france road trip with dog

Southern France: Ultimate road trip itinerary (with dog)

Diesen Beitrag gibt es auch auf:

I've written here many times about how much we love to travel to the south of France. For us it is simply the perfect travel destination: beautiful nature, varied landscapes, cute villages and a lot of savoir vivre. If you would also like to immerse yourself in the country and explore as much as possible, then I recommend this road trip route, which takes you through wild gorges, to white dream beaches and into the vastness of Provence. And of course this route is also ideal for a trip through southern France with a dog. We rented holiday apartments on our southern France trip with a dog and drove by car, but of course you can also travel with your camper.

• The best route for your southern France road trip with your dog 
• The route at a glance with a map 
• Three route alternatives: southern France in a week, ten days or two weeks 
• Southern France with a dog: things worth knowing and the most beautiful dog beaches 
• The best travel time for a southern France road trip 
• Southern France with a camper: tips 

1. The best route for your southern France road trip with a dog 

I describe below what you can see on a 3 week trip and give you three more itinerary options below for 7 day, 10 day and 2 week road trips through southern France. 

Part 1: Getting to the south of France: the best stops

First of all, there are quite a few kilometers to drive before you can dive into the south of France. The journey via the A7, which is also known as the sun route, is particularly popular. Here you have a really large selection of great places where you can make a relaxing stop. First there is Bourgogne or Burgundy, where you can take a break surrounded by vineyards. Dijon, Beaune and Cluny are among the most beautiful places that can be visited without major detours. We are personally big fans of the small and incredibly picturesque town of Châteauneuf-en-Auxois. A village straight out of a picture book. Incidentally, here you will find a free weekend car park and cute, inexpensive bed & breakfasts in historic buildings. If you are traveling to the south of France via Switzerland, I can warmly recommend Annecy. The city combines mountains, a crystal-clear, fjord-like lake and a beautiful old town. And before you head back north at the end of your trip, I can only recommend the papal city of Avignon for a day trip.

Part 2: Cevennes and Ardèche - hiking in France's wild gorges 

We continue south. I announced the wild gorges to you. And that's exactly what you can explore now. Because only about two hours south of Lyon, the gorges of the Ardèche are waiting for you. The landmark of the region, which by the way is the purest hiking paradise, is the 54 meter high rock arch Pont d'Arc. But in addition to the breathtaking landscape, there are also numerous old, picturesque villages to admire. Balazuc and Vogüé, for example, have received the prestigious award as the most beautiful villages in France. By the way, a little south-east of the Ardèche, there is another national park that is even still considered an insider tip: the Cevennes, which you can find in the French Massif Central. The landscape combines breathtaking gorges with barren, endless plateaus and picturesque little mountain villages where time has stood still. The main attractions of the Cevennes are the Tarn Gorges and the Jonte Gorges. La Malène, Castelbouc and Sainte-Enimie are among the picture-perfect villages that you will find here.

Part 3: The wild Mediterranean coast of southern France: France's most beautiful national parks 

Now it's off to the south of France, more precisely to the Mediterranean coast. White horses, black bulls and pink flamingos can all be seen roaming freely in the Camargue, untouched by civilisation. Dogs are of course allowed, but must be kept on a leash. But on the wide beaches of Plage de Piémanson and Saintes Maries de la Mar, they can romp freely in the fine sand again. Places worth seeing in the immediate vicinity are Arles and Nîmes. The village of Uzès is particularly picturesque, where you can make a stopover when coming from the Ardèche Gorge. And you can also combine a trip to the Pont du Gard, an aqueduct which is one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in France, with a visit to the Camargue. Just a short drive from the Camargue, between Marseielle and Cassis, is one of the most beautiful national parks in Europe: the Calanques National Park. The fjord-like landscape, characterized by white limestone cliffs, evergreen pine trees and rosemary, is best explored on a hike. Don't forget your bathing suit, because dream beaches await you in the park, which are among the most beautiful in France. The bay of Calanque d'En-Vau is particularly beautiful and easily accessible. Dogs are allowed throughout the park. You can find out more about the Calanques National Park and the fantastic hike in a separate article.

Part 4: Southern France road trip: Sunny break on the Côte d'Azur 

It's time for a break. Because if you are already in the south of France, then you also want to spend relaxing days by the sea. This works particularly well near Saint Tropez, where you will find a dog-friendly dream beach: The Plage de Pampelonne. Miles long, with numerous beach bars, it is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday in the sun. Also explore the mountain village of Ramatuelle and the pretty old town of Saint Tropez. You will also find hidden bays all over the peninsula. Incidentally, there are recommended (dog-friendly) campsites directly on the Plage de Pampelonne. In general, the section between Saint Tropez and Hyères is particularly well suited for a relaxed beach holiday with a dog.

Part 5: Southern France Road trip through Provence: from Haute Provence to the Luberon 

Well rested, it's off to the wide landscape of Provence. In the northeast lies Haute Provence, where endless lavender fields and picturesque little mountain villages await you. And with the Verdon Gorge you will find what is probably the most spectacular canyon in Europe. Also visit the most beautiful village in France, Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, which is spectacularly nestled into a rock face. Insider tips are the towns of Cotignac and Aups, which are good starting points for exploring the region, for example to the picturesque Silans du Cascade waterfall. By the way: the best time to see the lavender blooms is early to mid-July. In June the blossom is not yet fully there and at the end of July the first fields have already been harvested again.

To the west you will find the Luberon, which is particularly relaxed. Find a relaxed holiday home in the countryside, explore the small villages and enjoy the breathtaking landscape. By the way, you can also go hiking in the Luberon, for example through breathtaking ocher landscapes, which let you experience a piece of Colorado in the middle of Europe, or in the gorges between Bonnieux and Lourmarin. 

Highlights on your road trip through southern France

• Hike through the Tarn Gorge and visit the incomparably beautiful villages of the Cevennes.
• Hike through the fjords in the Calanques National Park
• Sunbathe on the Plage de Pampelonne near Saint Tropez
• Discover the gorges and mountains of Provence (e.g. Fort Bouox and the Verdon Gorge)
• Hike through wild ocher landscapes
• Stroll through the most beautiful villages of Bonnieux, Gordes, Lourmarin, Saignon, Ménerbes and Moustiers-Sainte-Marie

2. Southern France road trip: The route at a glance 

• Ardeche (1-2 days) 
• Cevennes (optional) (2 days) 
• Camargue (2 days) 
• Calanques/Cassis National Park (1-2 days) 
• Saint Tropez (2-4 days) 
• Haute Provence/Verdon/Cotignac (2-3 days) 
• Luberon (Bonnieux) (2-3 days)

How much time do I need for a South of France road trip? 

I recommend three weeks for the route described, but you can also shorten the route very easily and adapt it to your needs. So even southern France road trips in one or two weeks are possible without any problems. Remember that you should plan at least one more night for the arrival and departure. I would now like to introduce you to the shorter routes through southern France. 

3. Alternative route options 

Southern france road trip in a week .

If you only have a week for your southern France road trip, I recommend a first stop at the Gorges du Ardèche (for one night) before continuing your journey to the Luberon. Three days are enough time to extensively explore some of the most beautiful villages such as Gordes, Bonnieux or Saignon, the lavender fields and lovely nature. Now you have two to three days left to relax on the Mediterranean coast, for example in Cassis, with a visit to the Calanques National Park (preferably in autumn) or in Saint Tropez with its wonderful, spacious beaches.

Overview 

• Gorges du Ardèche (1 days)
• Luberon (Bonnieux) (3 days)
• Cassis oder Saint Tropez (2 days)

Southern France road trip in ten days 

Hast du zehn Tage Zeit, dann kannst du neben dem Luberon sogar noch in die Haute-Provence fahren. Besuche die dramatische Verdonschlucht und das markante Dorf Moustiers-Sainte-Marie ehe du deinen Urlaub an der Küste ausklingen lässt.

• Gorges du Ardèche (1 day)
• Verdon und Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (2 days)

S outhern France road trip in two weeks

For a two-week road trip in southern France, I recommend the three-week route described above without the detour to the Cevennes. Of course, you can also skip another stop here if you want to have more time elsewhere.

Overview  

• Ardèche (1 day)
• Camargue und Umgebung (2 days)
• Nationalpark Calanques/Cassis (1-2 days)
• St Tropez (2 days)
• Haute-Provence/Verdon (2 days)

4. The best travel time for a road trip through southern France

Southern France is considered a typical summer travel destination. And indeed, summer offers many advantages: the lavender blooms and bathes the landscape in a warm purple, the water of the Mediterranean Sea is wonderfully warm and the sun shines reliably almost every day. But you should also know that it can get quite crowded in summer and the high temperatures should not be underestimated, especially if you are traveling with a dog. For me personally, autumn is the best time to travel to southern France and Provence. Not only is it much quieter, it is also pleasantly warm. You can even count on up to twenty-five degrees in October. By the way, the time from March to May/June is similar, which is therefore also highly recommended. And if you are not afraid of cool temperatures and an increased probability of rain, you can have a great time in southern France even in winter.

5. Southern France vacation with dog experiences: How dog-friendly is France?

We are repeat travelers and have always been amazed at how easy it is to travel through the south of France with a dog. Our dog was a welcome guest in most restaurants and there is also a wide choice of accommodation and campsites. But of course there are always places where dogs are not allowed. This mainly affects beaches, but there can also be a no-dog sign on a hiking trail. Nevertheless, I would recommend any time for a holiday with a dog in southern France.

Where are the most beautiful dog beaches in southern France?  

The most beautiful dog beaches in southern France include the Plage de Pampelonne (near Saint Tropez), the lonely bay of Calanque d'En-Vau in the Calanques National Park, the Plage de Piémanson and Saintes Maries de la Mar in the Camargue, the Plage de la Madrague in Sainte Maxime and Plage pour les chiens in La Londe-les-Maures.

6. South of France road trip with camper van 

I already wrote it, this route is really good to travel with the camper. The south of France is also characterized by a very special camping culture. Here you will not only find numerous star campsites that offer pretty much all the amenities you could wish for, but also natural mini campsites (often run by private individuals) and numerous free camper pitches, especially at the hotspots, such as Saint-Tropez, the Verdon Gorges and above almost all the villages of Provence. Since wild camping or free standing is not allowed in France, these sites are a great, legal alternative. Incidentally, I find the Park4Night app very well suited to planning a camper trip through southern France away from the big campsites.

More France adventures

The most beautiful places in Provence, visiting Paris with dog and so much more. Read the other posts about traveling france.

Latest posts in our blog

Holidays with dogs in Maremma – the wild part of Tuscany

Sweden with a dog, mosquitoes in sweden and norway: what really helps, holidaying with your dog in france: experiences, rules, tips, advanced settings.

Hier können Sie Ihre bevorzugten Cookie-Einstellungen anpassen. Aktivieren oder deaktivieren Sie die folgenden Kategorien und speichern Sie Ihre Auswahl.

Dog-Friendly France: Travelling in France with a Dog

The French have a reputation for loving their dogs. So no wonder then that France is a popular destination for people travelling with their dogs, whether from across the Channel in the UK or further away.

But despite this reputation, France isn’t the most dog-friendly country that we’ve visited in Europe . While your dog will generally be welcome by your side as you sip a wine in a cafe or eat the menu du jour inside, there are some places in France where dogs are strictly forbidden (mainly manicured parks) or technically not allowed (up until recently the case for larger dogs on the Paris metro, although luckily sensibility has prevailed).

So if you’re heading to France with your dog, read on to find out about the ins and outs about travelling in France with a dog.

Travelling to France with a Dog

Taking your dog to France is relatively easy. The same rules apply for dogs visiting France as for dogs travelling to the rest of the EU (usually microchip, vaccinate for rabies and wait at least 21 days). Additionally, an EU pet health certificate is required or an EU pet passport for those travelling from elsewhere in the EU, although in the latter case this is usually checked when crossing the border into France.

Note that restrictions can apply on some “dangerous” dog breeds visiting France – check the note at the end of this post.

For details on how to take your dog to France , whether from the UK, the USA or the rest of the EU, read my full guide , including transport recommendations. I’ve also put together a comprehensive guide to the ferries from the UK to Franc e and their pet facilities.

Dining out in France with a Dog

In France, most restaurants and cafes allow dogs to join diners, both inside and out on the terrace. If you would like to dine inside with your dog, it is polite to ask first (unless you see other dogs dining inside). And if the weather is sunny or your dog doesn’t have the best manners, it is more polite to sit outside on the typically large terraces.

Over three visits to France, there’s only one time that our dog wasn’t allowed: sitting outside (not even inside!) a kebab shop in Strasbourg.

While travelling in France, we often took advantage of the cheaper lunchtime set menus, found at many restaurants around the country. Alternatively at lunchtime, we often bought delicious baguette sandwiches at the wonderful French bakeries.

As well as bakeries in the centre of town, there’s typically larger bakeries on the outskirts of large towns, complete with car parks, like a French alternative to a fast food restaurant! While the majority of these bakeries don’t allow dogs inside, we found an exception.

The Boulangeries Feuillette chain has multiple branches around the centre of France, including the Loire Valley. While a little more expensive than other boulangeries, it usually had both outdoor and indoor seating (often complete with comfy couches and fireplace!), and our dog was allowed to join us inside at multiple branches. It’s also a great spot to enjoy a coffee and pastry. (Double check this is still the case.)

Shopping in France with a Dog

If heading out shopping with your dog, your best bet is to visit small boutiques directly on the streets and pedestrian precincts. Some shopping centres allow dogs in France, but not all. Naturally, dogs are not allowed in supermarkets.

Taking a Dog on Public Transport in France

This is one area where France has previously not been as dog-friendly as other countries in Europe, although the situation has improved.

Pets on Public Transport in Paris

In Paris, small dogs are allowed on all forms of public transport (bus, metro, RER (train), trams and funicular) for free, but are meant to be carried in a bag or container, no larger than 45cm. However, in practice, I believe as long as they are genuinely small and not making a nuisance, you can get away with travelling with them on your lap without a bag.

We sometimes travelled with our dog on the metro like this, and saw other small dogs on laps, and encountered no issues.  Larger dogs are only allowed on the metro and RER (train), not buses or trams, and must be leashed and muzzled , but no longer require a ticket. For the full rules, click here .

Pets on Public Transport in Other Cities

For other cities in France, the regulations vary – there is no one answer to the question whether are dogs allowed on buses in France. In some cities, only small dogs in a bag or basket are allowed on public transport. This is stated in the rules for Marseille and Lyon (during our visit in 2018). In this case, these small dogs travel for free.

In contrast, there is no such restriction for Bordeaux (French only), with the regulations only stating dogs must be leashed or transported in a basket. Larger dogs require a ticket, while smaller dogs in a carrier are exempt.

The rules usually also include some terms that the dogs cannot make any mess or inconvenience other passengers. If your dog is also classified as a “dangerous” breed of dog (see the note above), they are also usually not permitted on public transport.

Pets on Long Distance Trains

If taking long distance trains, the rules are more consistent. Yes, all sized dogs are allowed on trains in France, except for the Eurostar to London . For example, see the SNCF pet policy .

Smaller pets, ideally no larger than 10kg, should travel in a pet carrier smaller than 45 cm x 30 cm x 25 cm, placed on your knees or at your fee. Larger dogs should be leashed and muzzled , and travel at your feet.

Both for small and larger dogs, a set fee of €7 is charged. The one exception is on TGV Lyria, TGV France-Germany, TGV France-Italy, TGV France-Spain and TGV France-Brussels (but not TGV France-Luxembourg and France-Freiburg), where a higher fee of €20 is charged for larger dogs.

Previously, larger dogs were charged a fare equivalent to 50% of the 2nd class fare on most trains, but this no longer applies. Additionally, it should be noted that pets are not allowed onboard rail replacement coaches.

If you have bought your tickets online through a ticketing site with no option for pet tickets, allow time to stop off at the ticket counter before your journey, to buy the extra ticket for your dog.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in France

A wide variety of accommodation in France is dog-friendly, from hotels to B&Bs to Gîtes to campgrounds. (In my investigation in 2018, 50% of hotels in Nice and 37% of hotels in Paris allow dogs.)

If you’re on a road trip, we found that many of the chain hotels located on the outskirts of cities were quite affordable and dependable, plus allowed dogs. This included the chains Ibis, B&B and Campanile.

Usually the prices were about €50 per night, not including breakfast, with an extra charge of around €5-10 for a dog. On the other hand, many fancy hotels also welcome dogs, and will be ready to treat them, for a price of course.

With  Gîtes , including those bookable through Airbnb, we noticed that often linen (sheets and towels) are not included, or an extra fee is chargeable for their hire. Keep this in mind if you are not travelling with your own sheets and towels, and double check the details, as you could otherwise get a surprise when you go to check in.

Visiting Paris? Check out my list of romantic dog-friendly Airbnbs in Paris

Dog-Friendly Parks in France

Compared to other countries in Europe, dogs are a lot less likely to be permitted in parks in France, especially in Paris. When we last stayed in an apartment in Paris, there were two parks located on the same street – both of which had clear signs banning dogs at the entrance!

However, dog-friendly parks can be found, including in Paris . If you have trouble finding one, ask your accommodation or search online. Additionally, in January 2019 (after my last visit), many city parks in Paris changed their rules to allow dogs . In these parks though, dogs are still required to be on a leash, plus parks with playgrounds were excluded.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in France

While there’s no chance of your dog joining you on a visit to the Louvre or climbing the Eiffel Tower in Paris, there are plenty of dog-friendly sightseeing options available for you to visit with your dog in France. We did however find that France is a country where you need to check the rules at each individual tourist destination.

Want to visit a famous Château with your dog? Many in the Loire Valley permit dogs on their grounds, and Chenonceau even allows small dogs to be carrier inside. However, at Versailles dogs are prohibited from the formal gardens, the same at Fontainebleau.

Be aware though that France is not the best destination for visiting beaches with your dog, at least during the warmer months. During the summer, from mid-June to the end of September, most beaches do not allow dogs on them, and some of the only beaches that allow dogs restrict them to before 8am and after 8pm.

To save yourself the research, I’ve put together this list of the best places to visit in France with a dog, covering nearly every corner of the country.

1. Stroll Along the Seine in Paris

One of the most beautiful walks anywhere in the world is a stroll along the banks of the Seine in Paris. From the medieval Île de la Cité (home to Notre Dame) to the park at the base of the Eiffel Tower, this stretch is home to some of the highlights of France, and is perfect for exploring with your dog.

Check out the exterior of the Louvre and its pyramid, the Tuileries Gardens (dogs are allowed on two flanks on either side),  Place de la Concorde, and the elegant bridges. And luckily dogs are allowed in the parks near the Eiffel Tower, on both banks of the Seine – perfect for the quintessential Paris photo with your pup!

Read more dog-friendly tips for visiting Paris

2. Plus visit the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris

While dogs are allowed in part of the Tuileries plus some of the large parks on the outskirts of Paris, my favourite park in Paris to visit with my dog is the Luxembourg Gardens (or Jardin du Luxembourg). This park is home to a gorgeous palace (now home to the French Senate), a large pond and plenty of famous statues to track down.

Dogs are allowed in the southeast corner of the park, through two gates – it’s clearly indicated on the gates whether dogs are allowed or not, plus on the map of the park.

Check out more tips of dog-friendly things to do in Paris

3. Visit a Dog-Friendly Château in the Loire Valley

One of my favourite parts of France is the Loire Valley. This area of France isn’t too far from Paris (some people visit on a day trip), but ideally spend longer exploring the area by car or train, and visiting some of the many châteaux in the area.

We visited both the Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau. The former château, the largest in the region, allows leashed dogs on the extensive grounds that surround it, but not inside the actual château and the formal gardens.

However, Chenonceau is extra dog-friendly, with dogs allowed inside the ticketed area (necessary to catch a glimpse of it) and the formal gardens, plus small dogs are allowed inside the actual building, as long as they are carried or in a bag!

Check out more details from our visit to Chenonceau

5. Explore the Cute Towns of Alsace

Another beautiful region of France is Alsace, the area of Eastern France next to the German border (and which has a strong German influence, after having moved back and forth between the two countries). Many of the towns (and cities) in this region are beautiful to visit, no matter what time of year.

I highly recommend Colmar (including the Fishmonger District), Strasbourg (especially the La Petite France area) and Riquewihr. Go for a wander and then pull up a chair at a local restaurant, with your dog at your side.

Also highly recommended are the Christmas markets – some of the most beautiful in all of Europe, though unfortunately I haven’t visited these markets yet.

6. Stroll Along the Nice Waterfront

Nice lies right next to the Mediterranean Sea and makes the most of its seaside location with the Promenade des Anglais. This Promenade runs for 7km along the beach at Nice, all the way from the port area of the city to the airport.

When the weather is sunny, this is the ultimate spot to go for a stroll, naturally stopping for an ice cream along the way (except for your pooch)! Just be warned it can get hot, even when we visited in April. So make sure the pavement isn’t too hot for your dog’s feet (or wear booties) and that they don’t get affected by the heat. Alternatively, head out in the evening.

Although France is not generally a dog-friendly destination when it comes to visiting the beach with your dog, Nice is home to two dog-friendly beaches : Lenval and La Lanterne. Just be aware that dogs are not allowed on any other beaches in the area.

7. Visit Mont-Saint-Michel

This historic fortification and abbey in Northwestern France (close to the border with Brittany) makes for one of the iconic images of France. It’s possible to visit the site with your dog, although only small dogs in a bag are allowed on the shuttle bus from the carpark, and no dogs are allowed inside the abbey.

However, if your dog would enjoy the extended walk along the causeway and bridge to the island, it’s an ideal place to visit.

Read more about whether you should take your dog to Mont-Saint-Michel (including the kennel available if you don’t take your dog)

8. Visit the Medieval Town of Carcassonne

On the hillside next to modern Carcassonne, in southern France, lies the medieval fortress and town called Cité de Carcassonne . It’s one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in France, still encircled with its original walls and towers.

While the château itself doesn’t allow dogs inside, the rest of the cobble stone streets are perfect to explore with your dog. Plus you can walk all the way around the walls (in between the inner and outer walls). Don’t also miss trying the local speciality of cassoulet.

