Welcome to Access-i

Office du tourisme et Beffroi de Thuin

⚠ The Belfry itself was not audited. An adapted tour is available on the ground floor and 1st floor of the Tourist Office. ⚠

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, the Belfry remains the only vestige of a collegiate church razed to the ground in 1811.

Climb the 194 steps of the Belfry and reach its 60-metre-high summit.

You'll enjoy a breathtaking view over the roofs of the town, the green hills and the valleys of the Sambre and Biesmelle rivers.

During your visit to the Belfry, you'll discover its history, its special features, the functions it has taken on over the centuries... You'll also be able to hear the melody of its carillon.

The Thuin Tourist Office is located next to the unmissable Belfry.

The audit covers the Tourist Office and the exhibition, but not the climb to the Belfry itself.

If you can't climb it, don't worry, a guide will take care of it in a beautiful video in French or Dutch, with subtitles, sign language and audio description.

Strong points

Staff
  • There is staff available to help negotiate obstacles.
  • There is staff available to direct and guide.
Safety
  • The signage makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
  • The structure of the location is simple and makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Identification
  • The building is easy to find.

Staff are not trained but are aware of the needs of people with disabilities.

The lighting in the sanitary area is switched on manually in the morning. In the event of a problem, there is a switch on the right-hand wall as you enter the washroom. This switch illuminates the men's, women's and PRM toilets at the same time.

The adapted washroom has fold-down bars and a 44cm-high bowl. The hand-washing basin tap is not accessible.

The exhibition upstairs is only accessible by stairs, although a relief map and video are available on the ground floor to enable visitors to take an adapted tour of the Belfry.

Access to the Belfry is not possible physically, but virtually with the video.

Strong points

Parking
  • There is at least 1 reserved parking space less than 100 metres from the entrance.
  • The reserved parking spaces are properly indicated.
  • The reserved parking spaces are sufficiently big and horizontal.
Access road from the car park
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • There is no step to negotiate.
  • The floor is regular.
  • The floor is hard.
  • The structure of the location is simple and makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Access road from the street
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • There is no step to negotiate.
  • The floor is regular and free of obstacles.
  • The floor is hard.
  • The structure of the location is simple and makes it possible to find the way and orient oneself easily.
Entrance
  • The building is easy to identify.
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • The main entrance is accessible.
  • There is no step in the entrance.
  • The opening of the door is automatic.
  • There is a doorbell at the entrance that allows asking for help.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The entrance device is easy to use.
Home
  • The payment device is easy to use.
  • There is a mobile payment device.
  • The free space in front of the counter is sufficiently big.
  • The counter is at the correct height.
Horizontal circulation
  • The floor is hard.
  • The floor is regular and free of obstacles.
  • The width of the pathways is sufficient.
  • Most of the transit areas are sufficiently large.
Adapted sanitary
  • The adapted toilet is easy to find.
  • An adapted toilet is available, well signalled and easy to use.
  • There is an accessible sink in the adapted toilet.
  • The sink is accessible and it is easy to use.

Points of attention

Vertical circulation
  • There is no lift.
Exposition
  • Due to the configuration of the premises, a part of the content is difficult to access.

Staff are not trained but are aware of the needs of people with disabilities.

There are 2 steps on the pathway under the arcades, but they can be avoided via the square on the same level.

The exhibition is upstairs, accessible by a secure staircase with 17 steps. There are 2 steps in the exhibition, secured with handrails.

The sanitary area has manual lighting, which is switched on in the morning. In the event of a problem, there is a switch on the right-hand wall as you enter the sanitary area. This switch illuminates the men's, women's and PRM washrooms at the same time.

The adapted washroom has fold-down bars and a 44cm-high bowl.

The exhibition upstairs is only accessible by stairs, although a map and video are available on the ground floor to enable visitors to take an adapted tour of the Belfry. Seating is available in the exhibition.

If access to the Belfry is not possible for you physically, it will be possible virtually with the video.

Strong points

Parking
  • There is at least 1 reserved parking space less than 50 metres from the entrance.
  • The reserved parking spaces are properly indicated.
  • The reserved parking spaces are sufficiently big and horizontal.
Access road from the car park
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • The floor is regular and free of obstacles.
  • The floor is hard.
  • The steps can be bypassed by a well-indicated alternative pathway.
Access road from the street
  • All the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • The floor is regular and free of obstacles.
  • The floor is hard.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • There is a doorbell at the entrance that allows asking for help.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The building is easy to identify.
  • The main entrance is accessible.
  • There is no step in the entrance.
  • The opening of the door is automatic.
Home
  • Seats are available near the reception.
Horizontal circulation
  • There are a few steps, equipped with a handrail, to negotiate.
  • The floor is hard.
  • The floor is regular and free of obstacles.
  • The width of the pathways is sufficient.
  • Most of the transit areas are sufficiently large.
  • There are seats along the pathway.
Vertical circulation
  • The staircases are equipped with handrails on both sides.
  • The staircases are secure.
Adapted sanitary
  • There is a toilet with grab bars and it is easy to use.
  • There is a sink in the adapted toilet.
  • The adapted toilet is easy to find.
Exposition
  • There are seats in every space of the exhibition.

