Montaigle Castle

The description of the strengths and areas for attention refers solely to the visitor centre, as the château grounds are not accessible to wheelchair users.

• A disabled parking space is available near the entrance.

• The terrace is accessible directly from the site entrance and then from the visitor centre.

• The entrance to the visitor centre is at ground level.

• Access to the garden and vegetable patch is via a gravel path and then across the grass.

• If you are accompanying your family on this activity, you can wait for them whilst exploring the historic site via the introductory video available on request at the visitor centre. This video provides historical explanations as well as a filmed tour of the site.

The path leading to the historic site is on a slope with significant changes in level. There are many steps on the site. The surface around the castle ruins is uneven and contains obstacles.

• The ticket desk is too high.

• The archaeology museum, located on the upper floor of the main building, is not wheelchair accessible.

• There are no accessible toilets.

The description below refers solely to the visitor centre, as the Château grounds are difficult to access for anyone with mobility difficulties who uses walking aids (crutches, walking frames, etc.).

• A disabled parking space is available near the entrance.

• The terrace is accessible directly from the site entrance and then from the visitor centre.

• Access to the garden and vegetable patch is via a gravel path and then across the grass.

• There are chairs in the room next to the reception area and outside the building.

• If you are accompanying your family on this activity, you can wait for them whilst exploring the historic site via the introductory video available on request at reception. This video provides historical explanations as well as a filmed tour of the site.

The path leading to the historic site is sloping with significant changes in level. There are many unsecured steps on the site. The steps vary in height. The surface around the castle ruins, which are open to visitors, is uneven and contains obstacles.

• The archaeology museum, situated on the upper floor of the main building, is accessed via a staircase fitted with a handrail on one side only.

• There are no toilets of standard dimensions, nor are they fitted with grab rails.

The description below refers solely to the visitor centre, as the castle grounds are difficult for a blind person to access.

• Assistance dogs are permitted.

• The visitor centre is situated as a natural continuation of the route.

• The visitor centre is quiet and has no windows. Staff can see people arriving at the building and are able to offer assistance.

• An audio guide is available on request to explore the site’s history.

The historic site is not sufficiently accessible for a blind person. The stairs are not fitted with handrails, creating gaps, and the floor surface contains obstacles.

• There are no natural or artificial guide lines leading to the reception entrance.

• The archaeology museum, situated on the upper floor of the main building, is accessed via a staircase fitted with a handrail on one side only. Obstacles at head height are neither marked nor made safe.

• There are no adapted educational aids or audio descriptions available.

• There are no floor markings in front of the steps.

The description below refers solely to the visitor centre, as the castle grounds are difficult for a visually impaired person to access.

• The visitor centre is situated along the natural flow of the route.

• The visitor centre is quiet and has no glass walls. Staff can see visitors arriving at the building and are able to offer assistance.

• There is sufficient lighting.

• Staff at the reception can provide an oral account of the site’s history. An audio version of the video is also available upstairs.

The historic site is not sufficiently accessible for a visually impaired person. This is because the stairs are not fitted with handrails, and the floor surface contains obstacles that are not visually indicated.

• There are no natural or artificial guide lines leading to the reception entrance.

• The archaeology museum, situated on the upper floor of the main building, is accessed via a staircase fitted with a handrail on one side only. Obstacles at head height are neither marked nor made safe.

• There are no adapted educational aids or audio descriptions available.

• There are no tactile markings on the first and last steps.

• The venue is easily recognisable by its distinctive architecture.

• Opening times and admission prices are displayed at the entrance to the site.

• The reception area is open, well-lit and allows for lip-reading.

• Prices are displayed at reception.

• The venue is easy to navigate. A leaflet with a map and written explanations is available at reception.

• The exhibition at the archaeology museum is mainly visual, with written explanatory panels that help visitors understand the content on display. Numerous archaeological artefacts and models are on display.

• There is a video with written text.

• The open side of the staircases at the castle site is not secured.

• As it is situated in a protected area, internet access may be unavailable or limited.

• The venue is easily recognisable by its distinctive architecture.

• Opening hours and admission prices are displayed at the entrance to the site.

• The reception area is open-plan, well-lit and suitable for lip-reading. The reception area is not glazed.

• Admission prices are displayed at reception.

• The venue is easy to navigate. A leaflet containing a map and a written explanation is available at reception.

• The exhibition at the archaeology museum is primarily visual, with written explanatory panels that help visitors understand the content on display. Numerous archaeological artefacts and models are on display.

• There is a video featuring written text.

• Lack of safety measures on the open side of the staircases at the castle site.

• Staff can see visitors arriving and are on hand to offer assistance.

• The reception area is easy to find and close to the entrance. It is situated in a quiet setting.

• The visitor centre is easily accessible.

• The exhibition at the archaeology museum is mainly visual, with written information panels that make it easier to understand the content on display. Numerous archaeological artefacts and scale models are on display.

• The castle site can be difficult to navigate, but staff are available to guide visitors on request.

• The building and the entrance are difficult to find.

• The exhibition materials are not in an ‘easy-to-read’ format.

• Signposting to the archaeology museum is insufficient to help visitors find their way.

• The steps leading to the archaeology museum and the step at the reception area do not provide sufficient contrast at the top and bottom of the staircase.

• The route to the historic site is on a slope with significant changes in level. Many staircases on the site are unsafe, due to the lack of protection on the open side and a lack of sufficient handrails. The steps are of irregular height. The surface near the castle ruins presents obstacles, and the ground is uneven.

• The toilet cubicle has a step.