9. Explore the Roman Remains in Provence

There’s no need to head from France to Italy to visit Roman remains, as France has many fantastic sites itself, especially in the Provence region. And best of all many of the sites allow your dog to visit, too.

My top pick of dog-friendly places in France is the magnificent Pont du Gard . This viaduct is situated on a large natural site, great for exploring with your dog. Dogs are permitted everywhere except inside the building including the museum and bistro, plus on the guided tour that crosses the upper level of the viaduct.

Other dog-friendly Roman ruins in Provence include the Triumphal Arch in Orange (on a roundabout with no restrictions) and the ticketed Theatre in Orange and Amphitheatre in Nîmes. (Note that no signs said whether dogs were or weren’t allowed, so there is a chance this may be up to the discretion of staff.)

Unfortunately, dogs are strictly not allowed inside the Amphitheatre, Theatre and Roman Cemetery remains in Arles.

10. Spend a Day in Monaco

Okay, it’s not strictly France anymore, but if you’re staying in Nice, it’s fun to pop into Monaco for the day! Watch the changing of the guard at the palace, check out where the famous racetrack runs, then view the casino from the outside.

During the afternoon, it’s possible to visit the entry area of the casino for free, but unfortunately dogs aren’t allowed inside. However, dogs are allowed in the pretty park next to the casino.

11. Hike the Cliffs of Étretat

While the White Cliffs of Dover might be more famous, France is home to some equally gorgeous chalk cliffs just across the channel. A popular spot to visit them is at the town of Étretat.

We only spent an hour walking up to the top of the cliffs (and taking some photos), but if you have longer it’s possible to go hiking further along the cliffs. Dogs should be kept on a leash on the hiking paths – a must given the huge drop off from the cliffs!

12. Explore Cute Little Villages

Finally, what would a trip to France be like without stopping in a cute village or two, even better if you just happen to stumble upon it? It’s easy to do this on a France road trip with your dog.

One of our favourite surprises was discovering the gorgeous village of Angles-sur-l’Anglin, deep in the countryside south of Tours. Rising above the bridge crossing the river Anglin are the ruins of a castle, the main road and a few laneways packed with ancient stone houses.

Luckily there was also a lovely teahouse next to the bridge from which we could take in the vista from the garden, with our pup at our side, of course.

A Note on Dangerous Dog Classifications

In France, some breeds of dogs are classified as dangerous and generally these types of dogs cannot be imported into France (class 1) or restrictions apply (class 2). The rules are not that clear when it comes to travelling through France with such a breed of dog, compared to permanently moving. (If you have experience in this area, let me know!)

But be prepared for possible issues, at a minimum. Such dogs may be prohibited on public transport or be restricted when flying French airlines.

These dogs are classified as Class 1 (and cannot be imported):

• Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (“Pitbulls”) and Tosa dog types without a pedigree
• Any Mastiff dog types

These dogs are classified as Class 2 (and can be imported with restrictions, such as needing to wear a leash and muzzle in public):

• Staffordshire terrier, American Staffordshire terrier (“Pitbulls”) and Tosa dog types with a pedigree
• Rottweiler dog types, with or without a pedigree

Read more about the dangerous dog rules for France  or my full guide on  travelling with a dog breed classified as dangerous

You May Also Like

• Can I Take My Dog to France?
• Dog-Friendly Paris
• Dog-Friendly Things to Do in Paris
• Should I Visit Mont-Saint-Michel with My Dog?

About the Author

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

Inspired? Pin this to your Pinterest board!

18 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly France: Travelling in France with a Dog”

I had no idea France was so dog-friendly. I love that shot of your dog in Carcassonne.

Nearly everywhere in Europe is pretty dog-friendly, even the countries that aren’t as dog friendly are way in front of my home country of Australia. It’s going to be hard adjusting back when we return at the end of the year!

What is it like for taking dogs into churches is that a no go even if you carry them in. Im guessing the big cathedrals dont let them it was more churches. Thanks.

Most churches throughout Europe, at least those popular with tourists, will have “no dogs” signs at the entrance (along with the usual signs about no food, no camera flashes, etc.) I have a few times noticed locals, probably regular members of the congregation, take small dogs inside, but I think different rules apply to them, than to tourists. However, there was one well-known church in Germany that allowed my husband to take our dog inside (it was a chilly day, and a staff member noticed him standing at the entrance with our dog in his arms, while I firstly went inside, and told him it was okay). So it might be worthwhile trying, but I’m guessing you would normally receive a no, unless you are a local.

What a lovely blog post!???? I hope to move to France in the medium-term therefore this was an interesting read. Happy travels with Schnitzel!

Sarah – Thanks so much and wishing you many wonderful adventures with your dog!

Hi – thought you might be the best person to ask with your in-depth knowledge of travelling with dogs on France … hope you don’t mind me asking …

Me and my Irish Setter are sailing back to the uk from Le Havre on Monday (1st April) and I want to be there in plenty of time … Have you any suggestions where I might be able to spend 2 or 3 hours, maybe eating drinking, walking & feeding the dog please? When I come the other way, from Portsmouth, I get there very early, and spend a few hours at a lovely pub-restaurant next to a golf course, where I can relax, eat, and feed and walk the dog.

Just haven’t got a clue where to start, and not sure what kinds of places exist in France, and within, say, half an hour of ale Havre.

I’m very grateful …. ??

I’ve actually stayed in La Havre myself with my dog, although it was because the city is surprisingly a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its modern architecture! If you are interested in architecture, it’s worth a stroll around. The highlight is the towering St Joseph’s Catholic Church, but you need to duck inside to see the stained glass from within (I alternated with my husband to stay with our dog). The Place de l’Hotel de Ville is a lovely square in springtime to sit in, but I’m not sure if there’s any cafes. In France I’m always a fan of heading to a bakery, for either croissants or the pre-made baguettes. I hope this may be of some help!

We love travelling with Bella our springer spaniel, since we rescued her she has totally changed how we travel – long and short haul holiday by plane are a thing of the past. But that is no great loss as walking with Bella in forests, on remote beaches and in rivers and lakes is great. This year will be our third holiday to France with Bella (she enjoyed the Netherlands too- especially travelling the tram) and she has now learned about the French etiquette when enjoying cafe society, she no longer feels compelled to growl when anyone approaches our table. When we stay in hotels, we find it is useful to ask for a quiet room at the end of a corridor, so that Bella can curl up and enjoy and evening snooze if we are going to have dinner (if doggies are not allowed in the dinning room). Usually leave the TV on for her, she knows this is a signal for her to chill and that we will be back soon. Thank you for your info on visiting parks and gardens, we will be visiting Fontainbleu on this trip so really useful to know Bella cannot walk in the gardens.

Thanks for sharing about your travels with Bella! We’ve often also asked for a quiet room with Schnitzel, although he has improved from our early days. It’s a pity about Fontainbleu – I would love it if France could be a bit more accomodating with their beautiful gardens.

how is it taking dog in the beach in france? 🙂 is there any like the best beach to go which isnt dirty but clean water ?

We haven’t been to many beaches in France with our dog, as the weather wasn’t warm enough and our dog is actually a terrible swimmer, who’s not too fond of getting wet. A lot of beaches allow dogs in winter, but then come summer once they have lifeguards and sunbeds, dogs aren’t allowed. I’ve come across this list of year-round dog-friendly beaches which seems long: https://en.plages.tv/dogs/l-france . Out of these, we’ve visited Omaha Beach (a D-Day landing site), which is fairly clean, although it was low tide so the water was a long way away.

Dogs have to be muzzled on long distance trains? I wonder how this rules apply to a brachiocephalic breed like a Frenchie?

There are specific muzzles for breeds like Frenchies – see my post on dog muzzles: http://www.travelnuity.com/dog-muzzle-for-travel/ . I would always have a muzzle on hand for your dog, but for most smaller dogs this is not enforced.

So larger dogs dont need to have a cage?

Generally larger dogs only need a leash on public transport, plus sometimes a muzzle.

My dog isn’t on the dangerous list she’s a Gsd BUT she’s extremely protective of her family, I’m worried if she might need handling by someone strange to her in Fränce that she’ll blow a fuse and not be allowed in the country!!

I can’t see any reason why your dog would need to be handled by anyone in France, other than if you visit the vet, in which case they would be skilled at handling dogs. If you’re flying with your dog in cargo/hold, dogs are not usually released from their crates until you collect them and release them yourself.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

A French road trip – with my high-maintenance dog

By Gerri Gallagher

This summer, I’m hitting the road with Madame T, my 13-year-old Welsh terrier (and co-pilot). Our plan is to spend four weeks driving through France, something we have always wanted to do. Madame T has spent most of her life padding about the third floor of Vogue House, but we’ve gone freelance and decided now is the time...

ROAD TRIP PART FOUR: DAYS 11 TO 13

DAY 11: From L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue to Lyon MILES TRAVELLED:  155 HOURS SPENT IN THE CAR:  Three and a half hours

TOP DOG:  Spending hours wandering around Antiques Art & You, the newly whizzed-up (yet oldest) international antiques fair. Held twice a year – in March and August – in L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue, this five-day fest sees hundreds of visiting exhibitors join the town’s nearly 300 permanent dealers. From haut antiques to utter tat, this is ‘fleamarket meets car-boot sale meets Kensington Church Street’. GROWLINGLY BAD:  It had to happen. A road trip with Madame T wouldn’t have been complete without a drama. Having spent the morning grazing on grass like a cow, she was sick – not surprising, given the amount she consumed. What was surprising was the blade of grass that got caught in her windpipe. By the time we arrived in Lyon, she was struggling to breathe between sneezes. I rushed her to an emergency vet who somehow deciphered my hysterical Franglais and took her off. Two hours later, morphined up to the eyeballs, she was grass-free (but I was a total basket case).

By Isaac Bickerstaff

By Harriet Johnston

ME TIME:  No time for me; it was all about Madame T. WALKIES:  From the hotel lobby of Cour des Loges to the taxi to the operating theatre and back; though to be honest, Madame T was carried most of the way. WE WERE DOG TIRED IN...  Room 27, Cour des Loges. On a cobbled street in Old Lyon, four Italian Renaissance townhouses make up this very sexy, very romantic hotel. The showstopper is the 14th-century courtyard that scales the entire building from lobby to roof, ringed with arched walkways. Spectacular!

MADAME T'S VERDICT:  God bless Gérard Ravet, the dapper and extremely efficient concierge at Cour des Loges. Without him and his fast thinking, who knows if I would be here to tell the story.

Book it: Double at Hotel Cour des Loges , from £183

DAY 12:  From Lyon to Paris MILES TRAVELLED:  290 HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  Five TOP DOG:  Such was the hero’s welcome that Madame T received at the Mandarin Oriental Paris, even the Queen’s corgis would have been jealous. The staff addressed her as ‘Madame Tullah’, our suite had a special Madame T set-up and when we departed the doormen vied to be photographed with her.

GROWLINGLY BAD:  My Spotify singalong for most of the five-hour drive from Lyon to Paris. Good thing Madame T is deaf as a stone. ME TIME:  Having lived in Paris a very long time ago, I had such fun revisiting my old haunts with Madame T in tow.

WALKIES:  From Rue St Honoré through Cour Napoléon of the Palais du Louvre over the Pont des Arts and onto Rue de Seine, where I lived all those lifetimes ago. WE WERE DOG TIRED IN…  Suite 512 at the Mandarin Oriental. Paris in August is so overrun with tourists (hardly a word of French was heard on the streets) that after a few hours we retreated back to the peace and quiet of the hotel’s enormous camellia-scented courtyard garden and ordered a glass of rosé. MADAME T'S VERDICT:  What better way to end our road trip than in five-star style!

Book it: Double at the Mandarin Oriental , from £850

DAY 13:  Paris to London MILES TRAVELLED:  First leg (Paris to Calais), 180 miles; second leg (Eurotunnel), 31.4 miles; third leg (Folkestone to Notting Hill), 80 miles HOURS SPENT IN CAR: First leg, four hours; second leg, 35 minutes; third leg, 2 hours 12 minutes

TOP DOG:  It’s the end of the road for us. We clocked 3,000 miles over four weeks in France. We spent 42 hours and 48 minutes in the car and came to the following conclusions: most cars on the road are white, Germans drive the fastest and having a left-hand-drive car in a right-hand-drive country is an incredible pain in the ass.

MADAME T'S VERDICT:  So it’s over and out for the first series of ‘Travels with Madame T’. Before we go, I’d like to say a huge thanks to Lily's Kitchen for providing me with delicious sustenance for the trip, and The Paws for my Chillr PCM Cooling mat that kept me cool, calm and collected in the ferocious heat of Lucifer. I am dreaming of where to make Gerri take me for our next ‘Travels with Madame T’, so watch this space...

Gerri and Madame T travelled to and from the continent on the Eurotunnel. To book, visit aferry.co.uk .

Follow Gerri and Madame T's travels on Instagram, or via the hashtag #travelswithMadameT

ROAD TRIP PART THREE: DAYS EIGHT TO 10

DAY EIGHT: From Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade to Grignan MILES TRAVELLED:  85 HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  1 hour 30 minutes

TOP DOG:  Leaving Villa La Coste was a wrench. I could have happily stayed forever, but move on we must, so off we went to the dreaded A7 and its many tolls. However, a surprise awaited us. Having stopped for petrol and a loo break, we were presented with a VINCI goodie bag. VINCI Highways manages most of the motorways in France, and since today was the official beginning of the summer holidays, everyone on the road got a freebie. Not a patch on a  Tatler  goodie bag, of course, but honestly, who’d have thought…

GROWLINGLY BAD:  The first and only sip of the Tourtel Twist: bière sans alcool au jus de citron  from the goodie bag. REVOLTING.  ME TIME:  Wandering through Grignan, an exquisite 12th-century fortified village. Château de Grignan dominates the landscape with its bright-white Renaissance splendour. But beauty aside, it’s really famous because Madame de Sévigné, the French writer known for her letters, including many to her daughter (the wife of the Count of Grignan), visited the chateau three times. On her final visit, she died. WE WERE DOG TIRED IN…  Room Jaune, Le Clair de la Plume. From the russet-coloured tiled floors and the rose-clad trellis in the courtyard restaurant (with one-Michelin-starred chef Julien Allano at the helm) to the rustic Provençal fabrics, Le Clair de la Plume is authentically, charmingly, totally French. MADAME T’S VERDICT: My favourite bit? Lying on the small terrace outside our room while Gerri wrote this silly blog.

Book it: Double at Le Clair de la Plume , from £120

DAY NINE: From Grignan to Tournon-sur-Rhône MILES TRAVELLED:  59 HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  1 hour 10 minutes TOP DOG:  Though I didn’t love the town, I did love the hotel. Hôtel de la Villeon is situated smack in the medieval part, where cars are not permitted, and finding it involved another misadventure courtesy of my nemesis, Waze. Madame T and I are not travelling light: wherever we go, I have to schlepp along my suitcase, my laptop, her bed, her bowls, her food (which requires a coolbox)… We parked only three blocks away, but Waze cretin Kate took us on a 12-block goose chase. How cross was I when I finally pushed open the Villeon’s massive antique walnut door? However, this totally unexpected jewel box of a place – wooden floorboards, marble fireplaces, gilded chandeliers and carefully curated antiques – perked me up no end. GROWLINGLY BAD:  The weather. We are in the throes of Lucifer, the heatwave that has scorched most of southern Europe. With temperatures close to 40 degrees, being anywhere that isn’t a swimming pool or air-conditioned can be pretty miserable. WALKIES:  Up, down and all around the 22,000 square feet of the terraced gardens built into the hill behind the hotel.

WE WERE DOG TIRED IN…  Room 4, Hôtel de la Villeon. MADAME T’S VERDICT:  Much has been made of my ‘selective hearing’, which has always been the case, even when I was younger. However, as the dowager Madame T, I am truly deaf as a stone. A good thing too, because there was the most almighty thunderstorm that raged for two hours during the night, keeping Gerri awake.

Book it: Double at Hôtel de la Villeon , from £90

DAY TEN: From Tournon-sur-Rhône to Saint-Montan and then onto Crillon Le Brave MILES TRAVELLED:  First leg, 58; second leg, 50 HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  Two and a half hours in total TOP DOG:  Meeting writer Geraldene Holt, of whom American author MFK Fisher once wrote: ‘I can think of only three English women who write even comparably well about a common subject, food. They are, of course, Elizabeth David, Jane Grigson and Geraldene Holt.’ I met her through Lucile from the Ardèche Tourist board , who had said I should visit Saint-Montan (and Geraldene) to experience the true Ardèche. Geraldene has lived in Saint-Montan since 1988, and has been instrumental in the revitalisation and restoration of this 13th-century village. A better or more nimble tour guide I could not have asked for. She bounded up and around the rues en calade (sloping paved streets) like a mountain goat, leaving me and Madame T in her wake.

GROWLINGLY BAD:  The surplus of middle-aged men in Lycra cycling two abreast on the twisty hill roads from the Ardèche to the Drôme to Provence. WALKIES:  All around Saint-Montan, up the ramparts, down and then around the fortress, across the bridge and over the brook.

WE WERE DOG TIRED IN…  Room 4, Hôtel Crillon Le Brave. Practically all of this tiny hilltop village is the hotel: a cluster of nine old stone buildings of suites and rooms, terraces, gardens, a pool, restaurants and spectacular panoramic views of Provence. Treat yourself to dinner in Restaurant Jérôme Blanchet (either on the terrace or under the 16th-century vaulted stone ceiling inside). His daurade royale (my favourite fish ever) marinated in lime and served with cucumber jelly and green shiso sorbet was unforgettable. MADAME T’S VERDICT:  I rather fancied the champagne cocktail before dinner.

Book it: Double at Hotel Crillon Le Brave , from £298

Stay tuned for next week's instalment and follow Gerri and Madame T's travels on Instagram , or via the hashtag #travelswithMadameT

ROAD TRIP PART TWO: DAYS FOUR TO EIGHT

DAYS FOUR TO SIX: From Abbaye de la Bussière (with a pitstop in Nîmes), then onto Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle  MILES TRAVELLED:  520 HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  6.5 hours, over two days

TOP DOG: Nîmes! This is a city to make time for – it is small and enchanting, and ever-so-accessible when you have Richard and his golf cart whizzing you round the Roman ruins. My friends, the Tognas, are locals and together we set off with our dogs: Madame T and the Tognas’ shih-tzus: Ninja (black) and Taiko (blonde). The highlight of the tour was visiting the 100ft-high Tour Magne – built around 15 BC – the largest of a chain of towers that once conveyed imperial power to the city’s four-mile-long Roman ramparts.

GROWLINGLY BAD: Not having had the foresight to book into Jardins Secrets, the most indescribably romantic 17th-century villa hotel nestled in a private garden. Owners Annabelle and Christophe Valentin, formerly of fashion and photography aristocracy, have curated antiques and objets d’art over the years, and the result is sensational. Their regulars say it all: Sting and Trudie, Stevie Wonder, Lolita Lempicka and Mika. ME TIME: Sitting in the bougainvillea-strewn gardens of the aforementioned hotel, listening to the birds and sipping a glass of Château Puech Haut Tête de Bélier 2016 while Madame T pottered around the garden. WALKIES:  Madame T was shattered from co-piloting Richard’s golf cart and fending off the amorous advances of Ninja and Taiko, so no walkies.

WE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle. This Alain Ducasse stronghold was originally built in the 12th century by Benedictine monks. But it was the Benedictine nuns (who came later) that are best remembered for their very un-nun-like behaviour while in residence. So scandalous were their comings and goings that in 1660 Cardinal Mazarin closed it down. Four centuries and a few visits from General de Gaulle later (see photo), Alain Ducasse has created a charming, tranquil hostellerie that is renowned for its food (what a surprise). Dinner on the terrace, in the shadow of towering cypress trees, involved lots of truffles (heaven). I ate solo, leaving Madame T in the Perpétue de la Celle suite – a good call, as there was a pesky cat skulking around that would have been catnip for Madame T, who suffers from chronic mad-cat disease. The result could have been upended tables and total carnage. MADAME T'S VERDICT: Damn! I got left behind.

Book it: Double at L’Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle , from £280

DAY SEVEN: Hostellerie de l’Abbaye de la Celle to La Bastide de Moustiers MILES TRAVELLED:  45 HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  1 hour 22 mins TOP DOG: The drive from the first Ducasse property to the second Ducasse property, through the Parc Naturel Régional du Verdon with lakes the colour of the Caribbean. GROWLINGLY BAD: Le Mistral arrived – that cold, dry wind made famous by Peter Mayle in A Year in Provence . Madame T and I didn’t mind; it was a relief after the oppressive heat of the last few days (40 degrees). But it was a nightmare for the staff at La Bastide de Moustiers. The winds were so strong dinner couldn’t be served on the terrace, and swimming was off limits. ME TIME: Wandering through the kitchen gardens and gorgeous knot garden on the grounds.

WALKIES:  Early in the morning, Madame T and I set off on foot for the hilltop village of Moustiers-Sainte-Marie (all this driving and eating isn’t doing anything for our waistlines). The village was built on platform terraces 300ft or so up the side of the limestone cliff, a spring flowing out of it creating a waterfall. We had a wander – the village is known for its faience (fine, tin-glazed pottery), as well as the gold-painted star that hangs on a 700ft-long chain suspended between two cliffs. Its origin, according to legend, lies in the 10th century, when the Saracens held the knight Bozon de Blacas prisoner. He vowed to hang a star over his village if he was able to return. No one knows how the star was originally hung there, but many centuries, and many stars later, one is still there. WE WERE DOG TIRED IN… La Bastide de Moustiers, Alain Ducasse’s erstwhile home. We stayed in a cathedral-ceilinged, one-bedroom cottage called Coquelicot (translation: Poppy) just down the gravel path from the main house and perfect for Madame T as she could sniff around the fields of lavender outside. MADAME T'S VERDICT: I am a true Provençal dog now.