Points of attention

Horizontal circulation
  • There is a staircase with more than 6 steps to negotiate.
Exposition
  • Due to the configuration of the premises, a part of the content is difficult to access.

Staff are not trained but are aware of the needs of people with disabilities.

There are 2 unsecured steps on the path under the arcades, but they can be bypassed via the square on the same level. The entrance is at the end of the square at the level of flower pots, which make the walk at the end of this area safe.

For assistance, a bell is located to the left of the entrance door.

The reception is to the left of the entrance, following the guide lines.

The exhibition is on the first floor, accessible by a secure staircase with 17 steps. There are 2 steps in the exhibition, secured and with handrails.

The upstairs exhibition consists of panels to be read. The panels in the upstairs exhibition can be detected with a walking stick by a slat in the floor. You can touch the bells and their structure reproduced as in the Belfry. The Belfry section has not been audited. Heights are limited. The staircases are not secure.

On the ground floor, a relief map and a video are available to enable visitors to take an adapted tour of the Belfry.

If access to the Belfry does not seem possible, it will be virtually possible with the audio-described video.

Strong points

Access road from the car park
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
  • The pedestrian crossings are secured by tactile tiles.
Access road from the street
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
  • The pedestrian crossings are secured by tactile tiles.
Guide dog
  • Assistance dogs are accepted.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • The entrance is located in the logical continuation of the pathway.
  • The opening of the door is automatic.
  • There is a doorbell at the entrance that allows asking for help.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance .
Home
  • The reception is in a quiet environment.
  • The reception has no glass partition.
  • Guide lines in relief facilitate circulation to the reception.
  • The staff sees the persons coming into the building and can assist them.
  • Guide lines in relief facilitate circulation to the reception.
  • The location is structured in a simple and intuitive way.
Horizontal circulation
  • The dangerous objects in the pathway are secured.
  • The location is structured in a simple and intuitive way.
Vertical circulation
  • The staircases have at least one handrail.
  • The staircases are secured by warning tiles.
Exposition
  • An audio description is available.
  • A significant part of the exhibition content is adapted (touch, smell, hearing).
  • It is possible to touch exhibits.

Points of attention

Horizontal circulation
  • The pathway presents punctually a passage height of less than 2m.
Vertical circulation
  • There is no lift.
Exposition
  • Due to the configuration of the premises, a part of the content is difficult to access.

Staff are not trained but are aware of the needs of people with disabilities.

There are 2 unsecured steps on the path under the arcades, but they can be bypassed via the square on the same level. The entrance is at the end of the square at the level of flower pots, which make the walk at the end of this area safe.

For assistance, a bell is located to the left of the entrance door.

The reception is to the left of the entrance, following the guide lines.

The exhibition is on the first floor, accessible by a secure staircase with 17 steps. The staircase is not adequately and continuously lit. There are 2 steps in the exhibition, secured and with handrails.

The upstairs exhibition consists of panels to be read. The panels in the upstairs exhibition can be detected with a walking stick by a slat on the floor. You can touch the bells and their structure reproduced as in the Belfry. The Belfry section has not been audited. Heights are limited. The staircases are not secure.

On the ground floor, a 3D map and a video are available to enable visitors to take an adapted tour of the Belfry.

An adapted visitor's guide in FALC has been ordered for September 2024.

If access to the Belfry does not seem possible, it will be virtually possible with the audio-described video.

Strong points

Access road from the car park
  • The pedestrian crossings are secured by tactile tiles.
Access road from the street
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
  • The pedestrian crossings are secured by tactile tiles.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to identify.
  • The entrance is located in the logical continuation of the pathway.
  • The opening of the door is automatic.
  • There is a doorbell at the entrance that allows asking for help.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
Home
  • The staff sees the persons coming into the building and can assist them.
  • Guide lines in relief facilitate circulation to the reception.
  • The reception is in a quiet environment.
Horizontal circulation
  • Circulation is free from obstacles.
  • The glass walls and doors are secured by a contrasting visual marking.
Vertical circulation
  • The staircases are equipped with at least one secure handrail.
Exposition
  • A visitor guide in large characters is available.

