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 chances 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. Plus, there are around 17 dogs for every 100 people in the nation. You can find a grooming salon or a pet friendly cafe in almost every town.
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. Strategic planning for your trip is the key to success. Traveling to France with a dog is easy if you plan ahead. You need a pet passport, a microchip, and a rabies jab. For people from the UK, you now need an Animal Health Certificate. This document replaces the old UK-issued pet passports after Brexit. Your dog must be at least 12 weeks old before they can have the rabies vaccine. You must wait 21 days after the vaccination before you travel. The certificate remains valid for ten days from the date of issue to enter the EU. It is also valid for four months of onward travel in the EU.
The Journey Across the Channel
Research travel options before you book your crossing to France. Most people tend to travel by car through the Eurotunnel or by ferry. We prefer the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle for speed and comfort. The crossing between Folkestone and Calais only takes 35 minutes. You remain in your vehicle with your pet during the journey. This reduces stress for your furry friend. Eurotunnel operates up to four crossings per hour. This provides great flexibility for your schedule. They even have special exercise areas for dogs. The terminal in Coquelles has a safe area where your pet can have a run. More than 301,000 pets crossed the Channel using Eurotunnel Le Shuttle in 2016 alone. One customer out of ten using the service travels with a pet. In 2017, the company celebrated its 2 millionth pet passenger.
Ferry services are another option for your journey. These crossings are often more affordable than the tunnel. However, the journey takes much longer. A typical ferry trip lasts around 90 minutes. Most ferry companies allow dogs to travel in your vehicle. P&O Ferries rules state that your dog must remain in your vehicle during the crossing. Some operators offer pet-friendly lounges or cabins for an extra fee. P&O Ferries provides a pet lounge with free tea, coffee, and cold drinks. Plus, the ferry journey offers panoramic sea views. On top of that, you can sometimes be on deck with your companion. Later, you will arrive at a designated point of entry in France. The Eurotunnel and major ferry ports like Calais are approved routes.
Finding the Best Dog Friendly Hotels Near Calais and Reims
Calais is a charming mix of coastal beauty and historical intrigue. It is a delightful stop for travelers with pets. First of all, let us talk about where to stay in this port city.
The Holiday Inn Calais-Coquelles by IHG is a top hotel for people who travel with pets. It is an excellent location just 2.3 km from the Eurotunnel terminal. This hotel sits in 8 acres of parkland. It is a four-star property with a high review score of 8.4. The rooms are modern and feature air conditioning. Guests enjoy access to a spa center with a swimming pool and sauna. Our hotel accepts pets for a cost of 30 euros per night per pet. However, animals are not allowed in the restaurant. You can take your meals in a reserved area instead. The hotel only accepts medium-sized dogs with a maximum weight of 17 kilos. Only one dog is allowed per room. Many UK travelers recommend it as a perfect stopover on the way back to the UK.
The ibis Styles Calais Centre is another fantastic choice for pet owners. It has a welcoming atmosphere for both humans and animals. This three-star property provides food and water bowls for your pets. It is located in the heart of the city center. You can reach the Calais Lighthouse in just a short walk. Additionally, guests get a complimentary buffet breakfast each morning. The hotel offers premium bedding for a restful night. Therefore, it is a great spot for a pet-friendly vacation.
The Hôtel Meurice Calais offers a different vibe for your stay. It features unique old-fashioned furniture and decor. This hotel is located just a 5-minute walk from the sea. It is also very close to the Gare de Calais-Ville train station. Later, you can take a stroll along the beach with your dog.
The ibis Calais Car Ferry is a very good three-star property. It is popular with guests who need to catch an early boat or train. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It has a restaurant that provides good quality food. Unlike some other hotels, it allows dogs in the dining area. This is great for pets who suffer from anxiety when left alone. Plus, the hotel is warm, well-lit, and clean.
The Campanile Calais is a good selection for a convenient stop. Pets are permitted here so no member of the family is left behind. It offers a garden and a terrace for outdoor time. The hotel provides a comfortable environment for guests and their pets. Though it is a more basic option, it does the job for a quick overnight stay.
Stopping Along the A26 Motorway
The drive from the Calais coast to Reims takes you through the riches of Northern France. You should not make the mistake of motoring on through without a break. Breaking up your journey at a luxury château or a charming B&B adds memorable moments. The journey is as important as the destination. Similarly, your dog will need a rest from the car.