Book it: Double at La Bastide Moustiers , from £195

DAY EIGHT: From La Bastide de Moustiers to Villa La Coste MILES TRAVELLED:  60-plus thanks to my Waze app (see below) HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  Almost 3 hours (ditto) TOP DOG:  Arriving safe and sound GROWLINGLY BAD: Waze! Up to this point, our two satnavs – be it Google Maps or Waze – had served us well. Kate, our chosen English Waze voice, may have the most appalling French pronunciation, but she had alerted us to radar areas, accidents and traffic. Until this leg of the journey. As we approached Villa La Coste, she lost her mind and we lost our way BIG time. She directed us down chemin de blah blah, a suspiciously dodgy-looking single-track lane that dwindled to dirt. Against my better judgment, I opted to follow the advice of Kate. One and a half miles later, I dead-ended into a massive, padlocked metal barrier with warnings that it was ONLY TO BE OPENED IN CASE OF FIRE BY THE FIRE DEPARTMENT. I swore. Then I cried. Turning back was impossible as there was no wiggle room. My only option was to off-road and pray that I could squeeze the car past the barrier without falling into the ravine to the right. I managed, but only just – after more tears and an almighty tumble taken when trying to assess the situation – I arrived at Villa La Coste bruised, bloody and a tiny bit hysterical. ME TIME: Not today, folks. WALKIES:  Wandering through the forest of green oaks and Aleppo pines at Villa La Coste, which are filled with sculptures, installations and small-scale pavilions created by the rock stars of the art world: Tadao Ando, Frank Gehry, Lord Foster, Richard Serra, Jean-Michel Othoniel, Lee Ufan, Sean Scully…

WE WERE DOG TIRED IN…  Alpilles at Villa La Coste, a hotel suite extraordinaire. Between the jaw-dropping views of Mont Ventoux, the Luberon massif, the marble bathtub the size of a splash pool and the canopied bed swathed in gauze, I was done. And did I mention the art? It’s everywhere… not only on the walk through the forest, but in the bookcases, on the walls, even in the stairwells: a Tracey Emin sketch here, a painting by Sean Scully there.

MADAME T'S VERDICT: My particular favourite was the old-fashioned luggage cart-cum-wagon, made out of bended branches, a perfect chariot pour moi .

[note]Book it: Suite at Villa La Coste , from £550

ROAD TRIP PART ONE: DAY ONE TO THREE

So from the damp greenness of Oxfordshire we’re heading for the sun-scorched Côte d’Azur by way of Dijon, Nîmes, the Ardèche and Provençe. And then back again. Madame T is a lousy navigator, but she’s a dream in the car – mostly sleeping, but panting and yawning at me when she wants to make a pitstop.

This is our story...

DAY ONE: From Westwell, Oxfordshire, to Château de Moulin Le Comte, Aire-sur-la-Lys MILES TRAVELLED: 226 HOURS SPENT IN CAR: Five TOP DOG:  Our maiden voyage on the Eurotunnel and Madame T’s first foray out of the UK. I’m an old hand on the Eurostar but a Eurotunnel newbie, and I was thrilled by it: easy, efficient and FAST. GROWLINGLY BAD:  The realisation that my right-hand-drive car means that at EVERY toll I have to jump out, race round to the toll machine, take the ticket, pay and dash back before drivers behind me wig out. ME TIME: No ‘me time’. Instead, I enlisted the help of a fellow motorist to assist with positioning the blooming headlamp converters. He was even more clueless than I was, despite the directions and diagrams.

WE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Château de Moulin le Comte, an 1880s brick-and-stone building with a sweeping staircase, five antique-filled guest rooms, nine resident chihuahuas, and all brilliantly close to Calais. This charming former flourmill was renovated in 2011 by Francis Van der Elst, who runs it as a B&B with his son Cedric. Both are dab hands in the kitchen – you won’t find more meticulously julienned vegetables in all of France. They welcome all kinds of animals: dogs as big as ponies, birds, fish, even a snake on the odd occasion. WALKIES:  The gardens here are big, beautiful and fenced, so Madame T wandered and sniffed while I enjoyed a glass of rosé and celebrated not being behind the wheel. MADAME T'S VERDICT:  Nine chihuahuas? Ce n'est pas vrai ! I didn’t see, hear or meet a single one.

Book it: PetsPyjamas offers one night at Château de Moulin le Comte , from £70.

DAYS TWO & THREE: From Château de Moulin Le Comte to Abbaye de la Bussière, plus a day in Beaune. MILES TRAVELLED:  378 HOURS SPENT IN CAR:  Five hours and 20 minutes, plus one and half hours to Beaune and back TOP DOG:  The spectacular scenery of the Côte d'Or, between Dijon and La Bussière-sur-Ouche – bales of recently harvested wheat (fields of gold) and the albino whiteness of the Charolais cattle – and then on a day-trip to Beaune, visiting Hôtel-Dieu, Hospices de Beaune, with its eye-catching pitched rooftop and stone turrets covered in multicoloured tiles. GROWLINGLY BAD:  The squat toilet on the A26. YUCK. ME TIME: Wanting to see something other than the A26, we diverted to Troyes. The medieval old town with its narrow, cobbled streets and colourful 16th-century half-timbered houses was just what I craved, as was the lobster and crab salad at Le Valentino. A triumph in my book but not for Madame T. See below.

WALKIES:  Madame T is NOT a fan of cobbled streets. They hurt her feet (this from a dog who has been known to don a pair of Jimmy Choos, see above). She loved Beaune, though – two hours of exploring the parkland at L’Abbaye de la Bussière and the banks of the neighbouring River Ouche was just the ticket. WE WERE DOG TIRED IN… Abbaye de la Bussière, a wowser of a place: formerly a 12th-century Cistercean abbey (lots of Gothic flourishes, vaults, stained glass) set in 15 acres of private parkland where two teeny Shetland ponies graze. Chef Guillaume Royer has gobbled up every award there is, so many come here just to eat. But don’t miss the chance to stay; British owners Tanith and Clive Cummings have got everything spot on.

MADAME T'S VERDICT: This is heaven – more dogs than humans. I have met three Bouvier des Flandres on their way to St Tropez. They travel and sleep in a bespoke air-conditioned caravan while their owners stay in the hotel. Note to self: must have a word with Gerri...

Book it: PetsPyjamas offers one night at Abbaye de la Bussière , from £271

GOOD TO KNOW…

PetsPyjamas offers 2,000 pet-welcoming hotels, cottages, pubs with rooms and B&Bs around the UK and Europe. Pets go free and a complimentary pet travel kit worth £20 is standard for all stays. All breaks are bookable via PetsPyjamas’ expert Pet Concierges, a dedicated pack of dog lovers and experts who help their furry customers and owners find the perfect break. For more information, visit petspyjamas.com .

AND FINALLY…

Who knew going to France with a dog could be such a palaver? Naively, I figured that once Madame T’s passport was sorted and I was packed, we’d be off. WRONG. There's an extensive checklist (with associated fines if you are found non-compliant) for driving in France. You need kit, and lots of it: headlamp converters, breathalysers, spare bulbs, and on and on.

By Eilidh Hargreaves

By Ben Jureidini

By Catherine Ostler

By Sacha Forbes

+33 6 74 04 53 15 (WhatsApp)

Dog-Friendly Holidays in France

Updated: Nov 19, 2021

Taking your dog on holiday can seem completely daunting when you first start to investigate how to go about it, but in fact once the preliminary work has been done, travelling with a dog becomes doddle. And I have now done it lots of times, so I speak from experience!

Animal Health Certificate

Prior to Brexit, your first port of call was to get an EU Pet Passport from your vet for your dog. EU Pet Passports issued in an EU country are still valid, but those from England, Wales, and Scotland are no longer usable. To travel from Great Britain to an EU country, your dog needs to have:

An Animal Health Certificate, obtained by visiting an "Official Veterinarian" within 10 days of travel. Bring proof of your dog's micro-chipping date and vaccination history. The certificate gives you 4 months of travel within the EU and 4 months for re-entry to Great Britain. You need a new certificate for every trip from Great Britain to an EU country or Northern Ireland.

Received the primary rabies vaccination at least 21 days before travel to the EU or Northern Ireland.

Had a microchip implanted, which must be done at the same time, or before, your dog had their rabies vaccination.

Be at least 15 weeks old at the time of travelling.

Been treated for tapeworm if travelling directly to Finland, Ireland, Malta, Northern Ireland, or Norway.

It is safest to bring as much documentation as possible, including the animal health certificate, proof of microchip, rabies vaccination documentation, and if required, proof of tapeworm treatment.

When returning to the UK, your dog must have been treated for tapeworm between 24 hours and 120 hours (five days) before travel, by a vet and duly written up in the animal health certificate. For trips abroad shorter than five days, you could have the tapeworm treatment done in Great Britain. For full and informative details, Vets for Pets have some great advice.

For the most updated information on leaving Great Britain with your dog, please check the government website .

Dog-friendly holidays: getting from UK to France

Deciding on the route, ferry or tunnel is, of course, paramount. Brittany Ferries, who operate to the ports closest to Le Prieuré (where we hope your pooch will enjoy one of the best dog friendly accommodations in France!) has a number of options depending on the route.

It's worth checking out the cost of Brittany Ferries' pet-friendly cabins cost at the moment, as they often advertise special offers. Some routes offer dog-friendly cabins, whilst other routes have kennels and still others require that your dog stays in the car.

Personal experience

On the route I regularly travel, where it's about a five hour crossing, Ella stays in the car. The first time we made the crossing I was worried she would be nervous and anxious and so I asked the vet for a tranquilizer. The result was awful, I had a dog who couldn't stand and looked terrible for hours after the crossing. Never again. She now travels regularly, having started at nine years old, and simply sleeps the voyage away. I've been worried about her being too hot in summer and too cold in winter, but the cool through breeze and the windows left partly open mean that she has never been too hot.

Brittany Ferries recommend that you travel overnight or early morning in summer if your dog is likely to be affected by the heat. And you will need to have a muzzle in the car if you are travelling by ferry. They have lots of info on their website .

Half way through the voyage, owners are accompanied down to the car deck where they can check on their pets. Ella is usually fast asleep, but I can refill her water bowl and give her some food and be assured she is O.K. In fact, on a trip in early January it was quite rough and I, a seasoned sailor, was embarrassed to be quite sea sick. I struggled down to the car deck expecting an unpleasant mess to greet me, only to find a happily sleeping dog! So when I get back on a yacht again, she might fare better than me!

Other visitors prefer travelling through the Eurotunnel. No problems about seasickness on that route! It's only 35 minutes through the tunnel, but the trip to Le Prieuré is longer than going some of the Brittany Ferries routes.

Finding a dog-friendly property for your holiday

Once in France there are lots of options for your holiday. There is everything from dog-friendly holiday parks to chateaux, gites and B&B offering dog boarding. Eurocamp offer dog-friendly holidays all over Europe.

But if it's more of an elegant but friendly stone house you are looking for, the tall honey-coloured walls of the ancient 14th-century Priory and Tower will offer your pooch a safe place to enjoy a great holiday in France. From dog bowls to poo bags, as well as a luxurious bed, your dog is on holiday from the moment they arrive! With dog walk maps on our website and special out of season offers, we love to pamper your dog from the word go in the completely secure garden at The Priory .

Pet sitter at Le Prieuré

We have a great pet sitter who is extremely experienced at looking after all kinds of animals. Her service can be booked via our website. She has been pet sitting for many years, is English and will treat your pooches like royalty.

If you would like a night out at that smart restaurant or a day to visit a chateau that doesn't welcome dogs in the heat of the summer, Wendy is the person to contact. Finding pet sitters in France isn't always that easy, so we are so delighted to be able to recommend Wendy for pet sitting unreservedly.

So, from finding your way through the EU pet travel scheme to finding a dog buddy, we hope that this can help you with the planning when taking your pets abroad.

• Holidays in France

Recent Posts

Playwriting Workshop with Internationally Renowned playwright Simon Stephens

Romantic Getaway in France in a Mediaeval Tower

Patramonie Days in France in September

• Camping with your dog
• Gite and rental with your dog
• Group accommodation with your dog
• Hotel with your dog
• Holiday village with his dog
• Bed and breakfast with his dog
• Unusual accommodation with your dog
• Appart Hotel with his dog
• Walk and hike
• Canine professional
• QUALIDOG destinations
• Turnkey itineraries
• 100% organized trips
• Travel guides
• Dog equipment
• Decathlon: sporting dogs
• Our product comparisons

• Destinations to travel with a dog

Where to go on vacation with your dog in France?

Are you looking for where to go with your dog in France? What places to visit in France with your dog? Corsica, Jura, Cassis, Alps, Somme, Normandy, Millau, Biscarrosse or even Brittany! Discover great destinations for your holidays with your dog! 

Table of contents

And if this summer you go on vacation with your dog in France? Our beautiful country has so many wonderful dog-friendly destinations to discover, that I bet that by the end of this article, you will have your head full of desires for your next vacation with your dog. 

I always said to myself that before leaving to visit the whole world with my dog, I would like to take a tour of all the wonders that we have at home, in France! After all, if France is the first tourist destination in the world, there is a reason… Our country is rich. Heritage, Landscapes, Gastronomy, let me show you some of its secrets... In this way, you will spend a great holiday with your dog in France.

Follow me for this little guided tour of the dog-friendly corners of France where you can go on vacation with your dog… Corsica, Franche-Comté, Cassis, the Alps, Millau, Nîmes, Biscarrosse or even Brittany… the choice is vast ! 

Corsica with her dog

To begin our overview of dog-friendly destinations to discover with your dog, let's go to  Corsica  ! Between breathtaking landscapes, dream beaches, mountains and top-flight gastronomy, Corsica really has everything the ideal place for your holidays with your dog in France. 

There are many dog-friendly beaches and magnificent hiking trails with sea views cross the entire island of beauty, such as the mythical GR20 that our Wouafer's Thomas and Laura have traveled with their two huskies. An incredible adventure to live with your dog, provided you are super well prepared. This is not a trail for Sunday hikers in flip flops! Discover:  The GR20 with his dog, a Corsican adventure that has to be earned!  

To take a breath of fresh air with your dog, head to Corsica! Remember to book your crossing on board  Corsica Ferries ; they accept dogs on board.

To discover this destination in detail, I invite you to read:  Go to Corsica with your dog  &  Enjoying your holidays in Corsica with your dog ; two articles full of good advice shared by two Wouafer's who have returned from vacation on the beauty island.

Franche-Comté and Jura with your dog

If you prefer mountain destinations and with few tourists, then I invite you to discover with your dog  Jura  and Franche-Comté! Here you can play sports with your dog in the middle of nature! And yes, the region lends itself to it! 

Between vineyards, mid-mountains, natural lakes, mountains and green plains, you can go dog-biking,  cani cross ,   cani-canoe ,   cani-paddle  and many other sporting outings with your dog.  Exercising with your dog , it's a bit like a religion in the Jura and in Franche-Comté! 

A word of advice, don't miss it.  Lake Chalain , The  Ilay Lake  or   Poudrey chasm  as well as the famous  Hedgehog waterfalls . Besides, I talk to you in more detail about these lakes in the article.  The top 10 of the most beautiful dog-friendly lakes in France .

Cassis with her dog

For sun and beach lovers and for whom holidays are not real holidays without long hours of basking in the sun, discover  Cassis  with your dog. A tourist town and no less charming with its historic alleys and its old port. 

Not to be missed: the famous creeks of Cassis, the creek of Port Miou, the creek of En Vau and that of Port-Pin, but also magnificent hikes to share on the heights of the city. As for activities, let yourself be tempted by a canoe trip with your dog at Lokayak, a dog-friendly rental company!

Surprisingly, for a very touristy town, Cassis is rather dog-friendly! A good destination to remember for your next getaways in the sun… 

The Alps with your dog

If you are looking for the freshness of the mountains for your summer vacation with your dog,  the Alps  are a destination Too W'ouf! The Alps are 82 peaks over 4 meters, spectacular views, unspoiled nature, and above all the magnificent Mont Blanc, culminating at 000 meters above sea level. A grandiose destination that once again reminds us of how small we are. A great lesson in humility and a great breath of fresh air! 

In the Alps, in summer, I recommend: long hikes,  bivouac with your dog , day walks,  road trips s … This is an opportunity to be closer to nature with your dog. This is how you can enjoy 100% of the wonders of the mountain. Be careful to preserve it by leaving nothing in your way! Also respect the fauna and flora, tie your dog if the rules of your route require it so that it does not disturb species in full nesting for example. 

Want to discover the Alps with your dog? These few articles should inspire you… 

A successful holiday in the Alps with your dog , 

I take my dog ​​to the mountains , 

Holidays in Morzine in the Alps with your dog , 

Sports holidays in the Hautes-Alpes with my dog , 

Go around Mont Blanc with your dog . 

The Somme with her dog

If you want a 100% dog-friendly destination in France to go on vacation with your dog, I have what you need! Destination the Somme in Picardy!! History, culture, pretty towns, activities, in short, everything to make your stay with your dog a wonderful one. You will be charmed by the Baie de Somme, wild landscapes, vertiginous cliffs, beaches... A change of scenery guaranteed in the Somme! 

The Baie de Somme is one of the most beautiful bays in the world!!! But the Somme has even more to offer! You will love the activities to do with your dog! Many walks are to be done with your dog such as the  Fisherman's Trail ,   Royon trail , the discovery trail of the Authie dune. If you like going to the beach with your dog, then  Quend-Plage  is the destination made for you! Discover  the dog-friendly beach of Quend-plage , to the delight of doggie!  The Hâble d'Ault bird sanctuary  is an activity that you can do with your dog, you will have the pleasure of discovering many species of birds! Of course, Amiens and  its hortillonnages  are a must if you are staying in the Somme with your dog! 

I can't list all the 100% dog-friendly activities that you can do with your dog in the Somme because the list would be too long... But if you want to know more about this furry destination, I'll let you discover 3 articles Too Woof:  The Somme with a dog: a dog-friendly destination not to be missed ,  What to do in the Somme with your dog?  et  The Baie de Somme with a dog .

Discover Millau and Aveyron with your dog

Millau  with your dog, it's THE ideal sport and nature destination, perfect for filling up on outdoor activities! Millau is in fact the destination for  hiking with your dog ,   canoeing with your dog ,   snorkeling with your dog  and to discover an exceptional site, an architectural masterpiece: the  Millau Viaduct . 

Millau is a real little paradise where it is good to relax with the family and enjoy the holidays together. A few ideas for activities to do with your dog in Millau: hiking on the Larzac ledges, descending the Gorges du Tarn by canoe or paddleboard with your dog, or even visiting the Château de Peyrelade with your dog... But this n This is only a very small part of the activities to do in Millau and surroundings... To discover everything, I invite you to read  Millau and its surroundings with a dog  where Tsingy and Laetitia reveal all their favorite secret places. 

Nîmes with his dog

For lovers of heat and sun, what sunnier destination than  Nîmes  to hang out with your dog during a week's vacation? Shhhhhhh, close your eyes and listen… You can hear them already, can't you? And yes, the cicadas will be there for your holidays! Welcome to the Suuuud!

On holiday in Nîmes with your dog, wander around the narrow streets of the historic center as you wish. Immerse yourself in Romanity by strolling through the  Gardens of the Fontaine  with your dog or by discovering the Maison Carré and of course the fabulous arenas of Nîmes. Let yourself be charmed by its inhabitants with a big heart. Take a walk in the Camargue… Whatever you do, you will go from discovery to discovery! 

It is a charming city with a melodious accent, a rich heritage and which knows how to welcome dogs! What more could you ask for on your family vacation? 

To learn more about this destination, discover the articles:  A great holiday in Nîmes with your dog  et  Go on holiday in Nîmes with your dog  co-written with Wouafer's from Nîmes: Valérie and Only & Gaëlle and Ojhi. 

Biscarrosse with his dog

Head to the Landes for a holiday with your dog!  Biscarrosse  is a destination that has it all! The sun, the Atlantic Ocean, the lakes,  water sports , hiking, outdoor sports… Biscarrosse is a multi-faceted destination that will appeal to young and old alike… And your dog, W'ouf course! 

In Biscarrosse with your dog, you can access many dog-friendly beaches, enjoy endless walks at sunset, take advantage of all kinds of nautical outings: canoeing, paddleboarding, swimming, water games and a bit of idleness. also (like all good self-respecting holidays) …  

Moreover, for this summer, I challenge you to  try surfing with your dog  ! 

The essentials of Biscarrosse with his dog are clearly: the  Biscarrosse lake , the Latécoère site and the tree climbing park of  Bisc'Aventures  ! But not only… Discover all the little secrets of Biscarrosse to discover with your dog in the article written by Havana and Sabine:  Enjoying a great holiday in Biscarrosse with your dog . 

Normandy with its dog

Gastronomy, sea, nature, countryside, cliffs… you will love going on holiday in Normandy with your dog. In Normandy, there is no shortage of activities to do with your dog! Hikes, walks, beach, paddle, everything to make your dog feel good and stretch his paws thoroughly! Did you know ? Normandy is the region with the most dog-friendly beaches in France! Pebble or fine sand beaches, the choice is yours! And the beaches that accept dogs in Normandy are real beautiful beaches, large and wild. Not the less pretty little bits that we “refurbish” to dog owners because no one else wants to go there…

If you like the alliance between countryside and seaside, go to Normandy! Moreover, for cycling enthusiasts, know that there are many cycling routes to test with your dog. Besides if  roaming by bike with your dog in Normandy  tempts you, I recommend that you read the article of the same name! An article full of advice and tips for going on a road trip with your dog! Too wow, isn't it? And Eloise, interviewed on her return from a cycling holiday in Normandy, also shared the article  The Flax Cycle Route with his dog , another great route to discover by bike with your dog.

Brittany with her dog

And since I always like to save the best things for last, follow me  Britain . I take you to my favorite corner of France and with your dog. ? Fine sandy beaches, magical cliffs, an incredible coastal path, half-timbered houses, stone houses, magical forests full of trolls, cider, galettes, fresh fish, shellfish, Breizh cola … pfffiou you will not have enough of all your holidays to do everything and taste everything! 

Brittany with its dog, it's the insurance to share holidays Too W'ouf! And I know what I'm saying! I go there every year and every year, I fill up with happiness. But this year, the Covid will have got the better of our Breton holidays. Too far from home, we won't be able to stock up on iodine this time… My dog ​​and I are already yearning to find the incredible beaches of Finistère.

