Dog & Pet Friendly holidays in France

dog friendly holidays to France

If there is one thing that the French are good at, it’s dog-friendly holidays in France!  This country is very pet-friendly and you’ll find it easy to take the family pet with you on your family holiday to France.

Changes in Pet Passports for 2022

As you probably know, leaving the EU means that there will be some changes in how you travel with your pet.

You can no longer use a pet passport issued in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) for travel to France (although you can still use a pet passport issued in an EU country or Northern Ireland).

New for 2022, when travelling to France, your pet needs:

  • a microchip
  • a valid rabies vaccination
  • an animal health certificate

It’s a good idea to check the rules of any country you’re travelling to for any additional restrictions or requirements before you travel. You can find out more at the UK Government Website.

These requirements also apply to assistance dogs.

Planning your pet friendly holiday to France

Holiday planning for dog owners can sometimes be a challenge in most countries, as not many places are dog-friendly or if you can bear to leave your four-legged friend behind for a couple of days, sometimes the cost of kennels alone can take a hefty chunk out of your budget.

But in France, dogs are generally accepted as an integral part of the family and most French holiday letting properties and hotels are used to welcoming pets overnight.  In fact, it’s very unusual for hotels, holiday cottages, gites etc not to offer dog friendly holidays in France.

Plus, when you are out and about visiting attractions, towns, picturesque villages you will see dog owners take their pets pretty much everywhere.  The restaurants always take us by surprise – even with our lively springer spaniel we have never been turned away from a restaurant in France – including incredible steak houses which have somewhat overexcited our pup!  (But we fed him bones under the table, so he was ok!).

A few things to consider

The further south you go, the hotter it is likely to be in summer. Walking on tarmac and concrete in open sun may be very painful if your dog is not used to it.

Your dog is unlikely to be used to the bugs and insects they may encounter: Care should be taken if your dog likes to go crashing about in the woods.  Your veterinary insurance may not extend outside the UK. Please check before you travel, more important since Brexit.

If you are in an independent self catering property, particularly in the countryside, the fences are not likely to be secure so be prepared to restrict your dog’s range of exercise.

Best places for a dog friendly holiday in France

If your dog is an energetic breed, consider the French Alps or the Pyrenees for energetic walks and gorgeous scenery.

The Dordogne and Loire area are also very dog friendly, dogs are even welcome on canoe trips.  And most gardens and open air attractions (such as ruined chateauxs) will allow dogs.

Dog friendly beaches in France

There are quite a few restrictions regarding dogs on beaches in France, so you have to do your research before taking your dog to France on holiday.  Read more about dog friendly beaches in France here.

Find out more about our dog-friendly holidays in France:

> Dog friendly accommodation in France

> Travelling in France with dogs

> Dog friendly beaches in France