I love to travel across the beautiful country of France with my four-legged best friend. France is a true heaven for all canines because of its massive coastline. You will find hundreds of miles of beaches that provide plenty of chance for sandy paws and soggy coats. Utter bliss for us both.
However, I learned the hard way that not every beach is open to pets. France has about 10 million dogs in its population. A study even shows that 40 percent of French owners think their pets are the most important thing in their lives. Therefore, it is no surprise that there are over 250 dog friendly beaches in France to choose from.
First of all, I want to share my personal list of the top spots you should visit. This guide will help you find the best dog friendly beaches france has to offer.
1. Le Touquet-Paris-Plage (Baie de Canche)
I always start my trips in the north. A short 55-minute drive from Calais brings you to this chic seaside town. The Ie touquet dog friendly beach is a real treasure for nature lovers. Plus, the Baie de Canche area offers a beautiful natural setting with dunes and a huge stretch of sand.
My dog loves to run here. You must keep your dog on a lead near the nautical base. Additionally, dogs are allowed outside the zone with beach cabins. The rules change during the summer season. From March 15 to September 15, you cannot go to the central part of the seafront. However, the nautical base areas remain open to us. It is a wonderful place for a long walk in the sea air.
2. Berck-sur-Mer (Plage des Sternes)
Later, I often drive an hour south of Calais to reach Berck. The Plage des Sternes is very welcoming to our furry friends. It is a vast beach with fine sand. Dogs are allowed outside the monitored swimming areas.
Also, you must use a lead when you are near the crowds. Every April, the town holds an International Kite Festival. At that time, the sky is full of bright colors. On top of that, there is a large colony of seals here.
I do not take my dogs too close because they might bark and scare them. Therefore, I stay in the quiet North Beach area. Plus, the town has a “toutourisme” certificate which means they really love doggy guests.
3. Escalles Beach (Cran d’Escalles)
Escalles is only a tiny distance from Calais. This village is surrounded by green hills and huge cliffs. The beach is very large and flat. It is perfect for active dogs who need to burn off energy. At that time, I felt like I was in a different world. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year.
However, they are banned from May 15 to September 15 during the day. You must keep your pet on a lead at all times here. The views of the Cap Blanc-Nez cliffs are breathtaking. Similarly, the nearby WWI monument adds a bit of history to your walk. It is a wild and peaceful haven for us.
4. Wissant (Plage Dune d’Aval)
Wissant is a quaint town located only 25 minutes from Calais. It has three different beaches. The one you should look for is Plage Dune d’Aval. The local government permits dogs here all year round.
Plus, the scenery with the cliffs is spectacular. Dogs are allowed on the north and south sides of the beach. On the contrary, they are not allowed on the sand in the bathing area during summer. This ban lasts from July 1 to August 31 between 10 am and 8 pm. Therefore, I prefer to visit in the early morning. The wide open spaces are great for freedom.
5. Omaha Beach (Vierville-sur-mer)
Next, I head into Normandy. This region has a record of over 40 beaches that allow pets. Omaha Beach is one of the most famous D-Day beaches. It is a stunning 2.5 km stretch of white sand. My dog finds it very exciting to explore the history here. You can find many monuments to the Allied landing from June 6, 1944.
Dogs are welcome all year round on the sand. However, you must use a lead during the summer months. The beach is supervised in July and August. Plus, it is very quiet at the ends of the beach. It is helpful to have a dog friendly beaches france to find all these spots.
6. Quiberville-sur-Mer
The central beach here is a real beauty. It is part of the Terroir de Caux region. Massive cliffs of the Alabaster Coast tower over the sand and pebbles. Dogs can go on both the sand and the pebbles. The area gets very busy in the summer. There is a water sports center and a playground for children.
Therefore, you should keep your dog on a lead. Later, you can buy fresh fish or oysters from the huts on the promenade. On top of that, the water is crisp and clean. It is a great place to stop for a few hours.
7. Gouville-sur-Mer
I often travel to the small town of Coutances in the Manche department. The main beach at Gouville sur Mer is the most dog-friendly in the area. It is an unspoilt spot where you often see fishermen on the shore.
Dogs on a leash are allowed here. Also, the beach has supervisors during July and August. The nearby Anneville-sur-Mer beach also has vast sand flats. It is far from the crowded tourist zones. Therefore, your dog can run with a lot of freedom. Similarly, the dunes are a fun place to explore.
8. Plage d’Antifer (Le Tilleul)
This is one of the most gorgeous beaches in Normandy. It is dominated by the shimmering cliffs of Etretat. Access is only possible by a walk on foot from the center of Le Tilleul.