Points of attention

Access road from the car park
  • The staircases are not secured.
  • There is a lighting through the floor, and it is a source of blinding.
Access road from the street
  • The staircases are not secured.
  • There is a lighting through the floor, and it is a source of blinding.
Horizontal circulation
  • The pathway presents punctually a passage height of less than 2m.
Vertical circulation
  • There is no lift.
  • The lighting is not sufficient in the staircases.
Exposition
  • The written explanations are hard to read.
  • Due to the configuration of the premises, a part of the content is difficult to access.

Staff are not trained but are aware of the needs of people with disabilities.

The Tourist Office part of the site is therefore limited in terms of exchanges, but the exhibition is fully accessible.

The Belfry section has not been audited. Heights are limited. The stairs are not secure.

On the ground floor, a map and video are available for an adapted tour of the Belfry, translated into French and Dutch sign language.

Strong points

Parking
  • The car park is freely accessible.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to find.
  • The building is easy to find.
  • There is a doorbell near the door.
  • The entrance device us easy to find and use.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The opening hours are displayed next to the door.
  • The rates are displayed next to the door.
Home
  • The reception is open, well lit and allows lip reading.
  • The reception is easy to find and close to the entrance.
  • The institution can be contacted by email.
  • There is a video presentation in sign language.
  • The premises are easy to understand.
Wireless
  • It is possible to connect to the mobile networks, 3G or 4G.
  • Wi-Fi is available upon request.
Light
  • The lighting is sufficient and allows lip reading.
Adapted sanitary
  • It is possible to see whether a toilet is occupied or free.
  • The toilets are easy to find.
Exposition
  • The displayed content is mainly visual.
  • Documents in an “easy to read” format are available.
  • There are interactive terminals with a translation into the Belgian French sign language.
  • The films and videos are subtitled.
  • The presented works are explained in an simple and easily understandable way.
  • The lighting is sufficient and allows lip reading.

Points of attention

Home
  • There is no staff member practicing sign language.
Exposition
  • There is no adapted fire alarm system (light or vibration).

Staff are not trained but are aware of the needs of people with disabilities.

The Belfry section has not been audited. Heights are limited. The stairs are not safe.

On the ground floor, a map and video are available to enable visitors to take an adapted tour of the Belfry, translated into French and Dutch sign languages.

An adapted visitor's guide in FALC has been ordered for September 2024.

Strong points

Parking
  • The car park is freely accessible.
Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to find.
  • The building is easy to find.
  • There is a doorbell near the door.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The opening hours are displayed next to the door.
  • The rates are displayed next to the door.
Home
  • The reception is located in a quiet environment.
  • There is an induction loop in the reception.
  • The reception is open, well lit and allows lip reading.
  • The reception is easy to find and close to the entrance.
  • The institution can be contacted by email.
  • The premises are easy to understand.
Light
  • The lighting is sufficient and allows lip reading.
Adapted sanitary
  • It is possible to see whether a toilet is occupied or free.
Exposition
  • The environment is calm.
  • The displayed content is mainly visual.
  • A significant part of the exhibition content is adapted (touch, smell, sight, hearing).
  • Documents in an “easy to read” format are available.
  • Written explanations are available.
  • The films and videos are subtitled .
  • The lighting is sufficient and allows lip reading.

Staff are not trained but are aware of the needs of people with disabilities.

The Belfry section has not been audited. Heights are limited. The stairs are not safe.

On the ground floor, a map and video are available to enable an adapted tour of the Belfry.

An adapted visitor's guide in FALC has been ordered for September 2024.

Strong points

Entrance
  • The entrance is easy to find.
  • The building is easy to find.
  • There is a doorbell near the door.
  • The staff sees the persons who arrive and can offer assistance.
  • The opening hours are displayed next to the door.
  • The rates are displayed next to the door.
Home
  • The reception is calm.
  • The reception is easy to find and close to the entrance.
Vertical circulation
  • The staircases are equipped with at least one secure handrail.
Horizontal circulation
  • The location is calm.
Adapted sanitary
  • The toilets are easy to find.
Exposition
  • The exhibition is varied (touch, smell, sight, hearing).
  • Documents in an “easy to read” format are available.
  • The presented works are explained in an simple and easily understandable way.
  • The location is calm.

Points of attention

Vertical circulation
  • The lighting is not sufficient in the staircases.
Access-i vous informe sur l'accessibilité de ce lieu, de par les données relevées sur place, à un instant T. Les modifications éventuelles après la visite d'Access-i relèvent de la responsabilité du gestionnaire.