In Brittany, holidays promise to be active and rich in visits:  Ushant island ,  Mont St Michel ,  Gardens Brocéliande , boat crossings to the island of Bréhat… To discover my favorite destination, hop hop hop, it's here:  Go to Brittany with your dog . 

QUALIDOG-certified accommodation

Discover a selection of QUALIDOG-certified accommodation with your dog! Travel with peace of mind by choosing to book with our QUALIDOG-certified partners. Whether they have obtained one or four truffles with the label, they have one thing in common: that of loving your animals!

Rentals Les Prenards

Campsite Champ la Chèvre

The Villa with a Dog

I hope these destination ideas have piqued your curiosity and sparked your interest when it comes to booking your vacation for this summer! 

If you are still not satisfied, then discover  accommodation throughout France that welcomes dogs  ! I am sure that by looking carefully, you will find the ideal accommodation that will correspond 100% to your expectations! 

And don't forget, if you are traveling with your dog, subscribe to our account  Facebook  &  Instagram  to follow all the destination news. Also publish your photos with  #takeondog , so I can discover you and your dogs!

organize your holidays

• The dog in the pool: good or bad idea?
• Taking your dog to the beach: some precautions to take
•   Can your dog bathe in winter?
•   The 10 most beautiful lakes authorized for dogs in France

Traveling with a dog

• Traveling by car with your dog

Book accommodation

• 🛖 Find unusual dog-friendly accommodation on Abracadaroom
• (I.e. Find an “ok dog” campsite for this stay

(By booking your tickets and stays via these links, you will be supporting the site since we will receive a small, very useful commission to finance the many pending projects!)

• Share this article:

Reset password

ROAD TRIP IN FRANCE: EXPLORE THE WEST IN 10 STEPS

As avid travelers, Shark and I could not decently come back to France and stay at just one place. We had to go on an adventure! I seized the opportunity of my participation to the Travel Bloggers’ Fair at Saint Malo to rent a car from SIXT , my favorite rental car agency, and organize a long road trip through Western France. 

What I love about road trips is the freedom to stop by anywhere and anytime I see a beautiful landscape or feel that my dog needs to walk. Try that in a bus or a train! As most of people, I had planned my itinerary quite well days before and chosen the must-seen spots. Well, I had to admit that I had underestimated the size of France! So clearly there are spots I had planned to visit that just disappeared from my map, but the good side is that I discovered so many other wonderful spots that I had never heard about! That is the magic of road trips and encounters on the road. So there are our 10 favorite steps for a road trip in the West of France, from Bordeaux to Mont Saint Michel. If you have a dog like me, you will find some doggy tips for each step. Let’s go!

Don’t miss the video of the road trip at the end of the post 😉     

AN ADVENTURE OF 1832 KILOMETERS

Click on the image to see the itinerary on Google Maps

1. LA ROCHELLE

La Rochelle, also known as the Rebel city, is anchored to the Atlantic coast and has many ports. Among them, the lively Old Port in the city center is a must seen! We parked the car at the municipal parking lot in front of the Aquarium and walked along the Georges Simenon quay to reach the Saint Nicolas Tower. This 42-meter-high military building symbolizes the wealth and power of the city in the past. Then, from the Quay de Carenage, we admired the view on the narrow entrance of the port, between the Saint Nicolas Tower and the Chain Tower from where the movements of the boats were watched. We went along the quays till the third tower, called the Lantern tower since it is the last medieval lighthouse of the Atlantic coast (55 meters high).

Doggy tips: very nice dog friendly walk along the quays! Dogs are not allowed to visit the towers. Lots of outdoor restaurants and cafes along the quays to have lunch with your dog. We especially liked the restaurant Le Mistral for its good 15-Euro menu and its quiet terrace upstairs.

2. ILE DE RE

It would be a shame to stop by La Rochelle without visiting the famous Ile de Ré, an island connected to La Rochelle by an outstanding bridge of 2.9 kilometers. The island itself is 30 kilometers long and 5 kilometers wide and offers various beaches, villages and lighthouses to stop by. Among our favorite spots: the small beach of La Promenade Theodore Porsain at the beginning of the island. There is a beautiful viewpoint on the bridge and a pier with fishermen. The second must-seen is the ruined Abbey Les Chateliers in the middle of a wide green field. Absolutely gorgeous! At the end of the island, there is l e Phare des Baleines . You can get to this impressive lighthouse through a nice walk.

  Doggy tips: the 3 spots are dog friendly. Your dog should be on leash, especially during high season when Ile de Ré can get really crowded.

3. NOIRMOUTIER

Noimoutier is another island on the Atlantic coast in the region of Vendée. It is connected to the mainland by a bridge built in 1971. The island covers 45,000 hectares with two thirds of it being below sea level and offers a variety of landscape: low lying fields, salt pans and marshes protected by sand dunes, dikes and forests of pine and holm oak trees. Apart from tourism which is the island biggest industry there are fishing and sea salt production industries. We especially enjoyed visiting the main village called Noirmoutier-en-Ile and its charming port, the wood of la Chaize (a charming forrest by the sea) and of course the legendary way of Le Gois, a 4 kilometer long cobble paved causeway which is covered twice a day by the sea.

Doggy tips: Dogs must be on leash. You can stop while crossing the way of Le Gois to let your dog run free on the sand. Just bring a towel to clean your dog before he goes back into the car.

Dog friendly Airbnb: A room in a village at Anne-Gaelle’s house . Sign up to Airbnb through  my link  to save 35 Euros on your first booking.

4. POINTE DU RAZ

The magnificence of the region of Brittany is well-represented at La pointe du Raz, a promontory that extends into the Atlantic ocean. It is the second westernmost extent of France, after the Pointe de Corsen just to the North, and offers breathtaking viewpoints on the dangerous stretch of water between it and the island of Sein. Nature lovers will appreciate the strength of both the ocean and the wind, the vertiginous cliffs and the lighthouse called La Vieille at the horizon. If you want to admire the entire Pointe du Raz, you can go to La Pointe du Van, less touristy.

Doggy tips: Dogs must be on leash on both sites but I let shark free as there was almost nobody when we went there.

5. MONT SAINT MICHEL DE BRASPARTS

Not to be confused with Mont Saint Michel (see below)! This one is also a mountain but it is located in the middle of the National Regional Park of Armorique in Brittany. It was named after the chapel Saint Michel which was built on its 380-meter-high top in the 17th century. You can access it by car until the parking lot then climb some stairs to reach the windy top. We could enjoy a 360-degree view on the peaceful surroundings and a beautiful lake.

Doggy tips: Dogs are allowed on leash on the site.

6. SAINT MALO

Saint Malo was founded in the 12th century on a close rocky island. It is also called the Corsair city because of its famous privateers like Duguay Trouin and Surcouf who gave it a considerable prestige. The old stone walls and buildings witness the historic wealth of the city. Today, Saint Malo cultivates its sailing image and hosts many events like La Route du Rhum . We loved walking through the charming alleys of the historic center, admire the view from the top of the walls and watch the Fort National from the beach De l’Eventail .

Doggy tips: There are poop bag dispensers along the old walls of the city. Some places like the pier that leads to the lighthouse are forbidden to dogs, but most of the beaches are dog friendly. Dogs are also allowed on the walls.

Dog friendly hotel: At Saint Malo, the 2-star hotel La Bonne Etoile   allows dogs in their rooms with an extra fee of 7 Euros per night. The owners have a handsome dog themselves and I was allowed to eat inside their restaurant with Shark.

Cancale is a picturesque fishing port that lies along the coast to the east of Saint-Malo. It is very popular for being the oyster capital of Brittany. There is a pleasant coastal path which permits a circular walk from the town to the rocky finger of la Pointe du Grouin. After visiting the city center and its harbour, we went to the Pointe du Grouin by car. There is a free parking. From there we found the hiking footpath along the ocean for a very nice walk: great viewpoints on the green-blue sea, the island of Landes and across the bay towards Mont Saint-Michel on a clear day.

Doggy tips: Dogs on leash are allowed. There is a restaurant&café with a large outdoor space where dogs are welcome. It is called Brasserie La Pointe du Grouin . They even offered a bowl of water to Shark.

8. DOL-DE-BRETAGNE

Dol-de-Bretagne is a small medieval village with a defensive 13th-century cathedral. It is reputed to be the origin of the royal House of Stewart who became the monarchs of Scotland and later England and Ireland. In the very close surroundings of the village, we found the Mont-Dol, an incredible rocky outcrop that emerges from the flat landscape. Its 65-meter above sea level summit offers stunning views across northeast Brittany. Must-seen: the two windmills and the Notre Dame tower with a large statue of the Virgin Mary on its top. South of Dol-de-Bretagne, in the middle of a yellow colza field, stands the Champ Dolent Menhir. It was erected in the beginning of the Neolithic period, weights about 120 tons and is 9.30 meters high.

Doggy tips: Dogs on leash are allowed at Mont-Dol. I even went up the Notre-Dame tower with Shark to admire the view. As to Menhir du Champ Dolent, there is absolutely no sign so I let Shark run free through the fields.

Dog friendly Airbnb: An independent studio near Isabelle’s house . Sign up to Airbnb through  my link  to save 35 Euros on your first booking.

9. MONT SAINT MICHEL

One of the most famous and visited places in France: the stunning Mont Saint Michel island topped by its fabulous medieval abbey! Located at the frontier between Brittany and Normandy, the Mont-Saint-Michel is one of Europe’s most unforgettable sights and inspires awe to every visitor and pilgrim. It stands in the heart of a wide bay invaded by the highest tides in Europe. The ramparts at the base of the island were built to keep English forces out. There is a huge parking lot 2.5 kilometers from the entry of the Mont Saint Michel but it coasts 12 Euros no matter if you stay one hour or the whole day. Then you can take a shuttle bus or a horse carriage, or walk along the path to the Mont. Personally, I chose to park my car in the close village of Beauvoir for free and walk around 3 kilometers.

Doggy tips: You can visit the village of Mont Saint Michel with your dog but not the Abbey. Be careful if your dog doesn’t feel comfortable around people. The village can get very crowded on weekends and holidays.

10. CLISSON

If you are looking for a charming, delightful and absolutely adorable town in the countryside of Nantes, well this is the place to stop by! Surrounded by vineyards, Clisson is crossed by two rivers, the Sèvre and the Moine. Must-seen: the ruins of the Clisson caslte which was built on a hill in the 11th century, the bridge of La Vallée on the Sèvre river built in the 15th centruy, the old city with its Italian style architecture, the church Notre-Dame.

Doggy tips: Dogs on leash are allowed into the ruins of the castle for free (Individual entrance: 3 Euros). There are plenty of dog friendly outdoor restaurants and there is a beautiful river that crosses the town if your dog feels like swimming.

Dog friendly Airbnb: A room in the countryside at Helene’s house . Sign up to Airbnb through my link to save 35 Euros on your first booking.

Are you ready to take your dog along on a road trip? Enjoy the video below to see how fun it is to travel with a dog 🙂

SPECIAL THANKS

As I don’t own a car, I rent one from  SIXT . Thanks to a last-minute upgrade, Shark and I could make this long road trip in the comfortable, safe and modern SUV Opel Mokka X with an integrated GPS. I had already rent cars from SIXT  many times before and have always been satisfied of their service. That’s why I chose them for this adventure. I thank them for the upgrade and for being a dog friendly company!

I planned this road trip to participate to the French speaking Travel Bloggers’ Fair at Saint Malo. It is the only event of this nature in the world and gathers both travel bloggers and actors of the e-tourism to initiate more collaborations and partnerships. Conferences, workshops, speed meetings and parties during 2 days… A real stepping stone for me as a quite new travel blogger! I thank the organizers Xavier & Florence from WE ARE TRAVEL for this amazing opportunity and hope to participate next year again!

What I love about traveling is meeting new people on the road! Before my departure, I had posted my itinerary on The Tropical Dog’s page on Facebook  and asked my followers if anyone was living on my way. That’s how I got to meet Anne Quemeré (on the picture with her dogs) and Emeline Coic. Anne Quemeré is a great French navigator and sportswoman who loves the ocean and challenges. Among them: rowing the Atlantic on the Trade winds route, kiting across the Atlantic Ocean, and the first solar polar crossing, everytime alone and without assistance! As to Emeline Coic , she is a young and generous animal lover who works at a senior center. She hosted us for a night and introduced us to her dog, cat, rabbit, fish and her horse! Both Anne and Emeline invited us for a walk with our dogs, Anne at Pointe du Van and Emeline at Pointe du Raz. We thank them so much for the happy moments we sharerd and hope our roads will cross again!

Photos & contents @ The Tropical Dog 2015-2017. 

You may also like

Road trip around the Peloponnese with a dog

Road trip in Western Crete with a dog

Traveling with a dog in Bolivia

Traveling with a dog in Peru

Traveling with a dog in Colombia

Don Manolo coffee tour: discover the secrets of Colombian coffee

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

More Stories

Do you wonder if traveling with a dog in Bolivia is possible ? I am happy to share my experience 🙂 After a year…

7 top road trips to see the best of France

Dec 17, 2023 • 6 min read

Experience the best bits of France with these classic French driving routes © Justin Paget / Getty Images

France’s winding cobbled lanes and tree-lined rural roadways offer a straight shot into the heart of the country. Incredible countryside vistas merge into unique and highly wanderable villages, castles and coastlines that will etch your journey into your memories.

Grab a set of wheels and hit the road to embrace the best of this magnificent country. Here is a starter kit of fantastic road trips in France – drive on the right and embark on your own perfect French adventure.

1. Wine villages in Burgundy

Best road trip for wine and architecture Chablis–Beaune; 200km (124 miles), allow 2-3 days

Begin this wine journey in Chablis in the département of Yonne , leaving ample time to taste the seven grands crus (premium vineyards) of this well-known winemaking region. Then connect up with the exquisite Route des Grands Crus , which links many of central Burgundy’s most acclaimed vineyards.

You’ll meander through the vine-carpeted countryside from Gevrey-Chambertin to Puligny-Montrachet , exploring some of the most storied vineyards in the world. Enjoy detours into venerable wine-growing villages whose melodious names – engraved on labels or whispered during a romantic dinner – make oenophiles swoon. 

Pair your wine tasting with some of the country’s most memorable Romanesque architecture – for example, the grand Cathédrale Saint-Lazare d'Autun – and you’ll uplift both body and soul.

Planning tip:  When in Beaune , the town around which the vineyards circle, don’t miss the magnificent Hôtel-Dieu des Hospices de Beaune in the old city, with its exquisite 15th-century altar painting by Rogier van der Weyden.

2. Castles of the Loire Valley

Best road trip for grand châteaux Chinon–Chambord; 189km (118 miles), allow 2-3 days

The extravagant castles along France’s longest river have been the backdrop for royal intrigue for centuries. From warring medieval potentates to the kings and queens of Renaissance France, a parade of powerful men and women has left its mark on the lush Loire Valley.

This drive links up France’s most magnificent collection of castles, ranging from austere medieval fortresses such as Château de Langeais to ostentatious royal pleasure palaces such as Chambord .

Detour:  You can stop along the way and rent a bike to cycle when the weather is fair – don’t miss the graceful arches of Château de Chenonceau reflected in the Cher River near Tours.

3. Across the French Alps

Best road trip for dramatic scenery and family adventures Annecy–St Véran; 363km (225 miles), one week

France’s section of the Alps provides an incomparable setting for a summer road trip (from mid-June to mid-September, when mountain passes are snow-free). This Alpine drive combines awesome splendor with the charms of time-worn mountain culture.

Curve through the heart of the French Alps from Annecy , perhaps France’s prettiest lakeside city, to the slopes of 4808m (15,774ft) Mont Blanc, Western Europe’s highest peak. Then head over the high mountain pass of Col de l’Iseran to reach Bonneval-sur-Arc, a charming Alpine village, and St Véran – France's highest village.

Planning tip:  Amongst all these high points, take regular breaks to hike, mountain bike, white-water raft and ride vertigo-inducing cable cars.

4. Dordogne villages and markets

Best road trip for food and fortifications Monpazier–Domme; 96km (60 miles), 1-2 days

The Dordogne holds two special distinctions – it's the home of many of France's top culinary delights, as well as being a land of fortified villages. Serenity may reign now, but during the Middle Ages, the area was often a battleground because the Dordogne River marked an important strategic frontier between English and French forces during the Hundred Years War.

The region’s châteaux and defensive walls remain – most distinctive of all are bastide towns such as Monpazier, encircled by fortified walls and protected by sturdy ramparts. Each village has a central market square, so if you time your drive right, you can hit a weekly market and sample the local specialties.

Sarlat-la-Canéda is famous for its market, but small villages such as Issigeac are sleeper hits. Over in the village of St Cyprien, you can indulge in another of the Dordogne’s great gastronomic gems – the perle noire of the Périgord, aka the black truffle. Wrap up with a turn along the windy road leading up to amazing panoramic views at Domme.

5. The D-Day Beaches

Best road trip for WWII history Caen–Utah Beach; 142km (88 miles), 1-2 days

On this drive through Normandy , you’ll explore the events of D-Day, when Allied troops stormed ashore to liberate Europe from Nazi occupation in 1944. From war museums to landing beaches, it’s a fascinating and sobering experience. Before you hop in the car, spend some time at the Caen-Normandie Mémorial to get a full D-Day overview.

Several driving routes through the region connect the main battle sites. Look for signs for "D-Day-Le Choc" in the American sectors and "Overlord-l’Assaut" in the British and Canadian sectors.

Planning tip:  Maps of the D-Day beaches are widely available, and local tourist offices have created a helpful e-booklet outlining it all.

6. South of France and the Côte d'Azur

Best road trip for stunning coastline Cannes–Monaco; 62km (39 miles), one day minimum

Cruising the  Côte d'Azur is as dazzling and chic as road trips get. From glamorous Cannes to lively  Nice via the corkscrew turns of the Corniches, then on to the millionaire's playground of Monaco , this is a drive you'll remember forever. Filmmakers, writers, celebrities and artists have all had their hearts stolen by this glittering stretch of coastline – by the end of this trip, you'll understand why.

Aim to avoid the July and August high season when the roads are jammed. If you want more of the south, Provence offers an embarrassment of road trips – from the charming hilltop-perched villages of the Luberon to Arles and the Camargue with its salt flats and flamingos.

7. Breton coast loop

Best for rugged Celtic coastlines and fine seafood St Malo–Vannes; 642km (399 miles), one week

Devote a week to this sea-salty drive to fully experience the region's serene coastal towns, dramatic storm-lashed headlands and the world’s greatest concentration of megalithic sites.

Start at fortified St Malo and loop the entire coast of Brittany , standing on the precipice of the cliffs of the Pointe du Raz , walking through the profusion of prehistoric megalithic sites at Carnac, and wrapping up with a trip to the foodie paradise that is medieval Vannes.

Top tip for driving in France

France's toll road autoroutes are seductive shortcuts, but be aware that the scenery is much more magnificent on the smaller roads and the highways are packed with large trucks and virtually invisible speed-trap cameras. You'll have a gentler, more rewarding drive off the toll routes. 

The Via Michelin website  gives you the cost of routes with or without using toll roads. 

This article was first published Sep 9, 2020 and updated Dec 17, 2023.

Explore related stories

May 13, 2024 • 13 min read

Be inspired to explore Europe by car this summer on one, or more, of these themed driving routes.

Mar 28, 2023 • 6 min read

Jun 29, 2022 • 7 min read

Dec 29, 2021 • 7 min read

Oct 8, 2021 • 3 min read

Sep 3, 2021 • 5 min read

Jul 13, 2021 • 5 min read

Jul 15, 2019 • 5 min read

Jun 4, 2019 • 6 min read

Apr 18, 2018 • 7 min read

Traveling Cross Country with a Dog: Great Travel Hacks + Guide

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links and is a member of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, meaning when you make a purchase, I earn a small commission. Affiliate links cost you nothing to use, and help keep my content free. It’s a win-win for us both! For more info, see the Privacy Policy

I can totally guess your favorite dog breeds based on how you travel

Take this quiz to see which breeds match your style!

Have you been wondering about the best ways to take a cross country road trip with your dog?

We have driven over 100,000 miles on the road with our dogs. We crossed borders, traveled top to bottom, and coast to coast within the United States. Our dogs have been along (lucky us!) for the journey. We have also done this in a car that only has space for us, our dogs, and the stuff we need for the trip. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy for you to have a great trip, but there are a few things that make a huge difference!

This guide weaves together our own experience as well as some of the professional recommendations that the AKC and the Center for Pet Safety provide for traveling with dogs. It is a huge topic, but I really wanted to focus on the things that are in your control and can make a difference between a chaotic trip and a smooth one.

My goal is for this to be useful whether this is your first cross country tip, or you just want some tips and tools to make your next trip go better than the last. Even for veterans there are some tools (see our packing list and food calculator ) that can help plan your cross country trip.

I hope this helps you on towards a great cross country road trip with your dog!

First, if in the back of your mind you are wondering “is it really so complicated you have to write a whole article?” then you are in the right place. As you will see, the actual “how to” is pretty straightforward. However, it is a lot of distance to cover, a lot of things can happen, so I want you to make the best of this trip. If you are like me, you want to know how to do this safely, comfortably, and efficiently.

A quick guide for a cross country road trip with a dog

This section is a quick review of the basic parts of a road trip. Skim through this part to make sure you didn’t miss anything, then keep reading to get to our hacks .

It helps to look at the simplest scenario: a solo cross country road trip where you are just trying to get coast to coast as quickly and as safely possible. Whether it is for fun or for necessity (like moving to a new place or an unexpected life event), a cross country road trip requires both you and precious pup to drive…and drive…and drive all the way across the map.

