The Tourism Establishment Accessibility Program (also known as the PAET), from the ministère du Tourisme and managed by Kéroul, aims to provide financial support to tourism businesses looking to transform or improve their infrastructures in order to make them accessible to visitors with a disability.

Bleu Lavande took part in this program. This feature on how the lavender farm is now more accessible is presented by Événements Attractions Québec and Kéroul.

More than just a lavender farm

Bleu Lavande is an agri-tourism company originally based in Fitch Bay that moved to Magog in 2021. It is one of the largest lavender fields in Canada and includes a boutique with its own line of cosmetic products, an artisanal soap factory and an immersive interpretation centre. Welcoming up to 90,000 visitors per year, Bleu Lavande is definitely an attraction to discover!

Accessibility has always been important

"Accessibility has always been a core concern at Bleu Lavande," says Nathalie Cartier, former Director of Tourism at Bleu Lavande. At the Firtch Bay site, trails for karts could be used by people with reduced mobility. "When we decided to relocate, there was no doubt that we had to design our plans with accessibility standards in mind.

The main path of the lavender farm, which stretches over one kilometre, is car-accessible and allows visitors to see the whole site. From the parking lot to the store, and through the square at the entrance, the ground is covered in concrete for easier circulation. People with reduced mobility can more easily make their way along the even path. There are also automatic doors, doors without thresholds and an adapted bathroom.

" I am happy to say that during her last inspection, Nathalie Roy, Kéroul's coordinator, was pleasantly surprised with the results," adds Nathalie Cartier, "She recommended that we regularly maintain the ground to avoid rock accumulations."

The same visit for everyone

"I would say that the visit is the same for everyone," explains Véronique Lizotte, current Director of Tourism at Bleu Lavande, "whether you have reduced mobility or not, you can visit Bleu Lavande in the same way."

The site is open all year round, in all seasons. You can discover the lavender garden and its three different varieties of lavender, the artisanal soap factory where you can watch the soap makers in action, as well as the shop of cosmetic products. The experience doesn't stop there, as visitors are invited to explore the interpretation centre, an activity imagined and designed by Moment Factory. Immerse yourself in the world of lavender through the seasons, expressed with a light show and various scents. Please note that access to the outdoor spaces is closed for the 2022 winter season.

Other members of Événements Attractions Québec have also taken part in the Tourism Establishment Accessibility Program offered by Kéroul. You can read our other articles in this series about the Baluchon, Eco-resort, the Reford Gardens, the Village du Bûcheron, the Trou de la Fée Cavern and the Ecomuseum Zoo.