How we chose
Our selection is based on 5 criteria: density of dog-friendly places, quality of accommodations accepting dogs, diversity of nature activities, accessibility by transport, and feedback from the canine traveler community.
The undisputed #1. Hundreds of kilometers of coastal trails (GR34), dog-friendly beaches even in summer, cottages galore, and a well-established canine welcoming culture. Ideal year-round.
Chaîne des Puys, crater lakes, immense forests. Hikes are exceptional and dogs welcome everywhere. Very affordable rural accommodations. The French countryside in the good sense.
Castles, caves, rivers and gastronomy. Dog-friendly castles are numerous. Family campgrounds on the Dordogne River. Canoeing with dog possible!
The large D-Day landing beaches are often dog-friendly off-season. Étretat cliffs, Norman bocage, cheeses and cider. Top rural cottages.
Less crowded than the Alps, just as beautiful. Mountain trails, altitude lakes, authentic villages. Warning: the heart of the National Park prohibits dogs.
Mountains, turquoise beaches, maquis. Dogs are culturally welcome in Corsica. Ferry crossing with Corsica Ferries (dogs accepted). Beware of summer heat.
The largest forest in Western Europe + immense beaches. Surfers and dogs naturally coexist. Camping under the pines: the classic.
Picturesque villages, wine trails, Vosges forests. Alsatian culture is naturally dog-friendly — dogs are admitted in many winstubs.
Markets, lavender, hilltop villages. Favor spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) — too hot in summer for dogs. Dog-friendly cultural sites and terraces.
Organize your trip with our preparation guide. For budget, consult our cost simulator. Want coastline? Our coastal guide details the 3 maritime facades. And for a short stay, our weekend guide is for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best season to travel with your dog in France?
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) are ideal: pleasant temperatures for the dog, fewer crowds, lower prices. Summer works well in the mountains and on the Atlantic. Winter is perfect for mountain resorts.
Are southern regions too hot for dogs?
In July-August, yes — Provence and the Côte d'Azur regularly exceed 35°C, which is dangerous for dogs. Favor the south in April-May or September-October, or opt for the inland highlands (Luberon, Verdon, Cévennes) which stay cooler.
Our dog-friendly tour of France took us 3 weeks. Brittany and Auvergne remain our absolute favorites. Incredible landscapes and impeccable canine welcome everywhere.
— Couple with a Border Collie, 2025 France tour