To achieve this you:

1) Plan your route 2) Drive 3) Make pits stops for food, water, bathroom, car fuel 4) Find and stay in accommodations that allow pets

Road trip essentials

So now with the power of the internet and some common sense, here is a quick guide to traveling cross country with a dog:

Plan and pack for your trip

• Use google maps or Wayze to plan your route
• Break the trip up into daily segments based on how long you can drive without getting tired (be conservative, this is a marathon not a sprint)
• Use the pet friendly filter on Expedia.com or Booking.com to find and book accommodations that allow dogs*
• Pack the basic dog necessities ( food , water, leash, poop bags, bedding, medicines)
• Pack your own travel necessities (clothes, toiletries, etc)
• Use a traveling harness or crate to keep your dog safe**

Hit the road

• Load up the car, get your dog comfy and secure
• Drive (so much driving!)
• Take breaks to keep you and your dog hydrated, fed, alert, relaxed and comfortable. Truck/travel are great pit stops usually with shade and good amenities
• Use shade, climate control, cooling devices/strategies, etc to keep your dog safe when you have to go inside without them (be very careful!)
• Check in to your accommodation. Sleep. Then begin again. * Accommodation is a huge topic all of its own but on trips where you spend one night in each place a hotel is usually your best bet for cost and convenience ** We will cover the benefits of safety restraints in more detail, but is also good to know that there are a growing number of states that by law require dogs to be restrained in your vehicle .

Yes. That’s it! Obviously, for your own trip this list might not be complete. If you are camping, or biking, or touring as a wandering minstrel and circus show … you’ll know best the special things and activities you require for your own adventure.

What should you pack for such a long trip with a dog?

If you have completed any kind of road trip with your dog already, I have good news! You probably have the essentials, but you might need a few extra things that are helpful on the road. If you want to double check that you have everything you need for a road trip, we put together a checklist for you. Our packing list is pretty comprehensive. Rather than exploding this post with long list, we put that at the end, and you can jump to that here if you want.

The checklist is also organized as a system, so the most frequent items are right at hand for you and your doggo, while the important but less used items are off out of the way.

Secure your dog with a Safety Harness or Crate

Both the AKC and the Center for Pet Safety are very clear that the best thing you can do to keep your pet safe is to secure them in a crash tested safety restraint such as a harness or crate. Since you will be spending a lot of time driving, it is one of the best things to minimize movement and distraction for you and your dog.

This can be a challenging topic, but we have a great Travel Hack that has worked really well for us (see Travel Hack #1 ).

TIP : Here is a surprising fact that has been true for all of our dogs. Safety restraints help our dogs settle into “driving mode “. If you help them get used to the setup, it becomes a familiar and even calming routine for them. We have terriers, folks, so if a terrier can get on board, yours can too.

What we have found most surprising is that when they are NOT in their harness or crate, they are more agitated, stressed and active. So bottom line in our car: we wear seatbelts, they wear seatbelts or go in a crate …it is just a part of safe and smooth driving.

3 Great Travel Hacks for a Road Trip With a Dog

Next let’s move next into the heart of this guide, and what I hope you’re really here for: how to maximize comfort, ease and safety.

There is no way around it, you are looking down the road at some serious amounts of travel and driving time. It can be a fun adventure. You might also find yourself wondering what if my dog gets anxious or how do I go to the bathroom if I’m solo driving and one of the biggest questions, what do I do if I need to leave my dog in the car?

So now let’s focus on how to make this trip safe and comfortable for everyone involved. Here are our 3 travel hacks that have really made a difference for us and we hope will for you too.

Travel Hack #1: Our Favorite Crash Tested Restraint

Since crates can take up more room in the back of the car, our first big tip is to use a crash tested safety harness for dogs up to 75 lbs.

We found that SleepyPod Clickit harness is the best for freedom of movement and flexibility while also being secure. We are able to use it as a harness both in the car and for walks. Sam is fine wearing it for long hikes. So it is both comfortable and very solidly constructed. This harness has sizes that fit larger dogs, so even labs can wear it.

For smaller dogs like Denver, a harness will not protect them. We found that the Sleepypod Air is also great. It is comfortable and is built to be secured by the seatbelt. Because it is made to sit in the car seat, we can move Denver in and out of it easily.

We don’t have personal experience with crates that get tied down in the back of a car. However, for larger dogs or to free up your backseat for other passengers, you may need a crate. The Center for Pet Safety tested and approved Cabela ‘s, Gunner , Lucky Duck , and Rock Creek Crates .

While none of these products are cheap, they are built with safety first. The reason why we like the safety harness is because it is one of the more affordable and flexible options.

There’s a great Facebook group for learning how to set up your crate in your vehicle.

Tip : Crates have different purposes and are not interchangeable. Wire house crates and plastic airline crates will not hold up to the impact of a crash

So to sum up here are some of the many reasons to use safety restraints. The biggest is to protect your most precious cargo. They deserve it!

• Safety : Protects your pup and passengers in case of an accident.
• Traffic Laws : Some states require safety restraints!
• Distraction Prevention : Keeps the dog from distracting the driver.
• Comfort : Ensures a more comfortable ride for your canine traveler.
• Stress Reduction : Lessens anxiety for both you and your pet.
• Emergency Preparedness : Easier to manage in unexpected situations.
• Vehicle Cleanliness : Keeps the dog hair, paw prints, etc in one consistent spot

Now do some dogs and their humans have a tough time with this equipment? YES , and yet dogs can learn to make it work. Traveling is a set of skills that almost every dog can master (more on this later).

Travel Hack #2: The Best Pit Stops for Traveling Solo with a Dog

The most efficient routes across the country are also major trucking routes. Gas stations that are built for truckers also make for great places to to take a break with your dog.

Recommended gas stations

Love’s are a pet parent favorite because they often have fenced dog parks TA Travel and Pilot are all over the United States Wawa and Sheetz are popular in many eastern states (and they have often superchargers) Buc-ees are great if you are down South

Our dogs may have seen Niagara Falls and the Golden Gate Bridge , but some of their favorite things have been grass patches at rest stops. I guess there’s a lot of “pee-mail”.

Dog-friendly retail stores are a lifesaver

There is a big problem when traveling solo, since travel stops serve food, you can’t take your dog inside . When the weather is extreme or when you are worried about the safety and security of your dog, retail stores are a great alternative!

Petco, Petsmart, Home Depot , Lowes , and TJ Maxx are just a few of the places that you can usually take your pet. They are large enough so that you can stretch your legs walking around. Home Depot and Lowes typically have big spacious bathrooms right near the entrance.

Note that many of these retailers have pet policies on a store by store basis, but we generally have not had any trouble just waltzing on in (thank you big box retailers!)

Tips for Leaving Your Dog in the Car (Travel Hack #3)

At some point, you will need to leave your dog unattended in the vehicle. It is almost unavoidable, especially if you are traveling solo. There are a few things people do that can really help when you need to leave your dog in the car to use the bathroom, grab something to eat, etc.

The method that works best for you will depend on the type of car you have.

• Remote Start : turn on climate controls while outside of the vehicle (newer cars)
• Physical Key : leave the fob in the car to keep it running, take the physical key out and lock it
• Tesla Dog Mode (This is a life saver. Never heard of it? Well, read on…)
• 3rd party vehicle cooling systems : these are especially popular with sprinter vans and RVs, but you can use them in a regular car too.
• Park in the shade: even on cool days, direct sun can make your car crazy hot

Please be very careful , even with automatic climate controls like Dog Mode, there are some risks to leaving your dog alone in the car especially in extreme heat.

Tips for what to look for in a vehicle

Most folks will just be using the vehicle that they have for their road trip. It is such a big ticket item and car rental prices can be stiff, so most of the time you just go with what you have. However, if you find yourself needing to rent a vehicle or actually are planning on getting a car that is great for traveling with a dog, then it is worth spending a little time on the topic. It is the MAIN piece of gear for your road trip.

Obviously we will only touch the surface here. Cars, trucks, vans all are such a huge topic that depend heavily on budget, style of travel and the size of your dogs. But I have been surprised at how little the “Top Vehicles for Dogs” articles focus on the things that are actually useful for traveling with a dog.

So here are our major features to pay attention to:

• Cargo Space : very important for dogs traveling in crates. You need generous space AND the seats need to lie completely flat
• Remote Start : most new cars will have this, helps keep your dog safe in a pinch
• Automatic Doors : easier to get in and out with your pup and all the stuff
• Configurable Space : seats that easily fold, seats that lie flat (for crates). Sometimes you need to have space for your dog(s), sometimes you need it for people.
• Easy to Clean : dog hair, muddy paws, you know the drill. Can the materials handle it?

Benefits of EV cars like Teslas when traveling with a dog

Dog Mode: this is amazing! It allows you to set the climate of the car to stay the same while you are away. Your dogs can stay comfy in their car while you grab a bite to eat or pop into a store. Using the Tesla App you can monitor the car to make sure the climate is staying on.

Safety Features: Tesla is also the safest vehicle on the road as independently tested by a bunch of different organizations. It has both active and passive safety features to protect you and your pups.

The main drawback – Charging . Our experience with EV Charging is mixed. Charging can be a hassle and in the middle states, the charging infrastructure is sparse. On the flip side more and more hotels are adding charging stations. So forget the gas station, if your hotel has EV charging you can be all fueled up and ready to go in the morning. So there are both pluses and minuses. Interested to learn more? Take one for a test drive ! You can both get some perks and send some thanks my way by using my referral code when you do a test drive or if you go all the way and get one for yourself! Use this link :

Traveling is a skill and your dog can learn it (Bonus Tip)

One last tip is a special combo that can really help your dog become a great traveler on the road and in life in general. A safe space helps your dog keep something familiar through all the changes. A learning mindset helps both you and your dog adjust to all these changes.

A safe space might simply be a favorite blanket and/or toy. The ideal safe space can easily be moved from the car to the room where you are staying. Your dog’s safe space can also be very useful when working on travel skills that help your pup become a happy camper.

The two main skills that will really help your pup make the journey are riding in the car and crate training . Your dog’s safe space can bring comfort and confidence to your dog as they take on these skills. It is a virtuous cycle.

Some dogs will naturally be good travelers, but many dogs have to learn how to travel. Others will have a negative experience and traveling with them can become a nightmare. In most cases this can be avoided.

Car training skills to practice

If this is your first big road trip with your dog, there is a lot you can do ahead of time to get them ready. This section is primarily for those making their first big trip with their dog. But even for folks with few trips under your belt, let’s do a quick sanity check. Here are skills that a well rounded dog will have that really help with traveling:

• Can they settle themselves down and sleep in the car when driving or stopped?
• Can they go for long stretches of driving without getting restless and crazy?
• Can you leave them to stay calm in an unfamiliar place (like a crate in a hotel room)?
• Are they fine to pee and poo on different surfaces and under a variety of conditions?
• Do they eat and drink easily in an unfamiliar place?

Why is this such a big deal? Because if your dog is miserable, than you will also probably be miserable and have fewer options when traveling. The more your dog knows, the more freedoms you both have to enjoy the experience. Since our goal is for and your dog to be comfortable and safe, teaching your dog traveling skills will really help.

Riding in the car : I know it sounds a little silly that riding in the car is a skill, but think about it. It can be bumpy, noisy, nauseating and scary to a dog. Wearing a safety harness or traveling in a crate will also be something your furry friend will need to get used to.

Crate training : this is a lifelong skill that will help your pup deal with separation, learn to calm themselves down, get used to relax in confined spaces, and to be patient. It is a true game changer.

While it is too long a subject to go through here, our post about dogs that refuse to get in the car provides more of a deep dive into some of the issues dogs face while traveling. You can also learn more about what panting in the car might mean for your dog. Most of these skills can fit naturally into your day. Like with anything useful it just takes a small adjustment but can bring a big payoff in the end.

Road trip packing list for your dog

We organize our gear into three categories. 1) things we use all the time, so it just stays right near the dog in a door cubby or footwell 2) things we use daily/nightly, we try to fit those all in one “overnight bag” 3) gear that is useful for longer stays, or used less often If you want to see a brief talk through of our stuff, here’s a video I threw together (plus Denver cameo)

What to pack: what we need all the time

• Water bottle
• Travel Harness /Crate
• Treats and Snacks
• Belly Band / Diapers (for Sam our senior dog)

What to pack: the daily/overnight bag

• Blankets (Pawtect Waterproof is great!) and/or Dog Bed
• Dog Bowls for Water Food
• Towels/Rags for spills and paws
• Stain Remover for spills and accidents
• Collapsible Dog Crate – this one pops open like a tent (fast setup/teardown)
• Toothbrush and Toothpaste

What to pack: important, but bulky or less frequent

• Collapsible Wire Dog Pen : outdoor use, for yards without fences, parks, etc
• Mr Peanuts Dog Packpack : for public transport or carrying dog on long outings
• Collapsible Soft Dog Pen : used inside as a sleeping area
• Grooming Kit
• Bulky Dog Bed
• Refills on frequent items (poop bags, snacks, wipes, etc)

How much dog food do I need for my road trip? Dog Food Calculator

Dog Food Calculator for Your Trip

Do’s and don’ts for traveling in a car with a dog.

To summarize, let’s touch on some dos and dont’s to be aware of. As a start, here is a condensed list of important things to consider for the road ahead.

• Get Records from Your Vet : Ensure vaccinations and medications are up-to-date. Keep your records with you! You can’t plan for everything and there are many dog services (doggy daycare, grooming, etc) that require the records
• Consult a Mechanic : Is your car ready and are your tires in good health?
• Create a Safe Space : A divider, favorite blanket or dog bed can help your dog relax in the car
• Use a Safety Restraint : Our recommendation is a crash test-certified harnesses.
• Have FUN! : Get some great audio books, podcasts and playlists for yourself. Bring toys and chews for the doggo. Take breaks for walks, site seeing, play games!
• Book Longer Stays in Advance : Good pet-friendly Airbnb and Vacation Rentals go fast in popular destinations. Book a few months ahead to beat the crowds
• Get Real Time data with Navigation Apps: Wayze, google maps, etc
• Prepare for Weather : Layers to manage temperatures, umbrellas/raincoats for rain
• Pack a First Aid Kit : Like with the weather, best to be prepared
• Always have a Jug of Water: Stay hydrated, keep it full especially in summer.
• Use Belly Bands or Diapers for Seniors or Puppies: the change and stress of a trip can cause a dog to lose some of the control they normally have. Disposable diapers can help keep everything clean and keep things moving.

DON’T

• Don’t Drive Drowsy, Angry or Distracted : It is as dangerous as driving under the influence. Pull over, take a break. Recharge. Take a nap if you need to.
• Don’t Ignore Signs of Stress : Be aware of your dog’s comfort and health. Take a break and check your dog out if they are showing signs of distress.
• Don’t Get Nailed by Crazy Pet Fees or Policies : Read the fine print, call to confirm, look through all of the house rules and policy sections on Airbnb, Vrbo, etc. The pet fee amount on 3rd party booking sites is often missing or incorrect. You may need to check with the hotel directly.

Wrapping Up: How to Travel Cross Country with a Dog

Planning a successful cross-country road trip with your dog can be intimidating, but with a little preparation and smart packing, you can be on your way. We hope that this guide helps you get ready for the road ahead.

We’ve learned a lot through research and planning, but most experience just came from hitting the road and learning from there. So I hope you have what you need for an enjoyable and memorable adventure across the country with your faithful companion.

Resource Guide for Travel with a Dog

🧳  What’s the best carrier for my dog when traveling?

You need different carriers for different types of travel

This is my favorite carrier for a small dog – Sleepypod Air

This is my favorite car harness for medium-large dogs – Sleepypod Clickit

This is the best for a large dog on a plane – Skymate Kennel

This is my favorite backpack for a small-medium sized dog – Mr. Penuts Tahoe

You can read more about my r eview of types of dog carriers for travel here .

🏨  What’s the best site to find cheap pet-friendly hotels?

To find cheap hotels, I recommend Expedia

Vacation Rentals are often the best option for people with pets VRBO

Stay for free or have someone watch your pet with   Trusted Housesitters!

—–We love traveling and we love our dogs

It’s not always easy to combine the two especially when that means getting on flights or crossing borders. We brought our first dog from Kenya to California, and a few years later she went with us to Ecuador before returning to California where we settled down for a while. Now we are gearing up for a new adventure as we look to bring Sam and Denver on our next global journey. This site is a gift of love to my dogs and to others who love their pets so much, they can’t imagine leaving them behind

Similar Posts

Best Dog-friendly Beaches Near Cambria California: Great Central Coast Activities For You and Your Dog

Are you looking to find the best dog-friendly beaches near Cambria? We’ve got some great on and off-leash options for you on the California Central Coast. Most people are familiar…

Dog Friendly Traverse City, Michigan: The Insider’s Guide

Is Traverse City, Michigan a good place to visit with my dog? Welcome to Up North, a great place to bring your dog on vacation in Michigan. Traverse City is…

Dog Friendly Moab: An Insider’s Guide

Is Moab, Utah a good place to bring my dog? Moab in Utah is the gateway to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise with…

Traveling Australia with a dog: The Ultimate Guide to Unleash the Fun [From a local]

ARE YOU TRAVELING TO OR IN AUSTRALIA WITH YOUR DOG? Katherine loves traveling with her dogs all around Australia. We are so excited she’s willing to share her expertise and…

18x11x11 Pet Carriers: Reviewing the 13 Best + Options for Dogs That Don’t Fit in Airline Approved

Have you been wondering about the best 18 x 11 x 11 Pet Carriers for Extra Large small dogs? I’ve got you covered! As an experienced pet owner and fellow…

50 Dog Travel Picture Captions: Top 10 Dog Breeds

LOOKING FOR THE BEST DOG TRAVEL CAPTIONS FOR YOUR BREED’S INSTAGRAM PICTURES? Fun ideas to capture your Golden Retriever, German Shepherd, Labrador, French Bulldog, Beagle, Poodle, Rottweiler, Yorkshire Terrier (Yorkie),…

The Global Paw

Around the world, one paw at a time

The top 3 European dog friendly road trips revealed

Taking your dog on a road trip is one of the most rewarding experiences you and your pooch could ever have. Traveling down picturesque, countryside roads and stopping to stretch your legs along wide open fields is sure to bring some wags to your furry friend’s tail.

The majority, or 75%, of families plan to take a road trip in the next 12 months and more than half, or 60% , already plan their holidays around their pets.

Now, Tails.com , a dog food subscription site, has put together a list of Europe’s most iconic road trips which offer the best experience for dogs (and their parents too).

The site took 78 of the most popular European road trip journeys and researchers used a five point criteria to determine which road trips offer the most for dogs and dog parents along the way.

Paris to Nice (France)

Ranking at the very top is this 578-mile road trip through the heart of France. The country is already known for being quite dog friendly. Along this exceptional route, you will pass through hundreds of dog-friendly destinations including Paris, Lyon, Valence, Avignon, Marseille and Nice.

Tails.com gave this road trip a score of 36.2 out of 50 for elements like dog-friendly Airbnb’s and dog-friendly restaurants along the way. Your dog will be able to stop and rest their paws after traveling so much.

The site recommends making stops to Lyon, Valence, Avignon and Marseille along the way.

2. Edinburgh to Kirkwall (Scotland)

Earlier this year, Edinburgh ranked at the top for pet friendly UK staycations, so it’s no surprise that the city ranks as one of the top 3 for road trips. The city has loads of green spaces, pet friendly Airbnb’s and places to eat. Just outside the city there are several beaches including the popular Portobello Beach which is dog friendly.

Along the way, Tails.com recommends making stops along Aberdeen and Inverness on the way to Kirkwall.

“Kirkwall Harbourfront is a picturesque place to enjoy a leisurely stroll with your dog and once you’ve worked up an appetite, perch on a bench with some fish and chips, watching the local fishermen come and go,” Tails.com states.

3. Marbella to Granada (Spain)

This Spanish road trip scores 30.4 out of 50 for dog-friendly restaurants and Airbnb’s and there’s plenty of places to stop off for some tapas and dog treats along the way.

Tails.com pointed out several restaurants that let your pooch join.

Along the way, you can make stops in the beautiful cities of Ronda, Cadiz, Jerez de la Frontera, Seville and Cordoba.

Rounding out the top ten dog friendly road trips are:

4. England – The Atlantic Highway (Barnstaple, Bude, Exmoor National Park, Newquay).

5. France – Alsace Wine Route (Mulhouse, Colmar, Strasbourg)

6. England and Wales – Oxford to Wye Valley (Oxford, Cotswolds, Cheltenham, Gloucester, Ross-on-Wye)

7. England – Plymouth to Southampton (Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park, Exeter, Dorchester, Bournemouth, New Forest, Southampton)

8. Portugal – Atlantic Coast (Porto, Coimbra, Nazare, Sintra, Lisbon)

9. Scotland – Royal Deeside Tourist Route (Perth, Blairgowrie, Aboyne, Aberdeen)

10. Italy – Florence to Amalfi Coast (Florence, Siena, Rome, Positano, Ravello)

For tips on how to take your dog on a road trip check out:

Share this:

• Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

2 weeks in France, our French Road Trip Itinerary

Over summer we spent a magical 2 weeks in France. We travelled from the UK by ferry and car heading straight through the centre of the country all the way down to Bordeaux and back, trying to take in some of the lesser explored parts of the Country. Here’s our French road trip itinerary so you can start planning your next family holiday to France.

This post contains affiliate links. This means I receive a small commission if you book through one of these links. At no extra cost to you. 

List of Contents

• 1.1 Day One on our French Road Trip Itinerary
• 2.1 Day two
• 3.1 Day Three
• 4.1 Day Four
• 5.1 Day Five
• 7.1 Day 7 to 11
• 8.1 Day 11 and 12
• 10.1 Day 14
• 11 A final thought on our two weeks in France

UK – Lille

Day one on our french road trip itinerary.

Miles Traveled:

This one took most of the day, we left home super early to catch the lunchtime ferry from Dover to Dunkerque. The sailing was around two hours. On arrival on French soil the drive from Dunkerque to Lille took about an hour and a quarter. In total this was just over 300 miles. And a great start to this France road trip with kids.

Where we stayed:

On arriving into Lille we immediately headed to our hotel. The Ibis Styles Lille Centre Grand-Place  was the perfect location for exploring Lille. Right in the centre of town with a carpark just across the road. This was the first of several Ibis hotels we stayed in during our trip. They’re such great value, always clean with good sized family rooms.

Where we ate:

As with most meals during our two weeks in France we just wandered the town and stopped wherever had space and looked good. This time we totally struck gold. We found La Pate Brisee on Rue de la Monnaie and grabbed one of their pavement tables. This is a great French restaurant with super friendly waiting staff and great food (and wine). Of course we had to try the local delicacy, Le Welsh. It’s kind of a supercharged rarebit. Bread soaked in beer, covered in Cheese with an egg on top. Baked in the oven to make it super gooey. It was delicious but crazy rich, I could never manage it all. Piper had a fish and chips which she gobbled up and Nigel enjoyed a rich beef stew.