The main motorways in France feature frequent rest areas called aires. Look for the aires de repos when your pooch needs a break. These are the stops that do not have petrol stations. These areas tend to have larger countryside or wooded spaces. Your dog can stretch its legs and have a run around. Full service stations often have too much traffic and not enough room for walks. More often than not, there is enough space at an aire de repos to let your dog off the lead for a good run.
Arriving in Reims: The Heart of Champagne
Reims is a great city to visit with your dog. It is a family destination that will bring everyone together. The city is full of monuments with remarkable architecture. Though dogs cannot enter the monuments, you can admire them from the outside during your walks. You should see the Cathedral of Our Lady of Reims and the Mars Gate. Plus, the city has many dog-friendly places to stay.
The Château de Sacy is a high-end and refined hotel near Reims. It is a Napoleon III-era building nestled in the heart of the vineyards. This boutique hotel has just 12 rooms and suites. It is an intimate place with friendly staff and sweeping views. The hotel carries the Qualidog label with a 3-truffle rating. Your dog is welcomed with pleasure here. They provide a bowl on arrival and a dog basket or mat on request. After a long journey, your pet will find a nice bed in the room. A small surprise even waits for them during evening service. A supplement of 15 euros per night per animal applies to your stay. Wearing a leash is mandatory within the establishment. The restaurant welcomes dogs, too. On top of that, there is a spa and two hot tubs made from old wine barrels.
Appart’City Confort Reims Centre is a comfortable apartment hotel in the city center. It welcomes you and your dog with a thoughtful welcome upon arrival. The supplement is 15 euros per night per pet. It is ideally located only 5 minutes from big Champagne wineries. Therefore, it is perfect for short or long stays. Guests love the kindness of the staff and the quiet rooms.
The Best Western Premier Hôtel de la Paix is a four-star property in the city center. It offers modern rooms and a design bar. The location is perfect for exploring Reims on foot. It is a fabulous choice that guests love for its dog-friendly attitude.
The Holiday Inn Reims-Centre is located in the heart of the city. It features an Italian restaurant called Il Duomo. This restaurant has a terrace on the top floor that overlooks the Cathedral. It is a unique spot in Reims. The hotel is modern and welcoming for travelers with pets.
The Sure Hotel by Best Western Reims Nord is very conveniently located near the motorway. It offers spacious and comfortable rooms. The hotel is pet-friendly with an affordable supplement of 10 euros per dog. It is a great pitstop for UK travelers.
Dog Friendly Activities in Reims
Spend quality time with your pet by exploring the local parks. The Parc de Champagne is a massive green space filled with trees. It is absolutely wonderful and well-maintained. Very dog-friendly, it even has a dedicated play area where they can go off-leash! Dog plastic bag dispensers are provided for your convenience. It is a perfect park for running and walking your dogs.
Explore the Square de la Patte d’Oie, which is a serene public garden. It features duck ponds and lush greenery. This park is located near the Reims train station. It is an ideal spot to let your pet burn off energy after a long drive. Similarly, you can discover the Reims green flow, which is a 24km long route.
A visit to the Reims Touristic Office is a must. It is located next to the Notre Dame Cathedral. The team is very friendly and welcoming to pet owners. Our dog was even given his own goodie bag! They provide a map of the city and suggest a tour route. Look for the “Toutourisme” label when you travel. Towns with this label give out “Toutoupacks” with treats and waste bags.
Later, you might want to visit a Champagne house. Close to zero is the chance of getting into a cellar with a dog. However, some houses are more tolerant than others. GH Martel and Champagne Charles de Cazanove allow tours with a dog. You must make a booking in advance. The Martel tour starts in a courtyard and moves down to the cellar. You can see 3rd-century chalk quarries there. GH Mumm allows dogs on tours only if they are in a bag. They also have an outdoor garden that is dog-friendly. Café Clicquot at Veuve Clicquot welcomes dogs with open arms on their outdoor terrace. They will bring your pet water immediately.
Places to Eat with Your Dog
Like other cities in France, your dog is likely allowed to dine with you. This is especially true if there is a garden or terrace. L’Edito on the Place Drouet d’Erlon is a good choice. It is a brasserie with a terrace on a pedestrian street. Café du Palais is another local favorite near the cathedral. It is a family café with an extensive art collection. The escargot pasta and smoked salmon salad are fantastic. Similarly, the Brasserie Excelsior Reims has a large terrace for summer dining. BiBoViNo is a wine bar that also welcomes pets. Therefore, you have plenty of choices for a meal with your companion.
