Wheeled World: From Tragedy to Triumph, a Couple’s Journey of Accessible Adventure
Pierre Cabon’s memories of the Bataclan tragedy on November 13, 2015, are fragmented. Shot and injured in the spinal cord, he experienced what he describes as a "blackout." The following eight months were consumed by rehabilitation, where he learned he would remain paraplegic. But Pierre and his partner, Myriam, refused to let this define their lives or curtail their shared passion for travel.
Their journey began in the summer of 2017, heading to the vast landscapes of Canada. However, navigating the world in a wheelchair presented unexpected challenges. The combined weight of the wheelchair and the necessary specialized equipment made the adventure more arduous than anticipated. It was a trip with the association "Comme les autres" (Like Others) that proved pivotal, revealing to Pierre that accessible travel could be simpler with the right information.
This realization sparked an idea. In 2018, Pierre and Myriam launched a blog dedicated to adventure for everyone, regardless of their physical limitations. As their relationship blossomed, culminating in marriage, they embarked on a round-the-world tour to map out accessible itineraries. Destinations like Machu Picchu and New Zealand, explored on a tandem bike, became testaments to their determination.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought their global journey to a temporary halt, but the resourceful duo refused to be deterred. They redirected their focus to exploring France, leading to the creation of "Les Éclaireurs" (The Pathfinders), a YouTube series launched in July 2020. The series showcased passionate individuals who were making nature accessible to all, highlighting inclusive initiatives across the country.
In March 2021, Pierre and Myriam Cabon took their vision a step further, establishing their own content creation company, "Wheeled World." Their platform, accessible through their website and social media channels, consistently promotes inclusivity and accessibility in travel. They forge partnerships with tourism offices, including Atout France, the Alpes tourism board, and the Occitanie tourism board, showcasing accessible destinations and experiences. This collaborative approach has led them to explore Réunion Island, various European countries, Quebec in 2023, and numerous other destinations.
The success of Wheeled World lies in the couple’s complementary skills and experiences. Pierre’s background in the digital team at Accor Hotels provides him with a deep understanding of online content creation and marketing. Myriam’s expertise in management and transformation, gained from her work in a consulting firm, allows her to effectively manage the business and drive its strategic direction.
Beyond content creation, Pierre and Myriam leverage their expertise to offer consulting and training services in accessibility and sustainable travel. They work with brands, businesses, and tour operators who are increasingly seeking to cater to travelers with disabilities. "We designed adapted trips for Nomade Aventure," Myriam explains, "including the option to rent an electric wheelchair or a vehicle equipped with a ramp for wheelchair access."
The third pillar of their company involves organizing conferences for local authorities and businesses. These events, often held as part of seminars or workshops, aim to raise awareness about overcoming challenges and promoting inclusivity in the workplace and beyond.
The couple has cultivated a significant following on social media, boasting 26,500 subscribers across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. "We don’t have a huge community," Pierre acknowledges, "but we receive a lot of positive feedback. Our stories inspire others to take the plunge." He estimates that approximately one-third of their followers are wheelchair users, another third are caregivers, and the remaining third are travelers who simply enjoy following their adventures.
For Pierre and Myriam, adventure is not just about exploring new places, it’s also about the entrepreneurial journey. It’s a demanding undertaking, requiring their attention 24/7. Myriam believes it’s a positive aspect of their relationship, "It’s a real comfort because it would be difficult for us to be apart in this profession." Today, both have left their previous jobs to dedicate themselves fully to Wheeled World, making a living from their passion. However, they emphasize, "When we travel, it’s work!"
Their dedication and impact have been recognized. In late 2024, Pierre was awarded the "h’up Entrepreneurs" prize in the "Entrepreneur at the International" category. This annual award recognizes entrepreneurs with disabilities, with Le Figaro Demain as a partner.
From climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2022 to participating in the Handi Marathon des Sables in Morocco in the fall of 2024, Pierre and Myriam are unstoppable. Fresh from their adventures in northern Canada, between Toronto and Vancouver, the Cabons plan to tackle the Hamburg Marathon in April, both aged 34. Their journey is a powerful testament to resilience, innovation, and the boundless spirit of adventure, proving that limitations are often self-imposed and that the world is waiting to be explored by everyone. Their efforts continue to pave the way for a more accessible and inclusive travel industry, inspiring countless others to break down barriers and embrace the world. The question isn’t where will they stop, but rather, how far will they go? They are truly showing the world that a disability doesn’t have to define you; you can define it and live life to the fullest. Wheeled World is more than a business; it is a movement.