Lille – Chantilly

Miles Travelled:

Lille to Chantilly is a fairly easy 120 miles. The drive took around two hours and included some toll roads.

We stayed at the beautiful Mercure Chantilly Resort . It’s set in stunning countryside and forests making it the perfect place for a family friendly walk. We had a family room which easily slept the 3 of us. It even has a swimming pool if you are traveling with a little mermaid like us!

Eating in Chantilly was all about the cake. The bakeries lining the main road through town serve up some delectable treats and we mainly survived on these. They also create some amazing savoury treats and we enjoyed fresh pizza and pastries picnic style as we walked around town. We also stopped for a super strong coffee hit at one of the pavement cafes. Perfect!

Chantilly – Versailles

The drive from Chantilly to Versailles is just over 40 miles. It will take quite a while, maybe up to two hours as you’ll no doubt get stuck in traffic on the outskirts of Paris. It was very cool however to see the Eiffel Tower from the motorway. This route also includes toll roads. Read all about our trip to Versailles with kids and our visit to the spectacular Palace.

In Versaille we were back to another brilliant Ibis, and this one was right across the road from the train station. The ibis Versailles Chateau  hotel is a great value 3 star located within easy walking distance to the Palace and plenty of places to eat and shop. We opted for a family room and had a great continental breakfast before heading off the next day.

Again we wandered the streets and stopped at a pavement restaurant that looked popular with locals. We were after a bit of comfort food so shared a pizza whilst Piper opted for spaghetti bolognese. Then it was early to bed before a busy day, with full stomachs and happy memories. I recommend just wandering down the Rue de Satory and picking somewhere you like the look of.

Versailles – Paris

Paris with kids is absolutely magical and this was a super easy travel day. It’s around 13 miles from Versailles to Paris and we traveled by train. It took less than an hour on a direct train which was very clean and extremely quiet. I loved that we utilised public transport for one of the days of our France road trip with kids.

Read more about how we managed Paris in one day here.

We enjoyed our second night at the ibis Versailles Chateau hotel.

On our way back to the train station we wandered past the brilliant Quai Liberte on the river front. It’s a lovely beer garden with a real “vacay” vibe. It’s only open over the summer months but is well worth stopping in if you’re passing. Food is small, fresh and simple but it’s the atmosphere that should convince you to stay!

Versailles – Limoges

This was a fairly intense travel day as we wanted to get down South as soon as possible. We covered over 250 miles in around 4 hours. Again there were toll roads to pass through but we were so impressed with them. It’s very easy to navigate and the roads never got too busy.

We booked ourselves in at the Novotel Limoges Le Lac  mainly due to the fact it has an outdoor pool. This is always a massive positive for Piper and she loved cooling off after being in the car for so long. It’s slightly out of town in what feels like a rather industrial area but the Lake in the grounds of the hotel made for the perfect place for a post walk dinner. We saw some amazing sunsets.

As none of us could face getting back in the car we chose to eat at the hotel. The restaurant was nice and food excellent. I had a delicious Caesar salad and Piper was delighted to discover her first kids menu of the holiday. It was of course super expensive but that’s to be expected in a hotel.

Limoges – Perigueux

Miles Travelled: 

This was one of the easiest legs of the journey with just 60 miles to travel. We took it slow and covered the distance in under two hours.

The Ibis Perigueux Centre  is a brilliant place to stay in Perigueux with kids. It’s right in the centre of town near the cathedral. So you wont struggle for things to do or great places to eat. You can park onsite for a small charge and family sized rooms are available which are great value.

We stopped for lunch at a tiny bistro we found in a small town we passed through. I love these places, they often have locals indoors watching TV, enjoying an afternoon beer. Don’t be afraid to stop somewhere and give it a go.

Perigueux is very much a tourist town so you definitely won’t struggle to find good restaurants. We went boringly British and opted for Watson’s Pub . It’s absolutely huge with heaps of indoor and outdoor seating and serves pub classics such as burgers and fish and chips.

Perigueux – Pessac-sur-Dordogne

Day 7 to 11.

You can read all about visiting the Dordogne with kids over on this post, it will give you a great idea on the activities that we tried but some of our favourites included visiting Chateauxs, pretty French towns , vineyards and inland Dordogne beaches .

Another super easy travel day and the start of our rest break. It was around 50 miles from Perigueux to our lovely Dordogne holiday rental. With a stop for coffee along the way the journey was around an hour and a half.

Being the longest stay of our two weeks in France we chose a holiday rental for accommodation in this part of the Dordogne. We loved having the extra space to fully unpack and a kitchen to cook some healthy food in. We spent evening sat on the terrace watching the sunset over nearby vineyards. While Piper raided the DVD library and caught up with friends.

This part of the stay was all about cooking. We mooched into town each day and stocked up of local produce and meat for the barbeque. We took picnics on our day trips and had lazy breakfasts before heading out. These slow days are so important when covering long distances and I highly recommend including some in your French road trip itinerary.

Pessac-sur-Dordogne – Talence near Bordeaux

Day 11 and 12.

After our lovely few days relaxing the 45 mile drive to our hotel on the outskirts of Bordeaux felt completely manageable. Although it took us longer than expected – around two hours as we got a bit lost looking for the hotel.

This had to be my favourite hotel of our stay. And was actually the reason we chose to stay in Talence rather than Bordeaux city centre. Domaine de Raba  is an absolutely stunning Boutique hotel. It’s quirky design coupled with its focus on wellness and the outdoors made for a wonderful stay. They even have a private cinema you can book! I think this was our favourite hotel on the whole of this France road trip with kids. Read more about this stunning hotel near Bordeaux and get booking!

We loved the hotel so much we just didn’t want to leave so ate onsite at Les Petits Caprices . The food was amazing and the decor beautiful. I recommend a visit even if you’re not staying in the hotel.

Talence – Le Mans

And so the long trip home begins. We wanted to get as close to the North Coast as possible so covered just under 300 miles. It was an exhausting 5 hours and one of the longest travel days of this France road trip itinerary.

We opted for the Novotel Le Mans  again because it had a pool. We only needed somewhere en route, clean and good value. The Novotel ticked off all those boxes. Piper loved a dip in the small outdoor pool and we got a great nights sleep before our long drive home the next day.

We ate at the hotel for convenience. It was a lovely end to the break. We opted for a charcuterie board, breads and cheeses. Plenty of fine French food for our last supper.

Le Mans – Home

Finally it was the last 500 mile stint home. This time we sailed from Calais which cut down the driving distance further but the journey did still take the whole day. We arrived home happy, disheveled and with case loads of washing and many happy memories.

A final thought on our two weeks in France

Long travel days call for a good hotel, preferably with a pool to burn some energy. On days when we were exploring cities, budget hotels were fine as we weren’t in them for long.

If we were to head off on another trip around France I would hopefully extend this French road trip itinerary to include more beach time and make it further South. France is immense and varied, I don’t really feel we scratched the surface.

For more French inspiration make sure you check out my post on Bergerac, France .

Make sure you pin for later to plan your next French road trip itinerary.

Road trip with dog through France and Italy

Holidays with a mobile home are not really my thing. I am therefore happy to be able to publish a guest article by Sabine today, who went on a road trip with a dog to France and Italy in a campervan.

Preparation for the road trip with the dogWe – this is Corinna (42) and Sabine (19) and our “little, one-year-old dog” Sara (Greek Alopekis-Kokoni mixed breed bitch from an animal sanctuary in Hungary, who we took in with us in November 1064) – dared the adventure in May of this year, on a To go on a road trip with a dog through France and Italy – and all that in a very small space in a campervan.

Road trip with a dog through France and Italy – the complete pack

A 6,19 meter long camp Ervan Van 620 was quickly hired at Ahorn Camp in Dietzenbach. Since we still had plenty of crockery, cutlery and cooking pots from previous camping holidays, we decided not to rent the equipment, because that is of course also possible for an extra charge. Dogs are allowed. At the end of the tour, the van only has to be handed over free of dog hair.

Sara’s place was found quickly… 😎 …even if there wasn’t that much choice due to the limited space, she naturally got the “best” place – on the folded table and the bench in the dining area. We put a blanket on the insulating mat for car windscreens and then put Sara’s dog basket on top of it. That was her throne during our trip.

The rough route planning for our road trip with dog with start and end point in Rodgau looked like this:

Kirchheimbolanden (Germany)Nancy (France)Chaource near Troyes (France)Orléans (France)Bourges (France)Montpellier (France)Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer (France)St. Tropez (France)Menton (France)Asti (Italy)Gardasee (Italy)South Tyrol (Italy)Farchant (Germany)Da so that we don’t forget anything, we made packing lists in advance – well. It’s amazing what’s on it and what we took with us. We brought about two thirds of that back home unused… 😉 …

Starting the holiday with a few teething problemsOn . th 1305 it finally started. Our first overnight destination should be Kirchheimbolanden in Rhineland-Palatinate, because on the one hand we found the vineyards very beautiful and wanted to go to the Greek restaurant there for dinner.

We made our road trip with a dog with a campervan from Ahorn Camp in Dietzenbach

Our plan was to spend the first night in German on the ground so that we can comfortably “groove in” with the campervan for our road trip with the dog. However, that didn’t really work. Unfortunately, the parking space we chose using the Park4Night app turned out to be a flop, because we didn’t feel comfortable there at all.

We then drove on to France and stood directly behind the border on a concrete parking lot “free=free” in front of a school and a church. Great, because the French also have it 18. May 1305 a public holiday – and that meant: no children knocking on the van in the morning! However, we hadn’t considered that the church bell rings every half hour… 🙈… The first night was therefore restless, uncomfortable, cold and completely unfamiliar.

From Nancy via Troyes to OrléansIt doesn’t matter – after the first coffee, brewed on the gas stove in the van, and the first walk with Sara across the school car park the city of Nancy will be the destination of the day. The Lorraine city is considered the capital of French Art Nouveau and surprised us with its beautiful city center, the impressive Place Stanislas and a good and, above all, affordable parking lot.

On top of that, there was warm weather! T shirt weather! But we didn’t want to spend the night in a big city parking lot on a holiday in a big city, even though the parking lot would have given it. We were also still too prejudiced – because of theft, burglary, vandalism, etc.

Since I am 19. It was May’s birthday and we always wanted to keep an eye on the weather, so we decided not to drive south just yet, but rather to aim for Brittany with Mont St. Michel (where we ultimately never landed). So we drove on to the village of Chaource, which is known for its soft cheese made from slightly salted cow’s milk and is close to Troyes.

While the two mistresses are driving through France, Sara just sleeps for a while

What can I say? The landscape there reminded me very much of Mississippi or Tennessee in the USA. A dream for me. But why did we actually end up in this tiny place where there is only the famous cheese? Because at the same time my girlfriend’s boss was visiting Eppertshausen’s sister city. And who then knocked on our van door early in the morning? The boss with two croissants and a pack of Mon Chérie.

After our morning routine – feeding the dog, walking the dog and a coffee for us – we headed towards Orléans. Because, as a fan of the Southern States, I’ve already been to New Orleans and thought it might work. And how fitting! We had a free parking space behind a gym and playground which was central to downtown, safe and nice and quiet.

Orléans impressed us with the beautiful cathedral, great shops and cleanliness throughout the city. A reason to come back. For breakfast (at o’clock … ,-) …) we had delicious paella and fresh fallen apples from the market stall below the equestrian statue of Joan of Arc equestrian statue. Our Sara had to be satisfied with a chewing stick. We loved the city that Joan of Arc liberated from the English. It is a young and very lively university town where life is certainly good.

From Bourges via Montpellier to the Côte d’AzurThe weather app forecast a low coming from Great Britain with rain over Brittany for the next few days. Without further ado, we decided to turn the rudder to the south. Instead of driving to Mont St. Michel, we continued our road trip with the dog in the direction of the Côte d’Azur and headed for Bourges first.

And so we suddenly found ourselves geographically right in the center of France. Bourges has a magnificent cathedral, which for me was one of the most amazing I have seen so far. It was somewhat reminiscent of a “Lord of the Rings” scene from the dwarf town of Khazad Dum – with mighty high columns and a choir singing at times – the sound was bombastic.

On our road trip with dog we passed through the magical little town of Souvigny-en-Sologne, which we liked very much

Shortly before Bourges we discovered the sleepy little town Souvigny-en-Sologne with an incredibly beautiful antique shop, in which we spent 42 euros. Sara wasn’t particularly interested in our purchases. She found the backyard of the shop much better with free-roaming geese and cat food laid out.

Unfortunately we missed a super free parking space there, which was a little outside of this town at a pond on the edge of the forest. I’m still annoyed that we didn’t spend the night there and instead found a solo pitch behind Bourges near Faverdines on Lake La Chaillance, far away from civilization.

A pitch all to ourselves – but it was a bit scary

So The evening view of the lonely lake in a pink sun mood was also nice there – there was even a free toilet and running water for washing dishes and filling up our fresh water tank – I was a bit scared at night. You can’t rely on Sara in this respect – she is a bad watchdog and endowed with a soulful sleep that I could only “dream” if I could have dreamed…

In terms of language, by the way, we had almost no problems. We had prepared a few French phrases that we got along with very well. Unfortunately, I lost my knowledge from four years of French lessons at school for some inexplicable reason … but contrary to all my fears: the French obviously saw our efforts and did not let us starve linguistically.

In the morning after our overnight stay at the lake, we decided to head for our road trip with our dog Montpellier as the destination for the day – more precisely the district of Palavas-les- Flots. A long stage on federal roads tormented us because we wanted to save on tolls and had enough time – after all, still almost 1.5 weeks.

We reached this coastal town, which was not so beautiful for us, only in the evening shortly before the Area Sosta Palavas Les Flots campsite closed and were given a parking space on a busy road. The parking space was paved, which with a dog and “dirt” is always a mini bonus point compared to a sand parking lot. The site was secured at night by security guards and had a sufficiently high fence around the small marina.

In Montpellier stan We parked on a busy street

On the beach, Sara was allowed to feel the sea on her paws for the second time in her life (the first time it was the North Sea in Brunsbüttel). But she didn’t understand why the water first moved towards her and then retreated again – and again and again. That was still very scary for her – besides, it was already getting dark.

Everything about this French seaside town was very exciting for her – the thousand smells, the salt water, the whiff of fish in the air, the sunscreen on the floor, ice spills on the roadside, seaweed mixed with flotsam on the beach, stray cats and thousands of squawking white seagulls. And that when she was only used to pigeons, crows, blackbirds and wild geese from our fields.

She couldn’t have guessed that Montpellier would be the “very lowest category” of luxury bays that we were yet to reach. Unlike Sara, we found Montpellier just awful. That’s why we got up early to sunbathe a little further east on the Plage du Grand Travers with our dog on the beach.

Due to the miserable ratings in the Park4night app (with burglaries in mobile homes even in broad daylight) we couldn’t really relax there and didn’t stay long because our campervan was behind the dunes and therefore out of sight.

On the onward journey the drama started for us – streets so narrow that you were condemned to sneaking with a normal vehicle. High curbs. Speed ​​bumps and partly double-lane roundabouts. That demanded quite a bit of driving ability from us. Last but not least, there were also many bridges and underpasses – also tunnels – with height restrictions, which would have turned our van into a convertible in no time at all if we hadn’t driven according to the 4-eyes principle.

Even the normal supermarkets had restricted parking spaces! It slowly dawned on us that the idea of ​​also heading to the Côte d’Azur as part of our road trip with a dog might not be the best idea. That’s why we left Marseille behind after struggling through Montpellier and other places.

Sara always slept very well on our trip …

Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer, Saint Tropez and Menton At the end of the day we reached Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer without any damage. In the Allée des Pins we found a shady, spacious spot to park and spend the night. However, the pure parking cost us 30 euros. For the second row of the beach and the proximity to the center in a well-kept, safe environment, this was justifiable for us.

But then came a shock – all the beaches were closed to dogs. And unfortunately these beaches were only too dreamlike! We chatted with a waiter in the restaurant and asked about a “dog beach”. He said that the beaches here can still be used now that we are still in the low season. We did that the next day! And were promptly sent off by a local beach patrol.

The waiter’s information turned out to be false information. The lady from the regulatory office was by bike and spoke very good English. I sensed my chance, politely asked for understanding and that we only wanted to teach our baby to swim. In addition, it was our first time here and the city was so great … especially Sara’s sweet look made sure that she gave us a great insider tip where we could go into the water with Sara.

We only had to walk down a narrow staircase and reached a pebbly beach with shallow, non-sharp-edged cliffs that rise like stairs in s sea – a place where the water was only up to my navel. A small rock further in the water was our saving island. We were able to let Sara do her first swimming attempts here without hesitation. With success, if not yet with much enthusiasm (on the part of Sara).

However, this “island stone” was also the home of an octopus, which was the size of a medium pizza and was well camouflaged. We had the deal with him “you don’t hurt us, we don’t hurt you”. Tired from this great experience in the crystal clear Mediterranean Sea, we walked back to the car to get ready for the night. On the way there we met Mr. Lizard, who was enjoying the last rays of sunshine quite tamely on his ledge – and my stroking over his head. Sara didn’t want to get any closer to him. He also looked dangerous with the spikes!

In the evening we ate the world’s best pizza at the Place Portales and unexpectedly came across the Statue de la Liberté as it is enthroned in the harbor of New York. I felt more and more comfortable in France, despite the impossible traffic management and the little dog-friendly “official” beaches.

Our road trip with dogs now went towards St. Tropez because we had unfortunately driven it to the scrap heap on one of the many high speed bumps at walking speed. After two unsuccessful attempts to park (there was a height restriction in each case, which is not communicated in the app), we were rewarded with a great parking space at the Plage de Pampelonne, which stretches along the Mediterranean Sea south of St. Tropez with fine sand and is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Côte d’Azur. Magnificent view of St. Tropez

And how! 18° C degrees, a still quite fresh Mediterranean Sea and – hard to believe – dogs are allowed on the beach (even if they are on a leash 😉). We had found our dream bay. The line was quickly removed, the stick in the water and after half an hour Sara was swimming with joy and fun. I also got my first sunburn here – on my back – pick up the stick and play with the dog!

In St. Tropez we found a small dream bay on the Plage de la Pampelonne

Since I Having already bought a snorkel and diving goggles in Saint Cyr, I also used them there in the clean and crystal-clear sea water. We absolutely loved it. By the way, there was another camper with a Hanau license plate right next to our camper. The world seems to be really too small… 😉 …

We stood here for two nights and paid a total of 19 euros – drinking water supply, gray water (rinse and toothbrush water from the sink) and black water (on-board toilet contents) disposal included. There were showers, but they weren’t clean. So we continued to use the outdoor shower, because we were already used to cold water.

On our road trip with our dog in France, we particularly liked the Plage de la Pampelonne

Of course we were also in St .Tropez and got free roadside parking so we could walk into town and check out the outrageously expensive yachts. Luxury, the jet set, seeing and being seen are the order of the day here. Wonderful!

When it was supposed to be raining and cloudy overnight and also the next day, we decided to drive to Menton – we deliberately left out Cannes and Nice, because it is almost impossible to get to these lively and popular cities with a 6,20 meter long Driving a “bus”, let alone parking there – at least for us. Those who want to see these cities are best served with a city trip by plane and public transport. Optionally with a rental car. But not with a van and certainly not with even longer vehicles.

The marina of Menton – beautiful, right?

In Menton we found a public parking lot at the marina very close to the beach and the promenade (Promenade de la Mer) at a roundabout with a park in the middle. We stayed there overnight but were woken up the next morning by the local cleaning service. They loudly cleaned around us with the sweeper. Menton itself is a really beautiful place. Nice shops, great bars, a colorful city facade lined with palm trees. The weather rewarded us there with constant summer temperatures. It was almost too hot for Sara.

Back home via Lake Garda and South TyrolMenton is close to the border, so we were quickly in Italy. We had chosen an agriturismo parking lot near the town of Asti via park4night. The owner of the wine and grappa estate Rovero spoke perfect English and we didn’t have any language problems.

The estate was like winning the lottery for us. The Rovero family has been growing wine there for generations and sells their products internationally – a real family business under the Italian sun in Tuscany. Although the owner takes a maximum of three campers, we were in the fortunate position of being able to use the area alone, as the family was busy preparing a party themselves.

On the great pitch on the Rovero family estate in As we would have liked to have stayed longer

For 07 euros we were able to enjoy a pool, a park, hot showers, a renovated toilet, the tasting cabinets for wine and grappa and the wonderful summer sun all to ourselves. And Sara was allowed to run free without a leash. We would have liked to have stayed longer here, but due to a wedding the next day, the estate was unfortunately fully booked.

One of the most beautiful pitches that we had during our road trip with dog was definitely the Rovero estate in Asti

So we continued the next day to the southern part of Lake Garda, which we didn’t like after a short “transit wow” because of the population density. We continued to Nordgar where Arco surprised us with a great ice cream shop and the beautiful viewpoint of Castello di Arco.

There we stayed again on the very well-kept agriturismo pitch Agricampeggio Le Corniole in Sottomoscal, which seemed very expensive to us at 18. But the owners were very friendly and all the facilities were newly built – including the pool and wine tasting option.

We also had a beautiful and very well-kept pitch with a swimming pool and all the trimmings on Lake Garda

However, we liked the Agri parking space in Asti a lot better. But it doesn’t matter – the last part of our journey had now begun for us, and we drove via Caldaro (one night) straight on to Alpe di Siusi . In “Seis/Siusi” we stood with our van directly under the “Seiser Alm-Bahn” and were able to enjoy a wonderful sunset atmosphere.

Our plan to spend the night on the Alm unfortunately did not work due to heavy thunderstorms combined with hail, as we had summer tires. But we had a nice parking space where we stayed for two days, where we went on wonderful hikes.

Famous photo hotspot on the Alpe di Siusi

If you like the Alps and hiking, you will get your money’s worth here. Sara has grown into a zip line pro in a short amount of time and is now able to get in and out on her own even though the thing is moving. And wearing a muzzle (mandatory in gondolas) is no problem for them.

