The publication in December 2025 of the technical guide Accessibility of Natural Spaces: Challenges, Methods and Technical Solutions marks a structuring step forward for local authorities, managers of natural spaces and planning professionals.
This national reference document meets a long-identified need: a shared, reliable and operational methodological framework to improve the accessibility of natural spaces open to the public, in a context where no specific regulations apply.
By providing common reference points, the guide helps harmonise practices, secure the decisions of project owners and strengthen the consistency of public policies on inclusion, the environment and visitor services.
VivAccess’s contribution
As part of this partnership-based initiative, VivAccess is proud to have contributed to the drafting of this guide. This contribution reflects its ongoing commitment to universal accessibility and to supporting public bodies in designing and implementing inclusive, sustainable projects suited to their environmental and territorial contexts.
Why is the accessibility of natural spaces a major challenge?
Access to nature is a recognised driver of public health, well-being, social ties and territorial attractiveness. As such, it is fully part of today’s challenges of ecological transition, social justice and quality of life.
Yet many natural spaces remain difficult to access for people with disabilities, older people, families with young children or people with temporarily reduced mobility. These access limitations create de facto exclusion, often unintentional, and deepen territorial inequalities.
Improving the accessibility of natural spaces therefore means acting simultaneously on:
- Equal access to natural spaces
- The diversification and safety of uses
- The overall quality of the welcome for all visitors
A methodological framework for local authorities
In the absence of regulations applicable to natural spaces, the guide proposes a structured voluntary approach based on the principles of universal accessibility. It enables local authorities and site managers to:
- Rely on clear reference points to guide their choices
- Build accessibility into projects from the earliest stages
- Make this approach a cross-cutting pillar of planning and management policies, rather than a one-off or corrective response
Key takeaways
- The guide takes a realistic approach suited to the diversity of territorial contexts and natural environments, to support decision-making by local authorities acting as project owners and project managers
- Accessibility is addressed across the whole travel chain, from pre-visit information to on-site paths, facilities and services
- The guide stands out for its operational dimension. The appended technical factsheets are a practical tool for designing, building and managing facilities
- The guide contributes to a paradigm shift. It guarantees people with disabilities effective equal access to these spaces
Useful links
- Discover the guide on the website of the French Ministerial Delegation for Accessibility (DMA) (in French)
- See also all the technical factsheets (in French)
Article author: Florian Castel