The Secretariat of State for Tourism has undertaken an approach to galvanize tourism professionals and raise their awareness for a better integration of disabled people.

In 2001, a voluntary labelling process was undertaken at the national level, and carried out for 4 types of disabilities:motor, mental, visual and auditory.The Tourism & Handicap label is meant to inform customers with specific needs about the accessibility of sites and tourist equipment.

In June 2007, Bordeaux was recognized by UNESCO, which put it on its World Heritage List: it was a recognition of our city's value and historic unity. Bordeaux is exemplary thanks to the unity of its urban and architectural expression. This architecture is classical and neoclassical and met with nearly no stylistic changes for over two centuries. In September 2007, it became a pilot city on the national level for the set-up of discovery circuits adapted to customers with specific needs in urban environments.

In this framework, three itineraries were given the “Tourism and Handicaps” label for people with motor and hearing disabilities. They are the 2 km “Palais Galien” circuit, the 3.6 km “Historic centre” circuit and the 2.8 km “Jardin botanique – Bastide” circuit, which showcases the treasures of the right bank. These 3 itineraries are presented with detailed maps available from the Bordeaux Tourist Office. This guide may also be downloaded.