Bambois Lake Joins New Platform for Accessible Tourism in Belgium
Bambois Lake (Lac de Bambois) in Fosses-la-Ville, Belgium, has been listed on the newly redesigned Access-i.be platform, a comprehensive website that catalogs and certifies locations accessible to people with disabilities. The platform, operated by the non-profit ASBL Access-i, was officially launched on May 20, 2026, at the lake itself in the presence of two Walloon government ministers.
A Digital Hub for Inclusive Leisure
Entirely redesigned, the Access-i.be website offers verified information for people with disabilities, featuring a search engine that allows users to filter results based on seven specific disability profiles: wheelchair users, people with walking difficulties, blind, partially sighted, deaf, hard of hearing, and those with comprehension difficulties. The platform currently references 359 certified activities and locations across Wallonia and Brussels, with Bambois Lake standing out as the only Access-i certified lake in the southern part of the country.
According to La Libre, each listing includes a description of the activity or location, photos of the facilities, and crucially, the strengths and points of attention for each disability profile. The platform is also compatible with text-to-speech tools, features enhanced contrast and zoom capabilities, and offers sheets translated using the FALC (Easy to Read and Understand) method as well as sign language content.
Bambois Lake: A Model of Accessibility
Spanning 48 hectares — including 33 hectares of water — Bambois Lake is a Natura 2000 protected site that has undergone significant adaptations to welcome visitors with disabilities. Laura Mailier, spokesperson for the site, detailed the measures taken.
“We have put in place facilities to make the visit comfortable. We have also ensured that communication happens beforehand so that people can prepare their visit properly. We have, for example, an entrance adapted for people with reduced mobility, as well as access to the cafeteria where there are adapted sanitary facilities. At the swimming area, there is an access ramp with an amphibious wheelchair, so people can simply settle in with the help of their companion or the lifeguard to enter the water with the chair.”
The certification, valid from June 23, 2023, to June 23, 2026, was conducted by Plain-Pied, a specialized accessibility consulting firm. The listing was last updated on May 19, 2026, according to the Access-i.be platform page.
Political Backing for Inclusive Tourism
The launch event was attended by two Walloon ministers: Valérie Lescrenier, Minister of Tourism, and Yves Coppieters, Minister of Health, Social Action, and Disability. Their presence underscored the regional government’s commitment to accessibility and inclusive tourism, aligning Wallonia with broader EU directives on web and physical accessibility.
Platform Features and Future Growth
The Access-i platform distinguishes itself with a playful yet functional approach to accessibility. A mascot named “Charlie” — an acronym for Confiance (Trust), Handicap (Disability), Accessibilité (Accessibility), Ressources (Resources), Liberté (Freedom), Information (Information), and Expertise (Expertise) — guides visitors through the site, making navigation more engaging.
Since its early days in 2022, when the database was described as “not yet very extensive” by RTBF, the platform has grown substantially to its current 359 certified locations. This growth reflects a broader shift toward inclusive tourism in Wallonia, where venue owners and event organizers are increasingly seeking certification.
Broader Implications
The initiative addresses a fundamental right to leisure and recreation for people with disabilities, who represent an estimated 15% of the global population. By providing a centralized, verified database of accessible locations, Access-i.be reduces barriers to tourism participation and opens the sector to a wider audience. As the only certified lake in southern Belgium, Bambois Lake serves as a potential model for other natural sites seeking to improve their accessibility standards.
What to Watch For
As the platform continues to expand, key questions remain about adoption rates among venue owners, the long-term funding model for Access-i ASBL, and whether the initiative will extend beyond Wallonia and Brussels to other Belgian regions. For now, Bambois Lake stands as a testament to what is possible when accessibility is prioritized — a lakeside escape that truly welcomes everyone.