I have spent years traveling across Europe with my furry best friend at my side. There is nothing quite like the joy of seeing your dog run on a new beach or hike up a mountain trail. If you are planning for the future, you must look at the Best Dog Friendly Campsites in France for 2026. France is a massive country with so much to offer. I have stayed in many dog friendly places to stay in france and I want to share my secrets with you. This guide will help you find the best dog friendly campsites france has to offer for your next big trip.
Getting There: The Journey Across the Channel
First of all, you need to decide how to cross the water. My dog and I have tried both the ferry and the tunnel. The Eurotunnel LeShuttle is the fastest way to travel. It only takes about 35 to 40 minutes to get from Folkestone to Calais. You stay in your car with your pet the whole time. This is great because it reduces stress for the animal. In my experience, it is very convenient. However, it can be expensive. At that time, I saw prices around £383 for a return trip with a dog.
On the contrary, the ferry is often cheaper. You can find return trips for about £253. Some ferries now have special pet lounges. P&O Ferries offers a lounge where you can stay with your dog. They even give out free dog biscuits and have a secure exercise area. Humans get free coffee and cold drinks too. This makes the 90-minute journey feel much shorter.
Additionally, you must handle the paperwork. You need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) if you come from the UK. Your dog must have a microchip. They also need a rabies vaccination. You must get this at least 21 days before you travel. Finally, do not forget the tapeworm treatment. A vet in France must give this to your dog 24 to 120 hours before you go back to the UK.
Top Region 1: The Sunny French Riviera
The South of France is a dream. It has almost 3,000 hours of sunshine every year. One of the best campsites for dogs in france is Camp du Domaine in Bormes-les-Mimosas. This is a 5-star campsite right on the Mediterranean coast. It is a huge place with over 1,000 pitches.
I love this site because it is very welcoming to pets. On top of that, the first dog stays for free on camping pitches. If you have more dogs, you pay about €5.50 per night for each extra one. They even have a special dog zone. It has agility structures and a dog wash station. This is perfect for cleaning off the sea salt after a swim. New in 2026, dogs are welcome throughout the entire season at this site. Therefore, you can visit even in the busy summer months.
The site has direct access to a sandy beach. Though dogs are not allowed on the main campsite beach, the forest is right next door. There are many forest trails for long walks. Additionally, you can find six dog-friendly beaches nearby, like Messanges Plage Sud. This makes it one of the best dog friendly campsites in france for 2026 near beach.
Top Region 2: Beautiful Brittany
Brittany is another fantastic spot for a pet-friendly holiday. The air is fresh and the coastline is rugged. L’Orangerie de Lanniron in Quimper is a 5-star site that I highly recommend. It sits in a 45-hectare park. This gives you and your dog plenty of room for endless walks.
They accept up to two pets per accommodation. You will pay about €12 per day for one pet. They have a water jet at the sanitary block to wash your pet. This is very useful if your dog loves to get muddy in the woods. Dogs are even allowed at the on-site restaurant, Au potager de Lanniron. They will even provide a water bowl if you ask.
Similarly, Eurocamp has great parcs in this region. Le Mané Guernehué is a favorite. It is near the beautiful town of Auray. La Baie Campsite is a smaller, quiet park with only 205 pitches. It is very close to the beach. These are all great options if you want to be near the sea.
Top Region 3: The Majestic French Alps
If you prefer mountains over beaches, the Alps are for you. The crisp mountain air is wonderful for active dogs. Campsite Les Marmottes in Chamonix is a top choice. It sits right against the backdrop of Mont Blanc. There are 85 pitches here.
The location is perfect for adventure. You get a host card for free rides on buses and trains. The stations are only a 200-meter walk from the campsite. This makes it easy to explore the valley with your dog. Later, you can relax at the site and enjoy the views of the glaciers.
Camping de Tignes is another great spot for active families. It is open from mid-June to mid-September. They have 90 available spots. It is a pet-friendly site where your dog can join you on high-altitude hikes. Similarly, Camping Alpes Lodges in Savoie offers 250 pitches in a forest setting. They have clean shower areas called “Marmottes” and “Bouquetins”.
Top Region 4: Central France and the Loire Valley
The heart of France has many hidden gems. La Croix du Vieux Pont is a large Eurocamp park with 623 pitches. It is only 90 minutes from Paris. This park is huge and has lots of space for dog walking. We took our dog on a shuttle bus into Paris to see the Eiffel Tower. It was an unforgettable experience.
In the Dordogne, you should visit Saint Avit Loisirs. It is a medium site with 320 pitches in the countryside. It has six pools and lots of activities. This region is famous for its rivers. Similarly, the Ardèche is great for dogs that love water. Campsite Le Riviera in Sampzon has river access. They even welcome categorized dogs.
Planning Your Stay: Tents vs. Rentals
You must choose between a tent or a rental unit. Eurocamp offers dog-friendly accommodation in their Classic and Comfort ranges. They also have selected lodges and tents. Usually, you pay about €8 per night for a dog in a rental. If you stay on a pitch with your own tent, it is often cheaper, around €5 per night.
If you use a tent, you must be organized. I always bring a carpet to insulate my dog from the ground. This helps them stay warm and feel at home. I also use a dog tent or travel kennel. This gives my dog a safe place to rest in the shade. Additionally, I keep my dog’s food in an airtight box. This keeps the rain and ants away.
