Accessibility
The Festival de la Cité is committed to accessibility and to ensuring that people with disabilities can participate in cultural activities. We welcome any suggestions, comments or questions.
Contact
↳ During June 2026 and the Festival period (30 June to 5 July), you can call 0041 21 311 38 71
↳ For any general enquiries regarding accessibility at the Festival, please do not hesitate to contact: Cléa Masserey - mediation@festivalcite.ch
Accessibility Pass
Let’s enjoy the Festival de la Cité together!
The Accessibility Pass allows Festival volunteers and members of the public to identify people who may need assistance, for example:
➜ Sitting in the front row, or close to the sound source
➜ Borrowing a chair or a cushion
➜ Taking a little extra time at the bar
➜ Or any other specific need!
It is a badge that you can collect from the information stands (in front of the Cathedral entrance or at the east entrance of Pont Bessières). You do not need to provide any justification to obtain this pass.
Manifesto for a festival accessible to everyone (82.1 KB)
Access for people with reduced mobility or wheelchair users
Drop-off points ➜ Three drop-off points are available in the Cité district.
Toilets ➜ Accessible toilets are available throughout the Festival site.
Accessible stages ➜ Most stages are accessible to people with reduced mobility or wheelchair users and are equipped with access ramps.
Bars ➜ Wheelchair-height counters and access ramps are available at most of the Festival’s bars.
Seating ➜ Due to high attendance, we recommend arriving around 30 minutes early to secure a seat at most venues.
If you require assistance, please speak to staff wearing white “INFO” vests or black “TEAM ACCESSIBILITY” vests.
Priority seating, marked with the Accessibility Pass logo, is available at many stages. At some stages, chairs are available on request from the stage management.
A map containing detailed accessibility information will be available on this page in June.
Access for people with visual impairments
Guide dogs ➜ Guide dogs and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the Festival.
Selection of performances ➜ The programme includes numerous audio-described performances and concerts, accessible to people with visual impairments.
A list of these performances will be available here shortly before the Festival begins.
Access for people with hearing impairments
Magnetic loop ➜ A magnetic loop has been installed on the stage at Place Saint-Maur to make the shows and concerts held there accessible to people with hearing impairments.
Selection of shows ➜ The programme includes shows with little or no dialogue, or with surtitles, making them accessible to people with hearing impairments.
A list of these shows will be available here shortly before the Festival begins.
Need some peace and quiet
In the centre of the Cité district (around the cathedral) and at peak times, it is often very busy.
The quieter areas of the Festival are the Vergers de l'Hermitage and Plateforme 10. The quietest times are from Tuesday to Friday between 5pm and 7pm.
A map showing routes to avoid the crowds will be available before the Festival.
La Chaise Rouge
The Festival de la Cité is working in partnership with La Chaise Rouge — a service provided by the Vaud Red Cross with the support of Pro Infirmis Vaud — to offer personalised support tailored to different types of disability.
People with disabilities who wish to use the Chaise Rouge support service can contact the Vaud Red Cross, which will put them in touch with a volunteer subject to availability.
Contact the Vaud Red Cross: 0041 21 340 00 70 or benevolat@croixrougevaudoise.ch