Fantastic view over the Alpe di Siusi in South Tyrol

And then we were already back in Germany, where we made the last stop on our road trip with a dog in our favorite place Farchant near Garmisch Partenkirchen. First of all, we enjoyed the pork knuckle in the Hofbräuhaus. Then we found a wonderful parking space on the sports field with the ringing of cowbells.

In the morning we were woken up by cows that were herded past our vehicle onto a new pasture. Farchant is a village that has it all. Also a warm water swimming pool which gives campers a hot shower for an entrance fee. We would love to live here. The Zugspitze always in view.

22812On our road trip with our dog through France and Italy, Farching near Garmisch-Partenkirchen was our last stop before we went home

After a hike to the Sankt Martin mountain restaurant, where we stopped after a failed ascent to the Kramerspitz, the last evening of our vacation began. And we spent that at our favorite Italian restaurant in Farchant, the Ristorante “Da Giovanni”. The next morning we headed home.

Road trip with a dog to France and Italy – conclusionWe had a great holiday – despite many challenges. It was fun traveling around France and Italy (although it was quite exhausting at times).

Next time we would definitely choose a shorter and maybe even lower vehicle. Or perhaps you’d rather rent a holiday home if you want to go to the south of France and/or Italy.

In the north of France, a larger campervan is no problem at all, as there are no parking problems anywhere. The dog didn’t bother us at all, and Sara didn’t mind being driven around and always being able to sniff out new places. And we were also able to remove all the dog hair …

Text + photos: Sabine Voltz

Related Posts

The best pets for kids: you should know that

Summer with a dog: That's what matters!

Adblocker detected.

Dear visitor, it seems that you are using an adblocker please take a moment to disable your AdBlocker it helps us pay our publishers and continue to provide free content for everyone. Please note that the Brave browser is not supported on our website. We kindly request you to open our website using a different browser to ensure the best browsing experience. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

• France Tourism
• France Hotels
• Bed and Breakfast France
• France Holiday Rentals
• Flights to France
• France Restaurants
• France Attractions
• France Travel Forum
• France Photos
• All France Hotels
• France Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in France
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

French road trip with dog. - France Forum

• Europe    
• France    

French road trip with dog.

• United Kingdom Forums
• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Holiday Rentals
• Europe forums
• France forum

We are hoping to travel to Bordeaux and back with our 10 month old french bulldog.

We would like help with finding pet friendly hotels or B&B's.

plus any ideas of nice towns to visit along the way.

Our interests include Lovely food and wine, cheeses and off the track towns.

thanks for you help

I was thinking of driving though the rural areas and smaller towns, possibly though Rouen and Angers .

But it depends on whether you want to go mainly by motorway and tolls or just meander down on the quieter but slower roads.

There are literally hundreds of towns and villages on the 550 mile journey to Bordeaux.

Have a look at these sites for villages that may be of some interest to you and any of them on your route would be worth a visit.

http://www.villagesdefrance.free.fr/

http://www.les-plus-beaux-villages-de-france.org/en

We set off last year for La Rochelle from Calais on a two week holiday but never got that far as we found so many interesting places to see and things to do.

Almost all major hotel chains throughout France allow dogs, well behaved obviously, and most other hotels and B&Bs accept them as long as you inform them beforehand – France is very dog friendly.

If you find a Vet for the Pet Passport scheme on your way back could you let me know if it is ok or not as I've compiled a recommended Vets List and hope to add extra Vets throughout this year.

I could let you have a copy of the List, 80 vets and counting, if you would like one.

I second Sarastro's comment: take a kid to a restaurant, and you may be frowned upon, but a dog ...no problem!

If you use the hotel search facility on www.viamichelin.com, one of the options you can specify is whether the hotel accepts pets.

P.S. I recommend that you get a travel crate for your dog to sleep in. It will be much happier to sleep in its own space than if forced to adapt to different surroundings every evening, which it may well find threatening. Our dog pads around hotel rooms constantly at night and feels the need to guard us (by woofing at any unusual noise) unless he is in his crate. As you can imagine, that becomes a little wearing after a while. For a dog that young, a non-chewable metal crate might be best, and you can cover the top with a towel so he feels relaxed.

At least the new rules to have your dog wormed make life much easier and you can stop at a vet further from Calais. I have decided that the cost of a pet passport vet visit is inversely proportional to the distance from the ferry port!

I will try and dig out details of vets we have used in the past for our well travelled border collie!

railenthusiast - I will try and dig out details of vets we have used in the past for our well travelled border collie!

That would be appreciated.

The French Vets List I've compiled has prices last year ranging from €15 to €60 for one dog although prices should drop for this year as the Vet is required to do less under the new regulations.

Have a careful word with your home Vet too.

The Pet Passport scheme is designed to protect people, not pets!

The dangers are relatively few if you take care, but French dogs in certain areas have natural immunity to some conditions that are potentially deadly for UK dogs who have never been exposed to them, like Babesia.

• Vintage and Thrift Stores in Nice 08:08
• Cap D’ail short train platform (from airport) 08:07
• paris car hire 08:05
• Where to stay in southern France 07:42
• CDG- TGV to Avignon question. 07:36
• Paris without air-conditioning in June. 07:29
• Best Route from Ch De Gaulle airport to Tours or Amboise 07:28
• Hen party - activities for a rainy day! 07:26
• Is 4 Nights in Annecy Too Long in February? 07:21
• Mastercard and tickets 07:20
• Boston to Paris...Delta or Air France? 06:57
• Olympic 2024 Paris travel disruption , updates? 06:26
• Help with visit during D-Day anniversary week 05:52
• Travel from Geneva Airport 05:43
• AutoEurope Warning 40 replies
• Prepaid French 3G micro-SIM for iPad - it's not a problem! 49 replies
• Where to stay South of France 6 replies
• Toll Roads Calculator? 2 replies
• Looking for-Quiet campsite, no kids, nr beach, South France? 12 replies
• cost of food and drink 5 replies
• B&B near A16 within 1 hour of Channel tunnel 4 replies
• Homelidays 54 replies
• marseille to Arles by train 13 replies
• WW2 sites and places to visit. 6 replies

France Hotels and Places to Stay

• Where to go ?
• Everything you want to know about public transport
• Train, car rental and driving in France
• How to ask a Forum question
• What happens during French strikes?
• Olympic Games - transportation fares

Best French Road Trips – 12 Amazing France Road Trip Ideas

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

France by Car

If you have wheels, wanderlust, and some free time, there’s nothing like a road trip to make you appreciate the diversity of the country at a more relaxed pace. A road trip in France ticks all the boxes of epic drives, amazing food, friendly people, beautiful culture, and some of Europe’s most gorgeous sights. Plus, French road trips are fun!

From the Alps to the French Riviera, from the Atlantic Ocean to cute medieval villages inland, France by car means unforgettable routes that will plunge you straight into the country’s heart and soul.

We’ve taken many road trips through France, and you can find more France road trip ideas here . For this post, however, we asked other experienced travelers and friends to help us complete the list of the very best road trips in France, so if you are looking to plan a France road trip, where’s what and where we recommend.

Plan your Trip to France

After traveling consistently for over 10 years, we’ve come to trust and rely on a few websites to help us find the best deals on flights, transportation, and accommodation.

Transportation:   Omio  is the first place we check when searching for cheap flights. It searches hundreds of sites for the best fare and includes both standard and budget airlines. We use Omio or Trainline to book our train tickets; both sites are good, with lots of information in English.

Accommodation:   Booking.com  offers savings on hotels, furnished apartments, and villas in 80,000 destinations worldwide. You can browse hotel reviews and find the guaranteed best price on hotels for all budgets.

Car Rental: Discover Cars is a great site because it takes all of the major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, etc., and more, and makes the comparison of prices for you. This helps to ensure that you get a great price without all the time and work.

Travel Insurance:  We never travel abroad without a travel insurance policy because it’s not worth the risk! We use and trust  Safety Wing , which we’ve used since its launch. Safety Wing is marketed as insurance for nomads, but you can use it also for short trips. Since April 2019, Safety Wing covers COVID-19 and unexpected quarantines for new policies too!

Related posts

30 Ideas for an Unforgettable Road Trip in France

If you are looking for an epic road trip, France has it all to make you happy. Here’s an ultimate guide to the best road trips in France, suitable for all types of travelers. These phenomenal France road trip itineraries can be easily combined, shortened, or extended.

1. Alsace Wine Route

• Duration: 6 days
• Suggested route: Mulhouse – Colmar – Strasbourg
• Region covered: Grand Est
• Best for: sightseeing, small towns, nature, landscapes, French wine

The Alsace Wine Route is one of the oldest and most famous wine routes in France. This France road trip itinerary from Mulhouse to Strasbourg takes 6 days, and it is the perfect road trip for those who love pretty small towns, picturesque landscapes, and wine – Click here to rent a car in Mulhouse

This French road trip starts in Mulhouse , where you will book a hotel for one night. Hotel Bristol is super central and comfortable, and it has secure parking at a small extra cost.

Stroll around Mulhouse’s Old Town with beautiful architecture. Mulhouse has two great museums, La Cité de l’Automobile and La Cité du Train . Depending on your interests and the time available in Mulhouse, visit one museum or both.

From Mulhouse, drive to Colmar and book a hotel for three nights. The James Boutique Hotel is central and with beautiful and cozy rooms and common spaces.

Take the time to explore Colmar’s pretty streets and historical sights; Colmar is the most beautiful town in Alsace! In Colmar, the Museum of Alsatian Wines is an excellent introduction to the wines of Alsace .

Use Colmar as a base to explore the beautiful town of Kaysersberg on day 3 and the towns of Riquewihr plus Eguisheim on day 4, combining sightseeing with wine tastings. Riquewihr and Eguisheim are very small, so if you start early in the morning, you can also squeeze in a short hike through the surrounding vineyards.

On day 5, drive from Colmar to Strasbourg , where you will spend your last two nights of this road trip France. For this last stop, we recommend the Hotel Cathédrale , with incredible views over the Strasbourg Cathedral and public parking available nearby.

Before arriving in Strasbourg , stop at the impressive Château de Haut-Koenisgsbourg , one of the best castles in France . Then in Strasbourg , use this Strasbourg itinerary for two days which covers the city’s main sights.

OTHER FRENCH ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Best of Alsace Road Trip

2. Paris to Nice Road Trip

• Duration: 7 to 10 days
• Suggested route: Paris – Lyon – Valence – Avignon – Marseille – Nice
• Region covered: Ile-de-France, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: sightseeing, food, and wine

This road trip from Paris to South of France is one of the best road trips France has to offer to admire its diversity of landscapes and cities. It takes ten days, and it is an ideal road trip for those who love history, architecture, food, and good wine – Click here to rent a car in Paris

Arrive in Paris and book a hotel for three nights. The Handsome Hotel by Elegancia  is super comfortable and is situated close to the main sights. Spend four days in Paris , dedicating one of these days to visiting Versailles .

From Paris, drive to Beaune , where you will spend one night. On the way, you can visit Auxerre , which is a beautiful Burgundian village with some wonderful historic sights. For a night in Beaune, book at the Hostellerie Cèdre & Spa located in a beautiful historical building in the center of Beaune.

Continue south to Lyon , where you are going to sleep for one night. Hotel de l’Abbaye  is an authentic spot, intimate, and full of charms. In Lyon , take the time to visit the Old Town and its famous Traboules and climb up to Fourvière Hill for some fresh air and great views.

From Lyon, drive to Avignon in Provence. Spend one day in Avignon visiting the Palace of the Popes and other sights, and tasting the local cuisine. Hotel Central is a great option for your night in Avignon.

From Avignon, continue south to Marseille , where we recommend spending at least two days. For your time in Marseille, have a look at this  Marseille 2-day itinerary   and pick the sights and activities you like most. The hotel La Résidence du Vieux Port has the perfect location for your visit to Marseille.

The last stop of this road trip through France is Nice , where you can use this list of the best things to do in Nice  to visit the city. Hotel La Pérouse Nice Baie des Anges is a great option and comes with the best view of Nice, over the Baie des Anges.

3. Normandy Road Trip

• Duration: 5 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Rouen – Etretat – Honfleur – Cabourg
• Region covered: Normandy
• Best for: history, small towns, seaside resorts

This 5-day Normandy road trip is a good combination of history, sightseeing, and relaxing walks. This France roadtrip through Normandy starts from Paris and covers some of the most beautiful sights in the Normandy region – Click here to rent a car in Paris

The first stop of this road trip from Paris is  Giverny to visit Monet’s House and Garden. Then, in the afternoon, head to Les Andelys to explore this picturesque town and the Château Gaillard , one of the best castles in Normandy . This medieval fortress, built in the 12th century under the rule of King Richard the Lionheart, is located on the top of a high cliff, and it dominates one of the meanders of the Seine Valley.

After exploring Les Andelys, drive to  Rouen , where you will spend the next two nights. For your stay in Rouen, book at the  Best Western Plus Hotel Litteraire Gustave Flaubert , a central hotel inspired by the French poet born and raised in this city.

The second day is dedicated to visiting Rouen , which boasts the best Medieval center in all of France and an impressive Gothic cathedral.

On the third day, drive from Rouen to Étretat through the beautiful Parc Naturel Régional des Boucles de la Seine. On the way, stop at Jumièges Abbey to visit the ruins of this magnificent building. In the afternoon, visit Étretat , a picturesque town on the Alabaster Coast and world-famous for its impressive chalky cliffs. For a unique stay in Étretat,  Domaine Saint Clair – Le Donjon  is an excellent option, located 500m from the beach.

Day 4 of this Normandy road trip explores Honfleur . This pretty coastal town on the Seine’s estuary is one of Normandy’s top places to visit . For your night in Honfleur, book at  Villa du Cèdre , a property full of charm with a garden and swimming pool.

The last day of this French road trip explores two of the most beautiful seaside resorts of the Côte Fleurie: Deauville  and  Cabourg . Both towns are well known for their beautiful sandy beaches and Belle Époque villas.

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIP IDEAS NEARBY

• Normandy WW2 Sites
• Brittany Road Trip
• Road Trip in Northern France from Paris
• Road Trip from Calais to Paris

4. Champagne Road Trip

• Duration: 4 days
• Suggested route: Paris –Reims – Epernay – Troyes – Provins
• Regions covered: Grand-Est, Ile-de-France
• Best for: history, small towns, champagne wine

This Champagne road trip is another beautiful roadtrip France has to offer. It explores the historical region of Champagne , well known for its rolling hills, historical sites, and sparkling wine with the same name. This France road trip itinerary is a good combination of sightseeing, beautiful landscapes, and (of course) champagne – Click here to rent a car in Paris

On day one, drive from Paris to Reims. On the way, do a short stop at  La Ferté sous Jouarre . This small town, and more precisely, its abbey, hosts two wonderful Merovingian crypts from the 7th century listed as Historical Monuments.

Dedicate the rest of the day to exploring Reims , the capital of Champagne, with many historical gems to visit. The city is well known for its Gothic cathedral, the coronation place for most of the Kings of France. For your night in Reims, we recommend the  Domaine Les Crayères , a mythical property in the city nestled in seven hectares of park, 300m from Pommery Champagne House. Once the car is well parked, you can explore the best champagne houses in Reims .

Day two of this road trip through the Champagne region explores Epernay and its surroundings. Epernay is best known as the main “warehouse” for champagne wines – here are the best champagne houses in Epernay . Not far from Epernay, there’s the Abbey of Hautvillers , where Dom Perignon is buried. Dom Perignon (1638-1715) was a Benedictine monk credited with the revolutionary champagne method, which transforms a still wine (without bubbles) into sparkling wine.

Leave Epernay direction to Troyes and stop at  Château d’Etoges for the night. This lovely château-hotel in the heart of the vineyards of Champagne has individually decorated rooms with period furniture and magnificent grounds.

On the third day of this Champagne road trip visit Troyes . This city was one of France’s most important fair towns during medieval times, a center for hosiery and cloth making. Stroll around the Old Town and admire its beautiful architecture of half-timbered houses.

After exploring Troyes, drive west to Provins, where you will spend one night. For your stay in Provins, book at  Demeure des Vieux Bains ,  a stunning historical property with comfortable rooms and beautiful gardens.

During the last day of this French road trip, explore  Provins , another medieval fair town. Provins is well-known for its Medieval festival (yearly, in June) and its underground city, a vast network of tunnels and passages from the 13th century that connected all the houses.

5. Cathar Country Road Trip

• Duration: 5 to 6 days
• Suggested route: Carcassonne – Cucugnan – Narbonne – Carcassonne
• Regions covered: Occitanie
• Best for: history, medieval châteaux, small towns

This Cathar Country road trip from Carcassone in Southern France takes five to six days and is the best road trip in France for those who love history, Medieval castles, and small towns. For the history of the Cathar and a complete description of the Cathar sites, check out the road trip’s detailed itinerary – Click here to rent a car in Carcassone

Arrive at Carcassone and book a hotel for two nights. Mercure Carcassonne La Cité  is super comfortable and has a refreshing swimming pool. The hotel also boasts amazing views of the walled citadel from the garden and some rooms.

Take a day to explore the medieval Cité de Carcassonne , one of the most important Cathar sites and one of the main targets during the first Cathar Crusade in 1209.

Day 2 of this road trip France visits the charming Medieval town of Mirepoix , and Château de Monségur , where the last Cathars who did not surrender were burnt alive. Spend the night at the  Logis Auberge du Vigneron , in Cucugnan , with fabulous views of the surrounding valley.

On day 3, visit Château de Peyrepertuse and Château de Quéribus , two fabulous hilltop fortresses and Cathar sites. Then drive to Fontjoncouse , a gorgeous oh-so typical French village in the heart of the Aude department conveniently located close to the next Cathar sites. Book a room (or a full cottage) for one night at   Le Petit Clos , a charming guesthouse with a swimming pool, terrace, and garden.

The next day of this roadtrip France visits Fontfroide Abbey and the Medieval village of Lagrasse with the Benedictine Abbey of St Mary of Orbieu . Both abbeys had an important role in the Cathar crusades, and they are interesting to visit.

On the last day of this Cathar road trip, drive to Minerve, a pretty medieval village where you can see a replica of one of the catapults used by the Crusaders. Then, visit Châteaux de Lastours , one of the best castles in Southern France , before driving back to Carcassonne. Châteaux de Lastours is an ensemble of four Cathar castles with a spectacular setting at the top of a rocky spur.

6. Route des Grands Crus, Bourgogne

• Suggested route: Beaune – Vougeot – Dijon
• Regions covered: Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Best for: sightseeing, landscapes, small towns, food, and wine.

The Route des Grands Crus is one of the best road trips in France for wine lovers. This Burgundy road trip from Beaune to Dijon takes four days and is an ideal road trip for those who enjoy small towns and beautiful landscapes – Click here to rent a car in Beaune

Arrive at Beaune the day before and book a hotel for 2 nights. Château de Challanges , a gorgeous 19th-century country house set in 7 hectares, is perfect for a relaxing stay.

Take a day to explore Medieval Beaune, the capital of wines of Burgundy. Be sure to cover Les Hospices de Beaune , a jewel of Burgundian architecture, and La Maison des Climats to learn more about the (wine) climats of Burgundy.

From Beaune, drive to Vougeot , where you will spend one night. For something special, book at  Château de Gilly , a 14th-16th century château with moats, French-style gardens, and a dining room with a magnificent vaulted ceiling.

On the way to Vougeot, stop at Nuits-Saint-Georges , a lively small town with a long history of wine-making. Visit the town, and perhaps a domain or two for some wine tastings.

In the afternoon, visit the Abbey of Cîteaux , the founder of the Cistercian order in France. It was its abbot who spotted the best kind of soils and selected certain grape varieties, improving the quality of the wines.

On day 3, visit the Château Clos de Vougeot , a must of any Burgundy wine route. In the 14th century, the monks of the Abbey of Cîteaux built the first walls separating vineyards, known as  clos , contributing like this to the promotion of the wines of the region. Clos de Vougeot was the first clos built by the monks, and the visit reveals the winemaking genius of the monks in the Middle Ages.

In the afternoon, drive to Gevrey-Chambertin , a small village home to nine Burgundy Grands Crus, perfect for a stroll and some wine tastings. Then, drive to Dijon, where you will spend one night. The  Grand Hotel La Cloche Dijon  is a good option, conveniently located close to all the main attractions.

On the last day of this French road trip, visit Dijon , the historical capital of Burgundy. Dijon was home to the Dukes of Burgundy, and as such, it has an interesting cultural and architectural heritage. Follow the owl trail, which takes you to Dijon’s main sights, like the Hôtel des Ducs de Bourgogne , built in the 14th-15th centuries.

OTHER ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Road Trip Lyon to Annecy

7. Road Trip through the Jura, Eastern France

• Suggested route: Paris – Baume-les-Messieurs – Château-Chalon – Dole
• Best for: landscapes, small towns, hiking

This road trip through the Jura takes four days, and it is the ideal road trip for those who love nature and good food & wine. This Jura road trip covers the region of the lakes and waterfalls of the Jura (a department of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté in Eastern France), and is one of the best road trips from Paris for nature lovers – Click here to rent a car in Paris

From Paris, drive to Baume-Les-Messieurs , a picturesque village in the heart of a blind valley. Take a stroll to explore the village and its main sights, and then head to the Cascade des Tufs , one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Jura.

For the first night, book a hotel in one of the villages nearby. La Maison du Lac Chalain , in Doucier, is a good option, and it has an excellent restaurant perfect for tasting the regional cuisine.

The second day is dedicated to exploring some of the best lakes and waterfalls of the Jura. The hike to the Belvédère des 4 lacs and Pic de l’Aigle (12 Km) is one of the area’s main highlights. If you start the day early, you can also hike to the Cascades du Hérisson , a beautiful 4 km trail that links many waterfalls.

Then drive to Château-Chalon , another pretty village in the Jura, where you are going to spend the night. Les Relais des Abbesses is a beautiful, historical property in the heart of the village, and it has a terrasse with magnificent views over the Jurassic plateau.