On top of that, you should consider your dog’s personality. If your dog is reactive, you need a plan. Many campers on Reddit suggest getting a site with good tree coverage. You can also hang a tarp to block your dog’s view of the road. This helps prevent alert barking. I find that a white noise machine or calming music in the tent at night helps a lot. It blocks out the sounds of other animals or people walking to the bathroom.
Exploring the Best Lakes
France has some of the most beautiful lakes in the world. Lake Sainte-Croix in the Verdon Gorges is majestic. The water is a bright turquoise. You can rent an electric boat or a canoe and take your dog on the water. Remember to give your dog a life jacket. Even good swimmers can get tired in deep water.
Lake Bourget in Savoie is another magical spot. There is a greenway between Aix-les-Bains and the lake that is 8 kilometers long. You can jump from beach to beach with your dog. However, most supervised beaches do not allow dogs. You must walk a bit further to find a quiet, wild spot.
Lake Salagou in the Hérault is famous for its red earth. It is a very strange and beautiful place. Be careful because the red soil gets very hot in the sun. You must bring a parasol and plenty of water to avoid heatstroke. Also, be prepared for your dog to turn a little bit pink from the red dust!
Expert Tips for a Smooth Trip
I have learned many lessons over the years. First of all, book early. Many sites offer Early Booking discounts of 20% to 30% for 2026. This also ensures you get a shaded pitch, which is vital for your dog’s health.
Secondly, bring the right gear. I always pack cooling mats and a paddling pool. If the weather is hot, these are lifesavers. Some people even use dog shoes to protect paws from hot pavement or sharp rocks. I also bring a long tie-out cable and a screw peg. This allows my dog to move around the pitch safely while I relax.
Finally, check the local rules. Most campsites require dogs to be on a lead at all times. You must also carry poop bags and clean up after your pet. If we all follow these simple rules, more sites will stay dog-friendly.
Recommended List of Sites for 2026
If you want a quick guide, here is a list of top spots based on my research and the Best dog friendly campsites in france for 2026 map:
- Camp du Domaine (Var) – Best for beach lovers and forest walks.
- L’Orangerie de Lanniron (Brittany) – Best for luxury and space.
- La Croix du Vieux Pont (Paris) – Best for visiting the city.
- Les Marmottes (Chamonix) – Best for mountain views and hiking.
- Atlantic Club Montalivet (Atlantic Coast) – Best for direct beach access.
- Le Pin Parasol (Vendée) – Best for lake activities and fishing.
- Mayotte Vacances (Landes) – Best for woodland trails and lake swimming.
- Camping Le Riviera (Ardèche) – Best for river fun and canoeing.
- Val de la Marquise (Dordogne) – Best for peace and animal-loving owners.
- Le Vieux Port (Messanges) – Best for its 2 truffles QUALIDOG label and direct forest access.
Searching for Camping Sous Les Étoiles Normandie reviews might also lead you to some great smaller spots in the north. This is helpful if you want a shorter drive after crossing the channel. Normandy is a lovely region with fresh air that is good for both humans and dogs.
FAQ
Where is the most dog friendly place in France?
I find that Aquitaine is a top choice because of the massive forests and sandy beaches. Additionally, Brittany offers wide-open spaces and rugged coastlines that my dog loves. Ardèche and Dordogne also have many sites with plenty of room for long walks.
Are campsites in France dog friendly?
Most campsites across the country are very happy to host our furry friends. However, some sites do not allow dogs to protect the local wildlife or livestock. You should always check the specific rules of the park before you book your trip.
Where to stay in France with a dog?
You should look for sites that carry the Qualidog label, such as Le Vieux Port. On top of that, Eurocamp parcs often have special accommodation for pets in their Classic and Comfort ranges. These are great dog friendly places to stay in france.
Are dogs allowed in parks in France?
Yes, many campsites sit right on the edge of National Parks where you can hike together. Plus, you can find sites located at the gateway to the Baronnies Provençales Regional Natural Park.
Can dogs stay at Eurocamp?
They absolutely can stay at Eurocamp. You just need to check with the team and add your pet to your booking. Similarly, you will find that dogs are welcome in selected lodges and tents.
Where can I camp for free in France?
You can look into dispersed camping in the State Forests. Though, I always check the local laws first because rules for free camping can change depending on the region.
Where can my dog sleep while camping?
My dog usually sleeps in the tent or under the awning to stay close to me. You can also use a dog tent or a travel kennel to give them a safe and familiar space. Finally, do not forget to use a carpet to insulate them from the cold ground.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
I believe France is the easiest country to visit with a pet because the travel process is so simple. Lake Sainte-Croix is a majestic spot for a holiday with turquoise water and many hiking trails.
How do I travel to France with my dog?
You can use the Eurotunnel or a ferry to cross the channel. Additionally, you must get an Animal Health Certificate and a rabies vaccine before you depart.
What is the posh version of Eurocamp?
Sunêlia is a 5-star brand that offers a lot of luxury and high-quality services. Similarly, Sandaya offers very high-end parcs that treat your dog like royalty with special showers and agility courses.
Where can I find reviews for smaller sites?
You should search for Camping Sous Les Étoiles Normandie reviews to find quiet and peaceful spots. Plus, it is a great way to hear about the real experiences of other pet owners.
Concluding words
You now have all the tools to plan a wonderful 2026 trip. I have shared my favorite spots and the best dog friendly campsites france has to offer. Plus, you know the rules for the ferry and the tunnel to keep your journey stress-free.
You will love seeing your pet play on the beaches and hike through the mountains. Just remember to book early to save money and secure a shaded pitch. France is a paradise for pets and humans alike.