Though it takes some effort, the views are worth it. You will see a sweep of shingle and sand banks at low tide. Dogs must stay on a lead at all times. Additionally, the beach is very peaceful. You can soak up the views of Cape Courtine while your dog sniffs around. It is a true hidden gem for us.
9. Santec (Dossen Beach)
Brittany is my next big stop. All beaches in the Santec region are now dog-friendly. Dossen Beach offers kilometers of sand for free exploration. Plus, it is a great spot for water sports like surfing. I find the wide open space very relaxing. Similarly, the Plage de l’Horn to the south is rare and insolite. It is hidden near a forest and dunes.
Your dog can enjoy the maritime plants and sand. At that time, it felt like our own private paradise. Check a dog friendly beaches brittany map to see how the coast is shaped here.
10. Laber Beach (Roscoff)
When I arrive in the port town of Roscoff, I head straight to Laber beach. It has crystal-clear blue water and golden sand. It is a perfect place for a walk all year round. You must keep your dog leashed, but the area stays quiet even in the high season. Later, you can visit a café on the square for an espresso. The wild dunes are a fun place to play. Additionally, the beach is long enough for a good exercise session. It is a top choice for brittany dog friendly beaches.
11. Hirel Beach
If you visit the castle of Mont Saint-Michel, do not miss Hirel Beach. It is just along the coast. The sandy expanses are very wide. Therefore, you can let your dog off the leash at low tide. You can even dip your feet in the water. However, you must watch out for sand yachts. They race along this beach very fast.
Similarly, kite surfers are often out on the waves. There is a large playground nearby if you have children. Plus, it is a safe bet for a safe run.
12. La Tranche-sur-Mer (Plage de la Terrière)
The Vendée region is a leader in welcoming dogs. La Tranche-sur-Mer is one of the few places with real beach access all year. Terrière Beach is a wild and natural spot. Dogs are allowed on a lead outside of the supervised zones. During summer, restrictions apply between 9 am and 7 pm. However, you can walk freely before or after those hours. The beach is very spacious. Therefore, your pet can run and play in the air. It is a truly relaxing destination for a family.
13. Belle Henriette Beach
Another top spot in La Tranche-sur-Mer is Belle Henriette Beach. It is 3 kilometers long. On top of that, it is open to dogs all year round. The parking is even free for visitors. It is located near a nature reserve lagoon. Therefore, the scenery is very beautiful.
Additionally, it is a great place to avoid the big crowds. Gradually, you will see why this town has the “Toutourisme” label. They even offer special kits for pet owners at the tourist office.
14. South Beach (Fouras)
When people ask for dog friendly beaches la rochelle, I suggest looking nearby in Charente-Maritime. The South Beach of Fouras is a popular choice shared by travelers.
It is located near the town of La Rochelle. The area is very pretty for a family holiday. Dogs are allowed here, though you should always check the local signs. Similarly, the Plage de la Coubre to the south is huge. It has massive dunes and is next to a forest. However, the ocean can be violent there. Therefore, you must be careful if your dog likes to swim.
15. Mimizan (Plage de la Garluche)
The Landes region has 106 km of fine sandy beaches. Mimizan is a great town for us. It has two beaches that accept dogs: La Garluche and Goélands. These beaches are wide and offer plenty of room to walk.
After the beach, I like to take the Promenade Fleurie. It has 400 species of flowers and shrubs. My dog loves the new smells there. Plus, the air is very fresh. It is a wonderful place for a day of relaxation.
16. Bandol Dog Beach
Finding a spot in the south can be hard. However, the city of Bandol created a dedicated beach for dogs. It is a pebble beach located near the port. The water is very transparent and clear. Since it is quite new, it is not very crowded yet. It is one of the best dog friendly beaches in South of France.
Your dog can swim and play without stress. Similarly, the nearby Cassis has the Calanques of Port-Miou which allow pets. The scenery there is famous for its beauty.
17. La Grande Motte (Plage du Grand Travers)
The Hérault department is usually very strict with rules. La Grande Motte is an exception. Plage du Grand Travers is open to dogs all year round at Access 60. It is a massive sandy beach. It is perfect for watching the sunset with your pet. The water is shallow, which is good for dogs that are not strong swimmers.
On top of that, there are showers and toilets at Access 50. However, it can get very busy in the summer. Therefore, I go early to find a good spot.
18. Agde (Plage de la Tamarissière)
This is the only official dog beach in the Cap d’Agde area. It is open all year. Your dog can run free from 7 am to 9 am and from 7 pm to 9 pm. Outside these hours, you must use a lead.