Spend the morning of the third day visiting Château-Chalon , one of the villages with the label ‘most beautiful villages in France.’ In the afternoon, head to Dole, which was the capital of the County of Burgundy until its annexation to the Kingdom of France.

Dole is a picturesque city bordered by the Doubs River, a city of canals and interesting architecture from the 16th century. Dole’s Old Town is a confusion of alleyways edged by Renaissance homes with turrets and courtyards. Book a night at Hotel de la Cloche , a charming property with an excellent location for exploring the city on the last day of this road trip.

• French Alps Road Trip from Annecy to Chamonix

8. Loire Valley Road Trip from Nantes

• Suggested route: Nantes – Saumur – Amboise – Angers
• Regions covered: Pays de la Loire and Centre Val de Loire
• Best for: Renaissance châteaux, small towns, French wine

This Loire Valley road trip from Nantes Airport takes five days and visits some of the best Loire Valley Castles . This itinerary through the Loire Valley is one of the best French road trips for history and architecture lovers – Click here to rent a car at Nantes Airport

Arrive at Nantes Airport and drive about 90 minutes to Saumur , where you will book a hotel for two nights. Hotel St. Pierre is super comfortable, has a great historical feel, and is situated right on the main square. Dine at Michelin-starred Le Gambetta to treat yourself to an amazing French meal.

From Saumur, drive to Château d’Usse (the castle that inspired Sleeping Beauty) with a stop at Château Miniere for a walk among the vines and some wine tasting on the way. The sumptuous and artistic gardens at Château Villandry are also a must-see and easily accessible from Saumur.

Continue east along the Loire Valley to Amboise for two nights. Hotel Le Manoir St. Thomas is a great choice of hotel and even features a suit of armor to guard the lobby. Amboise is home to the Royal Château d’Amboise and the Clos Luce , where Da Vinci spent the final years of his life.

From Amboise, drive to the Loire Valley’s most iconic chateaux: Château Chenonceau and Château Chambord . Enjoy dinner in Blois , followed by the exciting light show after dark at Château Royal de Blois .

On the return to Nantes Airport, break up the more than 3-hour drive with a stop in Angers to see the Apocalypse Tapestries at Château d’Angers . Château d’Angers resembles a menacing fortress rather than an elegant château and is an excellent counterpoint to the other places visited during this Loire Valley Itinerary.

By Jennifer (aka Dr. J) | Sidewalk Safari

• Road Trip Castles of the Loire Valley

9. West Coast of France Road Trip

• Duration: 10 days
• Suggested route: Etretat – Ile de Ré – Bordeaux – Biarritz
• Regions covered: Normandy and Nouvelle Aquitaine
• Best for: architecture, sightseeing, nature, and landscapes

Stunning landscapes, old cities, and historically important places are all part of a road trip along the west coast of France. Whether you camp or stay in hotels, this France roadtrip will be epic.

Start this road trip through France’s western coast in Étretat , known for its huge chalk cliffs. Enjoy a breathtaking walk on the cliffs and finish off with a delicious seafood dish in one of the seafront restaurants of this pleasant village.

The next stop is the WW2 beaches of D-day , such as Utah Beach and Omaha Beach. Visiting this place will leave an everlasting impression. The last stop in Normandy is Mont Saint-Michel , the Medieval abbey that speaks to anyone’s imagination. It is built on a rock in the sea and can only be reached by a bridge during high tide. For a magical experience, book a night in one of the hotels inside Mont Saint-Michel .

This road trip through the west coast skips the region of Brittany. The next stop of this itinerary is the island of Ile-de-Ré in the region of Nouvelle Aquitaine.

Ile-de-Ré is a fantastic small Island, right off the coast, reachable by a toll bridge. The island is known for oysters, the local drink Pinot, salt production, and the lighthouse watching over its rugged coastline. Rent a bike, as this is the main way of transport on the island.

After 1 or 2 days visiting Bordeaux , continue your journey to Arcachon and Dune du Pilat . This dune is the highest and biggest sand dune in Europe! Walking across it will give you the feeling of being in a desert. Enjoy the sunset on top of the dune while watching over the Bassin of Arcachon. A moment you’ll never forget.

End this west coast of France road trip with a visit to Biarritz , close to the Spanish border, and go surf in the Atlantic waters.

By Hellen | the Global Wizards

BEST ROAD TRIP FRANCE IDEAS NEARBY

• Basque Country Road Trip
• Road Trip from Bordeaux to Biarritz
• Road Trip Dordogne

10. Gorges du Verdon Road Trip

• Duration: 3 days
• Suggested route: Aix-en-Provence – Valensole – Verdon Natural Regional Park
• Regions covered: Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur
• Best for: nature and landscapes

If you are looking for South of France road trips, you will love this itinerary from Aix-en-Provence to the Verdon Natural Regional Park , which is considered one of the most scenic drives in France – Click here to rent a car in Aix-en-Provence

Did you know that there was a Grand Canyon in France? Yep. Well, it’s not as big as the one in the US, but when you get there, you’ll have the same feeling. It’s called the Gorges du Verdon , and it’s a stunning rocky landscape with towering cliffs, where a turquoise-green river meanders at the bottom.

To start this Gorges du Verdon road trip , you can drive from Aix-en-Provence or any nearby major cities: Marseille, Nice, or even Cannes. The trip takes three days to complete, with one day in Valensole and the lavender fields, one day driving around the different lakes, and one day driving the epic road on top of the Gorges du Verdon. Here are the major stops on this trip:

– Valensole is famous for its lavender fields , which bloom from the end of June to the end of July. Valensole is a cute little village where you can spend the night after exploring the fields around.

– Esparron de Verdon , and Lac Quinson de Verdon , are two small lakes with absolutely no crowds. Lac Sainte-Croix-du-Verdon is the main lake in the area and the perfect place to stop for a while and relax on the beach.

– Gorges du Verdon is the main attraction around here, France’s Grand Canyon. Drive on top of the gorges on an epic scenic route ( Route des Crêtes ), and enjoy one of the most beautiful landscapes in France.

– Sillans la Cascade . Before you leave, check out this secret waterfall, it is absolutely worth the trip!

One of the best places to establish your home base while exploring the area is the village of Valensole, for the ultimate traditional French experience. The bed & breakfast Les Terrasses de Valensole is exceptional.

By Kevin |  Kevmrc

• Lavender Fields in Provence Road Trip
• Route Napoleon Road Trip
• Luberon Road Trip
• The Ultimate Provence Road Trip

11. Gorges du Tarn Road Trip

• Suggested route: Millau – La Malène – Florac
• Regions covered: Occitanie, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
• Best for:  nature, landscapes, and small towns

Les Gorges du Tarn is another beautiful south of France road trip. This 4-day itinerary will take you through The Causses, and The Cévennes , a region that offers the ultimate scenery for an amazing French road trip, from deep gorges with hairpin bends to wide-open pastoral landscapes. Because of its uniqueness, the region has been included on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List.

This road trip in France starts and ends in Millau . On the first day, visit the world’s tallest bridge – Millau Viaduct –, and the tiny village of Payre . Stay the first night in Millau and use the evening to explore this beautiful Medieval city. Hotel des Causses in Millau is comfortable, central, and has an on-site restaurant.

The next day head to the heart of the Gorges du Tarn . The road (D809, D907, and D907bis) follows the bends of the River Tarn, which has cut deeply into the cliffs forming this stunning canyon. You’ll be passing through lots of lovely villages along the Tarn.

At Les Vignes, take the D46 road to Point Sublime , from where you will have the most breathtaking view over the canyon. Go back to Les Vignes and follow the road towards La Malène . On the way, stop at Pas de Soucy for some more amazing views.

You can stay the second night at La Malène. The Hotel Le Manoir de Montesquiou is a beautiful and historical building with a great location in the middle of the Gorge area.

On day 3, head to Sainte-Enimie – a postcard beautiful village. On the way, you can stop at Saint-Chélly-du-Tarn . After Sainte-Enimie, continue to Florac , where you can spend the third night. Grand Hotel du Parc has a perfect and relaxing setting in the Cévennes National Park.

The next day take D16 and D63 to the famous cave Aven Armand. You’ll be crossing Causse Méjean , a plateau with a totally different landscape from the canyons. After the cave, stop at the nearby Medieval Farm to learn more about the local traditions in this area ( Ferme Caussenarde d’Autrefois ).

Afterward, continue to Meyrueis on D986. When you arrive at Meyrueis, take D996 to Le Rozier. Follow the road along the canyon on La Jonte River – Gorges de la Jonte . Stop at Le Rozier and Peyrelau – two lovely places where the La Jonte River flows into the Tarn River. Afterward, continue to Millau, the end of this road trip.

By Daniela | Ipanema Travels

12. French Riviera Road Trip

• Duration: 7-10 days
• Suggested route: Cannes – Antibes – Nice – Monaco
• Best for: landscapes, and sightseeing

This French Riviera road trip from Cannes follows one of the best drive routes through France, with the French Riviera coastline being dotted with picturesque towns and pristine coves along the way – Click here to rent a car in Cannes

One of the best starting points for this France road trip along the Côte d’Azur is Cannes , a city filled with glitz and glamour that will make you feel as though you’ve arrived in the French Riviera in style! Book one night or two in the Hotel Croisette Beach Cannes soaking up the atmosphere and visiting Cannes’ top sights before moving on towards Nice.

On your way to Nice, you might want to stop off in Antibes . This is a lovely place to unwind after the buzz of Cannes, and you can enjoy a relaxing lunch and spend your afternoon at the Picasso Museum . If you want to hike the Cap d’Antibes and spend an extra day on the beach, consider staying a night in Antibes itself.

Next, you’ll drive to Nice , where you can explore the city’s narrow streets, bustling markets, and ochre-colored architecture. For your stay in Nice, book at Hotel Locarno , which has an excellent location 200 m from the beach and offers the best breakfast ever.

After spending 2 days in Nice and around, you can drive on to Monaco , stopping off at the medieval village of Eze and perhaps Villefranche-sur-Mer . You can then choose whether you want to stay in Monaco for a chic casino break or move on to Menton , a small foodie town on the French /Italian border.

The distances between the destinations are relatively short, so you can easily tick off two places in one day. We would suggest spending at least seven days on this French Riviera road trip, but of course, you can spend much longer delving into this stunning French region.

By Chrisoula | Historic European Castles

OTHER FRANCE ROAD TRIPS NEARBY

• Road Trip Southern France
• Road Trip Route du Mimosa

And there you have it, our favorite road trips in France to inspire your next trip. Check out our Road Trips category for the detailed itineraries and more French road trip ideas.

Back to Homepage

Pin it now & read it later

Disclaimer: This article may contain compensated links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps us to go on creating incredible French content for you. We trust all products and brands promoted here and would never recommend anything that isn’t of value. Please read disclaimer for more info.

(C) Copyright 2019 - 2024 France Bucket List. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Developed by France Bucket List || Disclaimer || Privacy Policy || Contact |

France Travel Blog

Things To Do In Paris With A Dog

For pet lovers and avid travelers, dogs matter too. Considering many big cities not-so-friendliness to animals in public places, it is refreshing to know that traveling to Paris with a dog is not just a possibility, but fun as well. Scattered throughout the city, there are few dog-friendly places where owners can relax and have fun in the company of their pets.

In many places in the world, dogs are widely prohibited in public spaces, and they have a strict ‘poop pick-up’ policy that allows owners to carry poop-bags with them every time. Failure to comply will attract fines.

In the French capital, such laws are not enforced as you will see owners taking advantage of this with dog-poop lying about. But you might want to do better by taking care of the waste your dog leaves when you are out.

Public transport is a good and affordable way to get around the city with your dog. But mobility can be an issue if you are not properly prepared. Small dogs can be carried in a box with a maximum size of 45 cm or a basket that can travel free of charge, especially on the RER trains, metro, buses, and tramway in the city.

The same goes for larger dogs, but they have to be on a leash and muzzle, and you will need to buy a reduced rate ticket for the dog. Meanwhile, visually impaired people and other differently-abled persons can take public transport at no cost.

Here The Best Things To Do In The French Capital With A Dog:

Visit the buttes chaumont park.

Dogs are not entirely allowed to roam freely through parks in the city. But some major public parks that have provisions for the pets and their owners. The south end of the Luxembourg Gardens and the north end of the Tuileries, for example, have dog enclosure spots that can be reached from the street.

Champ de Mars close to the Eiffel Tower allows dogs except on the grass, and since the whole of the park is made of grass, the instruction is rather funny. Meanwhile, Buttes Chaumont Park is the only park in the capital where dogs are welcome as humans.

It is located in the 19th arrondissement and also the most beautiful park in the city, according to many, featuring ancient ruins and a waterfall that forges a strong ambiance. Dogs are allowed to roam freely without leashes, and the park is opened 24 hours to the public.

Take a walk at Jardin du Luxembourg

This place is one of the most visited parks in the city. It is also the largest garden you will find on the left bank of the capital. Jardin du Luxembourg is dog-friendly on its east side, and every time you visit, you are bound to meet friendly families and tourists to spend time with.

Also Read: Best Pet-Friendly Parks In Paris

Boise de Vincennes and Boulogne 

Both gardens are great pet-friendly places to go in Paris. Bois de Boulogne is situated in the 16th arrondissement close to the Eiffel Tower. It is a wooded reserve that affords you and your dog the chance to walk along stunning pathways and a small river.

Bois de Vincennes is situated close to the 12th arrondissement border. Though it is far from the city center, the neighborhood provides a huge pert friendly area for dogs to run around.

Grab a bite at L’Espirit du 12éme 

This place is a breakfast, lunch, and dinner spot in Bercy Village (the south of the city). Here dogs are allowed to walk through the outdoor mall. You might also like to know that they host dog owners brunch every Sunday between 12:30 pm and 3:00 pm.

During the brunch, dogs are allowed to join their owners and eat together for free inside the restaurant. This is quite some experience because this place is often considered a trendy and upmarket establishment.

But the fun does not come cheap. You might spend close to 50 euros and even more if you calculate alcohol. Ensure you book ahead if you are interested as seats get filled up in a short time. L’Espirit du 12éme is located at 1 Rue de Libourne, 75012 Paris.

Stay at L’Hôtel 

In Paris, hotels are more pet-friendly than public parks. There are many in the city that will be happy to have you and your pets but at a reasonable fee (not all of them charge for this). There are interesting exceptions, though. Some hotels allow dogs in specific suites or rooms, so ensure you check with the hotel before booking.

The L’Hôtel in Paris is a popular spot, especially to Parisians. This place is very dog-friendly and is located in a very central area in the 6th arrondissement. Iconic attractions like the Louvre Museum and the Notre Dame are not far. Just like the Luxembourg Garden, L’Hôtel in Paris only has a little area for dogs.

Take in the views from Champs de Mars

Dogs are allowed at Champs de Mars, which offers breathtaking views of the Eiffel Tower over your favorite snacks. Your dog can also play around in the area, but the authority does not want dogs to reach the grass.

Visit the Park of the Palace of Versailles

At the Versailles Palace Gardens, dogs are often welcome. This place is not just beautiful and well managed; it also offers dog-friendly big spaces at no cost. Cherish the comfort and quiet of this place, and you will always want to come back for more.

Hop in on the Double-decker sightseeing bus

If you are asking whether dogs are allowed in the popular double-decker sightseeing buses, yes, they are! You should try this with your dog when you visit Paris because the bus will reach many tourist attractions in the city. It is great to enjoy the city views in the comfort of your seat in the company of your pet.

See the architecture at Saint Rita Church

The Saint Rita Church might be the only worshiping place in the country that is pet-friendly. Once a year, the church opens its door to bless animals. The likes of boars and zebras have been there among the 600 animals that attend the mass yearly. But just recently, the Saint Rita Church was sold for property development by the landlord to the displeasure of many worshippers and pet owners. Search back, they might have a new site now.

Relax at Montorgueil District  

This place is popular for having food and a vibrant atmosphere. The area is massive and also has many gorgeous little streets that will charm you. Your dog can also enjoy the tasty food served here.

Stay at Hôtel de Crillon

Like many hotels in Paris, Hôtel de Crillon is pet-friendly. It is situated in the 8th arrondissement in the center of the city. Not all rooms are pet-friendly, though, but if you happen to stay in one, your dog might end up getting better service than you would. There is a separate bed for dogs, and there are toys too. Another interesting thing is that you can order a room service meal for your dog, made by a two-star Michelin chef.

Also Read: Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Paris

Order a Pizza From the Pink Flamingo 

Ensure you visit here when you are in Paris with your dog. In this restaurant, you can sit wherever you please with your dog along the dog-friendly Canal Saint Martin with the balloon Pink Flamingo will give you after placing an order. Then sit back and enjoy the view over the food with your dog. No one will challenge you for having a dog here.

Things To Do In Paris With A Dog – Summary

Dogs are a great companion, even on the go. Just prepare to deal with the poops when you are out with your pet in Paris. Also, do not forget your hotel is pet-friendly, too, and in case it is expensive for you, Airbnbs usually allow pets. Taking on Paris with a dog might even be the best way to feel the city for you differently.

Peter is the editor of France Travel Blog. He has traveled to France many times and is ready to share the knowledge in this travel guide for France.

Related Posts

Where To Walk Your Dog In Paris

Best Pet-Friendly Parks In Paris

Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Paris

Recent posts.

• Marseille Unveiled: Immerse Yourself in the Charm of the Mediterranean with a Captivating City Break
• A Beginner’s Guide to Road Cycling
• 5 Things to Look for When Buying Digital Cameras
• How to Take High-Quality Photos: Essential Tips And Composition Rules to Consider
• Can You Drink Tap Water In Paris? (2023)
• Entertainment
• Things To Do
• Travel Guides
• Travel Ideas

Social Links

Things To Do In Avignon

Is Marseille Worth Visiting?

Is Bordeaux Safe?

Best Amusement Parks In Paris

Most Beautiful Islands in French Polynesia

Hit enter to search or ESC to close.

Here's what to know if you are traveling abroad with your dog

The U.S. government has updated its rules for bringing a dog into the country

If you are bringing a dog into the U.S. — whether if you are returning from a trip overseas with Rover, visiting the U.S., or adopting a dog from abroad — you have to follow a set of new rules designed to help prevent the spread of rabies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last updated these rules in 1956, when far fewer dogs came to the U.S. from other countries, officials say. About 1 million dogs now enter the U.S. every year.

There are additional restrictions if the dog has been in many countries where rabies is common. You can find the list of those countries on the CDC website.

The new rules go into affect Aug. 1. There's a checklist on the CDC website.

Here's what to know about about the rules:

— Dogs have to be healthy and at least 6 months old when they arrive in the U.S.

— The dog must have a microchip implanted under their skin, which contains identifier information.

— A CDC import form must be filled out in advance, and include a photo of the dog.

— Proof of rabies vaccination is required only if the dog was in a high-risk country in the past six months.

— For dogs vaccinated in the U.S., a certificate endorsed by the Agriculture Department is required.

— For dogs vaccinated outside the U.S., a certificate of vaccination is required along with a blood test, and the animal has to be examined at a CDC-registered facility on arrival in the U.S.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Top Stories

Teen earns doctoral degree at 17 after defending her dissertation

• May 13, 11:08 PM

4 big takeaways from Day 16 of Trump's hush money trial

• May 13, 5:47 PM

Trump allies, potential VP contenders flock to Manhattan courthouse

• May 13, 5:55 PM

They made one-of-a-kind quilts that captured the public's imagination. Then Target came along

• May 11, 12:34 AM

KP.2 is now the dominant COVID variant. Will we see an increase this summer?

• May 13, 5:07 PM

ABC News Live

24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events

Take the Quiz: Find the Best State for You »

What's the best state for you », here's what to know if you are traveling abroad with your dog.

The U.S. government has updated its rules for bringing a dog into the country

Here's What to Know if You Are Traveling Abroad With Your Dog

Marco Ugarte

FILE - A traveler pulls his dog in a wheeled carrier at the Benito Juarez International Airport in Mexico City, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2022. If you are bringing a dog into the U.S. — whether if you are returning from a trip overseas with Rover, visiting the U.S., or adopting a dog from abroad — you have to follow a set of new rules released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, designed to help prevent the spread of rabies. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)

If you are bringing a dog into the U.S. — whether if you are returning from a trip overseas with Rover, visiting the U.S., or adopting a dog from abroad — you have to follow a set of new rules designed to help prevent the spread of rabies.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention last updated these rules in 1956, when far fewer dogs came to the U.S. from other countries, officials say. About 1 million dogs now enter the U.S. every year.

There are additional restrictions if the dog has been in many countries where rabies is common. You can find the list of those countries on the CDC website .

The new rules go into affect Aug. 1. There's a checklist on the CDC website .

Here's what to know about about the rules:

— Dogs have to be healthy and at least 6 months old when they arrive in the U.S.

— The dog must have a microchip implanted under their skin, which contains identifier information.

— A CDC import form must be filled out in advance, and include a photo of the dog.

— Proof of rabies vaccination is required only if the dog was in a high-risk country in the past six months.

— For dogs vaccinated in the U.S., a certificate endorsed by the Agriculture Department is required.

— For dogs vaccinated outside the U.S., a certificate of vaccination is required along with a blood test, and the animal has to be examined at a CDC-registered facility on arrival in the U.S.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Photos You Should See - May 2024

Join the Conversation

Tags: Associated Press , health , animals , dogs

America 2024

Health News Bulletin

Stay informed on the latest news on health and COVID-19 from the editors at U.S. News & World Report.

Sign in to manage your newsletters »

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

You May Also Like

The 10 worst presidents.

U.S. News Staff Feb. 23, 2024

Cartoons on President Donald Trump

Feb. 1, 2017, at 1:24 p.m.

Photos: Obama Behind the Scenes

April 8, 2022

Photos: Who Supports Joe Biden?

March 11, 2020

Michael Cohen Testifies in Trump Trial

Lauren Camera May 13, 2024

GOP Gears Up for White House Fight

Aneeta Mathur-Ashton May 13, 2024

The Week in Cartoons May 13-17

May 13, 2024, at 4:21 p.m.

Economy to Get a Price Check

Tim Smart May 13, 2024

Poll: Antisemitism a Problem on Campus

The Cicadas Are Coming: Grab Your Fork?

Laura Mannweiler May 10, 2024