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A day in the Pays Loudunais that is 100% accessible to PRMs
For each of our group outings, there’s one criterion we have to meet: Pierre has to be able to come! So when we found out that the Pays Loudunais was offering us the opportunity of a day out accessible to PRMs (People with Reduced Mobility), we got together to plan it quickly. We wanted a quiet walk in the countryside, but above all a place where Pierre, our friend in a wheelchair, could take part without any constraints.
In our search, we came across the Sentes de Fondoire, an unspoilt area near Loudun. Three trails wind through the area, designed for all ages. We were quickly won over by this place, which has become a benchmark for us in terms ofaccessibility.
Nature accessible to all...
… and especially to Pierre! And that’s just great! We arrived under clear skies, with Camille holding her camera and Julien in charge of the picnic. As for Pierre, he was all smiles, as if he were on a day out. From the very first metres, we were blown away: the paths are wide, stable and well maintained. There are no obstacles, no steps, everything flows smoothly. It’s a rare thing, and it makes all the difference!
The first loop, the Sente de la Mare, plunged us into a peaceful setting: birds, reeds, dragonflies and a small lake where the light played on the reflections. Pierre stopped several times to watch a heron he was trying to photograph, while Camille immortalised every detail.
The different atmospheres of Sentes de Fondoire
Next, we headed for the Sente du Chêne. It led us through a wooded area with just the right amount of shade. We took the time to listen to the rustle of the leaves, the gentle sound that accompanies conversations. This slightly longer route is fully accessible to people with reduced mobility. The ground is firm, the bends are gentle and there are benches for those accompanying them to take a break. Pierre told us that this was the first time he’d been able to follow a forest walk from start to finish without help.
Then came the Sente de la Prairie, a more open route, bathed in light, with a splendid view of the surrounding countryside. The tall grass swayed in the wind, and the path lined with wild flowers smelt of summer. This is where we stopped for lunch. Julien had arranged for local cheeses and crusty bread. The moment had the perfect taste of the simple things.
A delightful day out in the PRM-accessible Loudun region
What struck us most was the feeling of shared freedom. Everyone went at their own pace, without worrying about the terrain. We laughed, we stopped to observe a butterfly, we took photos without hurrying. The Pays Loudunais has succeeded in creating a place where nature is open to all, with no compromise between comfort and authenticity.
Before setting off again, we took one last stroll along the Sente de la Mare, just for the pleasure of prolonging the day. The sun was beginning to decline, tinting the trees with a golden light. Pierre, a little moved, said: “Here, I feel like everyone else! What more can I say?
