Discover accessible travel in Flanders with Charlotte and Valentin

Courtyard with garden and path seen through stone arches, with historic buildings and a church tower in the background.

Since 1990, 'Disability Pride Month' has been celebrated around the world every July. Flanders is also committed to inclusion, equal opportunities, and making people with disabilities more visible. Our commitment doesn't just end after July. Flanders aims to be a welcoming destination for everyone all year round, whether or not they have a disability or need care. So we let Charlotte and Valentin have their say. Two inspiring travellers who show how accessibility, resilience, and the joy of travel go hand in hand.

Meet Charlotte Aelbrecht

Charlotte has been a wheelchair user ever since breaking her back in a skiing accident at the age of 17. Following a long period of rehabilitation, travelling helped her rediscover what was possible. An adventurous trip to Peru changed her outlook on the future and gave her the confidence to live an independent life. These days, Charlotte lives and works in Mechelen, where she dedicates herself every day to helping people with disabilities, but travel is still her greatest passion. Recently, she has also been combining her thirst for adventure with a new chapter in life, as the mother of her daughter Cécile. Thanks to her optimism, humour, and perseverance, Charlotte is proof that accessibility opens doors to new experiences. She dedicates herself day-in day-out to supporting people with disabilities, and travel is still her greatest passion.

Discover Charlotte's Mechelen

Mechelen is a compact and accessible city that blends history, culture, and memorable experiences. Explore the audio tour 'If Walls Could Talk', discover the rich collection at Museum Hof van Busleyden, or visit Kazerne Dossin, an impressive memorial site dedicated to human rights and history. Many of these locations have accessible entrances, adapted toilets and other facilities for visitors with disabilities. You can find practical information on accessibility in Mechelen and across Flanders in the Accessibility Finder.

Discover Mechelen

Luisterwandeling inclusief Mechelen_© Visit Mechelen (11)

Man in a wheelchair and a woman walk through a green ivy-covered garden, with a historic red brick building in the background.

Meet Valentin Lekeux

When Valentin was two years old, a serious accident changed his life forever. He almost lost sight in one eye, and faced bullying and insecurity for many years. Nevertheless, he decided he no longer wanted to hide the fact he was different and instead embrace it. Today, Valentin is an entrepreneur, model, and content creator. His visible scar has become a powerful symbol of self-acceptance. With his passion for fashion, gastronomy, wellness, and travel, he inspires others to be themselves and enjoy life to the fullest.

Discover Antwerp with Valentin

Antwerp stimulates all the senses. Take a stroll through the vibrant Eilandje, find inspiration at the Antwerp Fashion Museum (MoMu), or sample flavours from around the world at Wolf Sharing Food Market. The city is investing more and more in accessible experiences, with adapted routes, accessible cultural sites, and practical amenities for visitors with disabilities. Discover which locations best suit your needs in the Accessibility Finder.

Discover Antwerp

VM Visit Het Eilandje Antwerpen (1)_© Victoriano Moreno | MAS - Neutelings Riedijk Architecten

Silhouettes of visitors on a viewing platform with panoramic city views through glass walls.

Accessible travel in Flanders

Charlotte and Valentin prove that Flanders is a destination where the focus is on experiences, regardless of your accessibility needs. Looking for more ideas for an accessible holiday or day trip? Discover practical information, accessible accommodation, museums, heritage sites, and itineraries on our pages about accessible travel in Flanders.

Practical information about accessible travel in Flanders

Absolutely. From accessible accommodation and museums to adapted cycling and walking routes and public transport. Flanders has a strong focus on accessible tourism, so that everyone can enjoy a holiday or day trip to the fullest. The Accessibility Finder provides information on accommodation, attractions, restaurants, and places of interest. You can find practical travel tips under Accessibility | VISITFLANDERS.

Good preparation starts with the Accessibility Finder. It provides information on accommodation, attractions, restaurants, and places of interest. In addition, VISITFLANDERS offers practical tips on transport, accessible heritage sites, and accessible routes.

From museums and heritage sites to city walks, cycling routes, and nature experiences: Flanders offers a wide range of accessible activities. Under Accessibility | VISITFLANDERS, you'll find inspiration for days out tailored to different mobility and support needs.

The Accessibility Finder is a convenient tool to discover which museums, hotels, restaurants, and attractions are adapted to your needs. From wheelchair-accessible entrances to adapted toilets and hearing assistance: you’ll quickly find all the practical information you need for a carefree day out in Flanders.

Trains, trams, and buses in Flanders are becoming increasingly accessible to people with disabilities, thanks to lifts, ramps, accessible platforms, and assistance upon request. On the Accessible Travel in Flanders page, you'll find practical tips for getting around easily and comfortably.

Cities such as Mechelen and Antwerp have a strong focus on accessibility, but Ghent, Leuven, Bruges, and Brussels also have plenty of accessible attractions, museums, and accommodation. Thanks to VISITFLANDERS, you can easily find the locations that best match your interests.