The beach is about 650 meters long and has fine sand. Plus, it is next to a forest. This provides nice shade for those hot days. Similarly, it has parking and restroom facilities nearby. You must pick up all waste because it is monitored strictly.
19. Santa Giulia (Porto-Vecchio)
Corsica is a true dog paradise. Santa Giulia is one of the most famous beaches in the south of the island. The water is incredibly clear. You can see the sea floor easily. Dogs are allowed here on a leash. The water is shallow, so it is perfect for “paddling”. However, it gets very crowded during the summer. It is one of the most beautiful spots in all of France. Therefore, you should definitely add it to your list.
20. Palombaggia
Finally, I must mention Palombaggia beach. It is the top-rated beach in Corsica. It has white sand, red rocks, and turquoise water. Dogs are allowed here as long as you are careful about waste. Plus, there are beautiful umbrella pines for shade. It is a dream location for any traveler. My dog loves the soft sand.
Similarly, the Saleccia beach near Saint-Florent offers a wild setting. You can reach it by boat or a 4×4 vehicle. It is truly spectacular.
Strategic Planning for Your Trip
Travel to France with a dog is easy if you plan ahead. First of all, you need a pet passport, a microchip, and a rabies jab. For people from the UK, you now need an Animal Health Certificate. If you use LeShuttle, the crossing only takes 35 minutes.
They even have special exercise areas for dogs. Additionally, many ferries now offer “dog-friendly” cabins. This makes the long trip to Corsica much better for your pet. Once you arrive, you will find that the French nation loves dogs.
Understanding the Beach Rules
You should know that there are three types of beach access. Plages autorisées allow dogs all year. Usually, you must keep them on a lead. Plages tolérées have restrictions. These might be special hours like before 9 am or after 7 pm. Finally, Plages interdites are totally banned in summer.
If you break the rules, you can get a fine of 150 euros. Additionally, not picking up waste can cost you up to 400 euros. Therefore, always read the signs at the beach entrance.
Keeping Your Dog Safe and Healthy
The summer heat in France can be very dangerous. Make sure you have plenty of fresh water and shade. Do not take your dog to the beach during the hottest hours from 10 am to 4 pm. Sand temperatures can reach 50 degrees Celsius. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their paws.
You can apply special sunscreen to their nose or ears. Also, salt water is not good for their skin. Therefore, you should rinse them with fresh water after they swim.
Helpful Labels for Travelers
Look for the “Toutourisme” label when you travel. Towns with this label have tourist offices that give out “Toutoupacks”. These kits have treats, waste bags, and guides for pet owners. There are over 60 destinations with this label now. Similarly, the “Qualidog” label helps you find the best hotels and campsites.
Establishments get a rating from 1 to 4 “truffles”. A 4-truffle rating means they have great services like dog-sitting or welcome kits. This makes planning your stay much easier.
FAQ
Where is the most dog friendly place in France?
I believe Corsica is the absolute top spot for us because the local people do not mind pets as much as on the mainland. This island has over 73 dog friendly beaches for you to visit. Similarly, the Pas-de-Calais region in the north is very welcoming and uses the “Toutourisme” program to help pet owners. Therefore, you will find plenty of space there for your furry friend.
Is France very dog friendly?
Yes, it is. The country has a population of about 10 million dogs. On top of that, there are around 17 dogs for every 100 people in the nation. Therefore, you can find a grooming salon or a pet friendly cafe in almost every town.
Can dogs go on beaches in France?
Yes. You can visit over 250 dog friendly beaches across the French coast. However, most public beaches have strict rules during the summer months. Plus, you must always look for signs that say plages autorisées to ensure you do not get a fine.
What beach is the most dog friendly?
I would say Belle Henriette Beach in La Tranche-sur-Mer is the best choice for us. It is 3 kilometers long and allows dogs all year round. Additionally, the Plage de la Tamarissière in Agde is a great spot because it is the only official dog beach in its area.
Can dogs stay in hotels in France?
Yes, they can. Many hotels, resorts, and gites happily welcome our pets. You should look for the Qualidog label when you book your room. This label ensures that the hotel truly loves dogs and provides good services for them.
Concluding Words
I had a wonderful time sharing my experiences at these 20 dog friendly beaches france. From the massive cliffs of Normandy to the clear blue water of Corsica, your pet can find a perfect place to run.
First of all, you must plan ahead and check the local municipal rules. Plus, keep the sand clean to avoid a 400 euro fine. Also, always bring a bowl of fresh water to keep your dog safe in the heat. This trip will be a memory that you and your best friend will keep forever. Finally, grab your leash and start your French coastal adventure today!
