshouse on the domain is not wheelchair accessible.

Brewery Rodenbach

Spanjestraat 133 - 141 8800 Roeselare

Tel.: 32 51 27 27 00 E-mail: info@rodenbach.be Website: www.rodenbach.be

Rodenbach is the unique Flemish Red-Brown Beer, acknowledged as Traditional Regional Product. The mixed main fermentation process gives the beer its typical flavour and complex fruitness. Are you curious? Make sure to visit the brewery then. The biggest part of the tour is accessible for wheelchair users via a lift and slopes. Unfortunately, not all rooms are accessible. There is an adapted toilet, but we don’t have any objective information about it.

Broom museum

Baron de Pélichystraat 3 8870 Izegem

Tel.: 32 51 31 64 46 E-mail: borstelmuseum@izegem.be Website: www.musea.izegem.be

In this museum, the visitor can get to know the story of the golden age of the broom industry in Izegem. Special guided tours are organised for the blind and visually impaired where touching objects plays a central role. Booking in advance is essential.

Footwear museum

Wijngaardstraat 9 8870 Izegem

Tel.: 32 51 31 65 43 E-mail: schoeiselmuseum@izegem.be Website: www.musea.izegem.be

When the museum was established in 1968, it was the intention to display the most beautiful shoes of Izegem and to preserve them for the offspring. The shoes from the twenties and thirties are the main collection in fashion from the 20st century. Moreover, you can see how shoes are made by hand and you can find shoes from different continents. Special guided tours are organised for the blind and visually impaired where touching plays a central role. Booking in advance is essential.

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Broel Museum

Broelkaai 6 8500 Kortrijk

Tel.: 32 56 27 77 80 E-mail: broelmuseum@kortrijk.be Website: www.kortrijk.be/vrije-tijd/cultuur/musea/broelmuseum/museum/autres-langues-/-other-languages-/-andere-sprachen/engli

The Broel Museum is a museum for applied and visual art located in Kortrijk. The museum presents works of artists who have a connection with Kortrijk. People with a disability will find a doorbell at their height near the main entrance to the museum. Museum staff will accompany you to the side entrance which is easily accessible for people with wheelchairs. The museum has a lift to the first floor. There is an adapted toilet. You can combine this visit with a walk along the nearby Guido Gezellepad.

Flax Museum

E. Sabbelaan 4 8500 Kortrijk

Tel.: 32 56 21 01 38 E-mail: vlasmuseum@kortrijk.be Website: www.kortrijk.be/flaxmuseum

The Flax Museum introduces you to the world of flax: how it started and evolved along the banks of the Leie river. The museum explains how flax is processed and shows the main finished products such as lace, linen and damask. Easily accessible, including the first floor (lift). Bistro De Vlasblomme is accessible. A specially adapted toilet is available.

Visitors centre Ferdinand Verbiest

Markt 1 8740 Pittem

Tel.: 32 51 46 03 51 E-mail: toerisme@pittem.be Website: www.pittem.be/website/173-www/178-www/867-www.html

The life of Ferdinand Verbiest, who was born in Pittem, is presented in a creative and contemporary way in this visitors centre. Verbiest was a missionary who went to China in the 17th century to work as a mathematician and astronomer at the court of the Chinese emperor. It was there that he invented many objects that

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are still important today, such as the thermometer and the first vehicle with a motor. At the centre, you will not only learn about this famous Jesuit priest but also about the other tourist attractions of the town of Pittem and the Brugse Ommeland region near Bruges. The centre is located on the market square in Pittem. The museum is open on weekdays and entry is free. It’s also open on weekends during the high season. It’s highly recommended because this visitors centre received the Flemish Innovation and Creativity Award in 2010. Of course, the centre, including the toilet, the reception and interactive elements and multimedia are fully accessible.

National Tobacco Museum

Koestraat 63 8940 Wervik

Tel.: 32 56 95 24 35 E-mail: tabaksmuseum@wervik.be Website: www.nationaaltabaksmuseum.be

Go along with a mysterious journey through the history of tobacco. Thanks to an impressive collection of tobacco advertisements, a collection of curiosities of smokers’ accessories and a varied offer of tobacco related objects, you get a probing image of the phenomenon called smoking and the local tobacco cultivation. The displayed material is well visible for wheelchair users. You might need help on the slope between the exhibition rooms of the old wind. The rooms on the floor in the old wing are not wheelchair accessible. There is an adapted toilet, but it is too small to use for most wheelchair users.

Provincial domain Sterrebos

Sterrebosdreef 8800 Roeselare

Tel.: 32 50 40 32 57 E-mail: johan.mahieu@west-vlaanderen.be Website: www.tov.be/instelling.aspx?id=180746

Walking in the park and alongside the castle pond is possible. The paths are easily accessible, and there is an accessible toilet.

Provincial domain De Gavers

Meerstraat 8530 Harelbeke

Tel.: 32 50 40 32 57 E-mail: johan.mahieu@west-vlaanderen.be Website: www.harelbeke.be/en

Easily accessible footpaths. There is an accessible café.

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2. Restaurants and pubs

Tearoom De Kippe

Stationsstraat 50a 8650 Houthulst

Tel.: 32 54 40 48 E-mail: dekippe@telenet.be Website: www.dekippe.be

De Kippe is a cosy place where children are welcome in the quiet Merksem. At the same time, it is a café, tearoom, bistro and an art gallery. De Kippe is accessible with help. There is no own parking lot, but within a radius of 200 m, there are adapted parking spaces. The access road through the terrace is even and without doorsteps. The entrance is large enough, without doorsteps and there is enough circulation space. There is enough circulation space in the room. The tables are adapted to wheelchairs. On the way to the sanitary, the circulation space after the sluice door is limited. The space at the door is narrow, but usable. In the adapted toilet, only a handrail at the closed side of the toilet is lacking.

D-bistro

Abdijmolenweg 1 8510 Kortrijk

Tel.: 32 56 21 21 00 E-mail: info@d-hotel.be Website: www.d-hotel.be/bistro/d-bistro

This bistro is a part of D-Hotel. In this bistro, there is a lot of room and a table to accommodate wheelchair users. There is enough space next to, in front of (100 cm) and diagonally in front of the toilet. Two handrails are provided.

3. Accessible tourist information centers and visitors centers

VVV West-Vlaamse Scheldestreek – Pompgebouw Bossuit Doorniksesteenweg 402 8583 Bossuit-Avelgem Tel: +32 56 45 72 82 E-mail: vvv.scheldestreek@skynet.be Website: www.westvlaamsescheldestreek.be Visitors center Ferdinand Verbiest Markt 1 8740 Pittem Tel: +32 51 46 03 51 Fax: +32 51 46 03 58 E-mail: toerisme@pittem.be

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Website: www.pittem.be Tourism Waregem Gemeenteplein 2 8790 Waregem Tel: +32 56 62 12 37 Fax: +32 56 62 12 90 E-mail: toerisme@waregem.be Website: www.waregem.be/vrije-tijd/toerisme