Returning to the UK: The Final Steps
Visit a vet in France before you head back to the UK. All dogs entering the UK need tapeworm treatment. An authorized veterinarian must administer this treatment. It must be given no less than 24 hours and no more than 120 hours before your scheduled arrival in the UK. The vet must sign and stamp your Animal Health Certificate. If you miss this window, your dog might not be allowed to enter the country.
The Fort Veterinary Clinic in Calais is a convenient spot for this. It is located on Avenue Roger Salengro. They offer emergency assistance 24/7. They are very familiar with the requirements for the Eurotunnel and ferries. Gradually, you will find that planning these stops makes the return trip much smoother.
Keeping Your Dog Safe and Healthy
The summer heat in France can be very dangerous for pets. 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. Salt water is not good for their skin, so rinse them with fresh water after swimming.
France also has some parasites that are different from the UK. These include sandflies and heartworm-carrying mosquitoes. Use effective tick and flea prevention when you travel to mainland Europe. Ask your vet about suitable travel-safe protection before you leave. Additionally, ensure your pet is secure in the car. Use a crash-tested harness or a travel crate. Feed your dog no sooner than two hours before travel to avoid an upset stomach.
FAQ
Is Calais dog friendly?
Yes, Calais is very welcoming to pets, offering coastal beauty and historical sites suitable for animals. You can take long walks with your dog on Calais Beach or through the landscaped areas of Parc Richelieu. The gardens surrounding the Calais Lighthouse also provide ample space for playtime.
Where to stay in France with a dog?
France offers over 250 dog-friendly beaches and numerous pet-friendly accommodations, particularly in regions like Pas-de-Calais and Champagne. Travelers can choose from luxury stays like Château de Sacy near Reims, convenient city hotels such as ibis Styles Calais Centre, or charming B&Bs along major motorways like the A26.
How to travel with a 70 lb dog?
While some hotels, like the Holiday Inn Calais Coquelles, only accept medium-sized dogs up to 17 kilos (approx. 37 lbs), others like Ibis Epernay Centre and Château de Sacy accept dogs of all sizes. For a large 70 lb dog, the Eurotunnel is often preferred because you can stay with your pet in your vehicle, reducing the stress of moving them through public decks.
Where is the most dog friendly place in France?
Corsica is considered the top spot because local attitudes toward pets are highly relaxed and the island boasts over 73 dog-friendly beaches. On the mainland, the Pas-de-Calais region is also highly rated for its “Toutourisme” program that specifically assists pet owners.
Is the ferry to Calais pet friendly?
Yes, cross-channel ferries are pet-friendly and allow dogs to travel in your vehicle. Some operators even provide pet-friendly lounges or designated areas with feeding and cleaning stations.
Can I take my dog to France on the Eurotunnel?
Yes, the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) is a popular and efficient choice for pet owners. The crossing takes only 35 minutes, and your dog remains with you in the comfort of your car throughout the journey.
How to drive to France with a dog?
To drive to France, your dog must be microchipped and have a valid rabies vaccination. UK residents must obtain an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) from an official veterinarian within 10 days of travel. You should also plan for regular breaks at “aires de repos” (rest areas) that often feature wooded areas for exercise.
Can I stay with my dog on a ferry?
Yes, depending on the operator, you may be able to stay with your dog in designated pet-friendly cabins or premium pet lounges. However, some ferry policies require pets to remain in the vehicle or in a kennel during the crossing.
Which is cheaper, ferry or Eurotunnel?
Ferries are generally more cost-effective than the Eurotunnel. One example shows a ferry journey for a motorhome and dog costing around £324, while the same trip via the Eurotunnel cost £444.
What are the new rules for taking a dog to France?
Since 2021, UK-issued pet passports are no longer valid for travel to the EU. You must now obtain an Animal Health Certificate for every trip, and your dog must be treated for tapeworm by a vet in France between 1 and 5 days before returning to the UK. Additionally, you are generally not allowed to bring meat or dairy-based dog food from the UK into the EU.
Concluding words
Calais and Reims serve as ideal stopover points for UK travelers, offering a wide range of pet-friendly accommodations from budget-friendly Ibis hotels to luxury vineyard retreats like Château de Sacy.
While Calais provides easy access to beaches and parks, Reims offers athletic dogs the Reims Green Flow and the expansive Parc de Champagne. Successful travel requires careful preparation of Animal Health Certificates and a choice between the speed of the Eurotunnel or the amenities of the ferry.
