The Contemporary Keepers

Sophie and Patrice Sassier: Making Heritage Accessible

At Château de Blois, Sophie Sassier leads revolutionary programs making this royal residence accessible to all visitors regardless of physical or cognitive abilities. Her journey began when her son was diagnosed with autism, opening her eyes to how traditional heritage sites exclude many potential visitors.

Sophie pioneered sensory visits for autistic visitors, creating quiet spaces where overwhelming stimuli could be managed. She developed tactile models allowing blind visitors to "see" architectural details through touch. Her social stories—visual guides preparing visitors for what they'll experience—help those with anxiety or cognitive differences enjoy visits previously impossible.

These initiatives required overcoming significant resistance. Traditional curators worried about damage to historic fabric. Some staff thought accommodations would diminish the site's dignity. Sophie persisted, demonstrating that accessibility enhances rather than compromises heritage experiences. Her programs now serve as models throughout France.

Patrice, Sophie's husband and Blois's head gardener, extends accessibility outdoors. He created raised garden beds allowing wheelchair users to smell and touch plants. His "barefoot path" lets visitors experience different historical garden surfaces through their feet. His audio descriptions of garden colors help blind visitors imagine seasonal displays. Together, the Sassiers prove that true heritage preservation includes preserving access for all humanity.

The New Generation: Marie Dubois

At 28, Marie Dubois represents the Loire Valley's future. Raised in Tours' suburbs by parents who cleaned offices, she discovered the châteaux through school trips that revealed a heritage she'd thought belonged only to the wealthy. Now completing her PhD in digital humanities while working at Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, she bridges traditional scholarship and contemporary technology.

Marie specializes in uncovering forgotten stories, particularly of working-class and immigrant contributions to Loire Valley heritage. Her research revealed that 16th-century construction crews included skilled workers from across Europe and North Africa. She's documenting these stories through interactive digital exhibits that give names and faces to anonymous builders.

Her most innovative project involves virtual reality reconstructions showing châteaux from servants' perspectives. Visitors can experience the heat of Renaissance kitchens, the narrow spiral stairs servers climbed countless times daily, the dormitories where workers slept. This technology doesn't replace traditional tours but adds layers of understanding about who truly built and maintained these monuments.

Marie also addresses contemporary issues. She's created programs connecting local immigrant communities to Loire Valley heritage, showing how today's newcomers continue patterns of cultural exchange centuries old. Her weekend workshops teach traditional building crafts to unemployed youth, providing job skills while ensuring heritage techniques survive. Through her work, the Loire Valley's past informs its future.