Are you looking for the best places to visit in France with a dog? You’re not alone. Thousands of pet parents are tempted to pay a visit to this dog-friendly country and share the finer things and experiences in life with their four-legged friends.
Admittedly, traveling with your dog can seem daunting. We’re faced with questions like Can I take my pet dog to France? and “What are the intricacies of pet travel I should be familiar with?” to name a few.
We understand just how overwhelming the preliminaries, such as circulating health checks, vaccinations, and pet passports, can be. And while we can’t exactly help you get through all the difficult requirements of a trip, we can save you the trouble of the destination selection process.
Are you wondering, where can I take my dog to France? This guide lays out all the possibilities of going on a France road trip with your dog.
Table of Contents
Paris
Start your journey to the beautiful country of France by staying at one of the 1,000+ pet-friendly hotels and other accommodation facilities in this City of Love.
Take your pet on walks through the parks like Parc des Buttes Chaumont and Luxembourg Gardens for some quality exercise while surrounded by beautiful greenery. Of course, you need to stroll around the river Seine to enjoy all the classic views of the city.
If you’re scheduled for a rest day, you can take in the magnificent view of the Eiffel tower in the designer hotel located in the heart of Paris, Sofitel Le Faubourg. And make sure to capture the mandatory quintessential Eiffel tower view for their Petstagram!
Pets are allowed on public transport as long as they’re in a bag or container. Take advantage of that and tour the city, with all its architectural marvels and beautiful views, with your furry friend by your side.
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Nice
Fifty percent of hotels in Nice offer pet-friendly accommodations. Nice sure does live up to its name, doesn’t it? And with so many options at your disposal, you can pick just about any hotel with a wonderful view of the most beautiful sights from the comfort of your room.
Take your dog for a stroll at Promenade des Anglais, a seaside location spanning 7 kilometers along the beach, shop the Cours Saleya Antique Market, enjoy the view Old Port promises, and revel in the beautiful atmosphere with your furry friend.
Something to remember: If you’re visiting in the summer, you may want to strap some booties on your dog’s feet for maximum protection from the scorching weather.
Lyon
Lyon is the ultimate pet-friendly destination in France. Go for a fine dine with your canine, cycle under the bridge at the Saone River, watch the sunrise with your outdoor-loving pet at Lacroix-Laval Park located near Lyon and stroll around the vast Place Bellecour to clock in some quality fun with your pet.
And while you’re at it, don’t forget to play with your pup and enjoy socializing with other pets and pet owners at the massive 117-hectare Parc de la Tête d’Or or the modest 8-hectare Parc des Hautefeuilles.
Marseille
Marseille is all about alluring beaches and sunny weather. If you have a water-loving dog by your side, a holiday in France can be 100 times better.
Explore dog-friendly trails along the Mediterranean Sea in Parc National des Calanques, trek to Notre Dame de la Garde to enjoy the amazing panoramic views the city has to offer and enjoy a fresh, tasty bowl of Marseille’s famous fish soup, bouillabaisse, with your dog by your side.
Don’t forget to take your dog to get their paws wet at the Plage de Saint-Estève and Plage du Verdon during the off-season to make the most out of your trip to this dynamic city in Southern France.
Carcassonne
Carcassonne is the go-to destination for a quick day trip or a weekend getaway. This picturesque medieval town offers a range of dog-friendly activities and has a fairytale vibe few locations in France can compare to.
Hike up the hills to Cité Médiévale and cross the 300-meter Pont-Vieux bridge with your dog by your side to satisfy your adventurous spirit. Host a picnic for you and your dog at the enthralling 40-hectare artificial lake-Lac de la Cavayere and walk the cobbled stone streets near the fortress Cité de Carcassonne.
Whether you’re an outdoor person or someone who likes their share of peace and serenity, you’ll find that this city has much to offer to everyone that comes its the way. Where else can you find this level of leisure and pleasure for your soul?
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Dog Culture in France: Something to Remember
Is France a dog-friendly country? That’s one of the questions owners ask when planning a trip. Well, here’s the answer to that: A quarter of the population in France has one or more dogs in their households. And dogs were voted the French people’s favorite pet in 2017. If these statistics don’t attest to the country’s dog-friendly environment, we don’t know what will!
However, there are some things you should keep in mind before you bring your dog for a tour to France. The most important one of them all, perhaps, is knowing your dog, its behavior, and its characteristics. For example, if you’re a parent to one of the most stubborn dog breeds, you may want to reconsider your travel plans and invest your time in obedience training instead.
While not all restaurants allow dogs on their premises, some will look the other way if your dog is well-behaved. The same extends to markets, grocery stores, shops, boutiques, and parks. So, if you’re planning to spend every moment with your dog while traveling together, you may want to take this factor into account.
When it comes to pet care, most people in France don’t pick up after their dogs, which could put your dog’s health at risk. Luckily, finding qualified and experienced veterinarians in France is very easy. And their services towards ensuring that your pet is in optimal health won’t put a dent in your savings. Pretty amazing, wouldn’t you say?
Wrapping Up
These five wonderful cities are the best places to visit in France with a dog by your side. As long as you take necessary precautions to ensure your pet’s optimal health, remain respectful towards French norms and culture, and take care of the legalities of pet travel well in advance, you are bound to have a wonderful time in this country of endless possibilities.
