Monaco’s Handiplage-Audioplage, which opened on July 4, has been a great success since its inception 12 years ago.
In 2016, the service, which is available for those with disabilities, reduced mobility or who are blind or partially sighted, was used 500 times during the summer, making the beach accessible to everyone thanks to the use of special equipment and the commitment of four team members to help users.
The service enables the blind and visually impaired to enjoy the sea in complete freedom and safety thanks to sound beacons indicating their position in the water. There are also Four “Tiralo” floating wheelchairs, and toilets, showers and a concrete ramp from the sea wall and specially adapted parking. You can also benefit from three hours’ free parking in the Larvotto car park.
Handiplage-Audioplage, which is a partnership between the government and the International Soroptimist Club of Monaco, is open seven days a week and public holidays, from 10 am to 5 pm, until September 3, on Larvotto Beach, on the right side of the central pier.
There is no reservation necessary for the Handiplage but access to the Audioplage service requires a booking on 06 78 63 09 41 (only available in the mornings).
A free on-demand minibus transport service (Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 8pm during the summer) is available for disabled and elderly people in the Principality with reduced mobility, and this can also be used to get to Larvotto Beach. Those with a travel pass obtained from the Department of Social Welfare and Social Services can call 80 00 20 50 to reserve on Mobi’bus. (Homepage image: V&A Dudush)