A trip to France with my pet was my top goal for years.,. I wanted to see the grand halls and the green gardens of the old world.,. We found that France is a very welcoming place for pets.. I used a dog friendly hotels france map to plan our route across the country.,. My dog and I explored many Dog Friendly Chateaus and Unique Accommodations in France during our stay.,.
First of all, we needed to handle the rules for the border.,. A trip from the UK to France is simple if you plan ahead.. I had to make sure my dog was microchipped and vaccinated against rabies.. We obtained an Animal Health Certificate from an official vet within 10 days of our start date.,. Later, we used the Eurotunnel LeShuttle from Folkestone to Calais.. The ride took only 35 minutes and we stayed with our dog the whole time.,. It was a stress-free start..
We looked for dog friendly hotels north france as our first stop.,. I chose the Château du Moulin-Le-Comte in Aire-sur-la-Lys.,. A typical bourgeois house from the 19th century.. It has a huge park of 4,500 square meters.. Plus, 3 hectares of that land are fenced.. My dog could run around and let off steam.. The hosts provide a doggie bar and a shower to rinse your pet.. I used a promo code to get a €20 discount per night.,. A great deal.. Rooms there cost from €134 per night..
The Magic of the Loire Valley
The next part of our trip took us south to a dog friendly chåteau loire valley.,. We saw so many beautiful places.,. I learned that more than 40 castles in this area allow pets.. Some allow dogs inside, while others only allow them in the parks.,.
We visited the Château d’Ussé first.. This castle inspired the tale of “Sleeping Beauty”.. The tiered gardens were designed by Le Nôtre.. It is a Renaissance dream.. The staff said our dog was welcome in all places visited.. History in every room..
Another favorite was the Château de Langeais.. On one side, it looks like a medieval fortress.. On the other side, it is a royal palace.. I watched a reenactment of a royal wedding inside.,. We kept our dog on a leash while we explored the park.. A truly royal feel..
The Château de Chenonceau is the most beautiful castle in the valley.. It spans the Cher river with its arches.. Though it is very popular, dogs on a leash can walk in the gardens.. Small pets can even go inside the castle if you carry them in a bag or a basket.,. The view of the castle reflected in the water was stunning.. Pure magic..
We also saw the Château de Villandry.. The gardens there are world-famous.. They have a tiered structure that matches the castle.. Small dogs can visit the castle in a bag.. Larger dogs must stay in the gardens on a lead.. We walked through geometric shrubs and fountains.,.
Later, we went to the Château Royal d’Amboise.. It is the place where Leonardo da Vinci is buried.. We explored the park and the gardens that overlook the Loire River.. I carried my dog inside the house.. It was exciting to dive into the lives of the kings..
I wanted to see a hidden gem, so we found the Château de l’Islette.. A family lives there now, so it feels very homey.. We had a picnic on the grass and sat in deck chairs by the river.. No other people were around.. A peaceful moment..
On top of that, we visited the Château de Chambord.. It is the most massive castle in the region.. The double helix staircase is a technical wonder.. However, the rules for dogs are very strict here.. Pets can not enter the main gardens or the castle.. They can only walk around the perimeter paths.. At least the walk is free for pet owners..
Luxury Stays and Relais & Châteaux
For a more fancy experience, we looked for a relais & chäteaux dog friendly hotel.. These hotels are known for luxury and good food.. I found some amazing spots that treat pets like royalty..
We stayed at the Château de Fonscolombe in Provence.. It is a 5-star boutique hotel.. The style is 18th-century Italianate.. It has 50 rooms and suites.. Prices are over $300 per night.. The rooms are chic and elegant.. Dash, my pet, was welcomed with open arms.. We walked through the botanic gardens and the vineyard.. The restaurant, L’Orangerie, serves fresh food from the kitchen gardens.. I ate red mullet with cauliflower cream.. We drank organic wine from their winery.. A lavished feast for the senses..
Similarly, the Château de la Caze is a fairy tale setting.. It is located in the Gorges du Tarn canyon.. A very romantic Renaissance era hotel.. It has an intimate boutique feel.. Rooms have bare stone walls and antique furniture.. We relaxed by the heated pool and the outdoor jacuzzi.. The price is between $150 and $300 per night..
If you are looking for dog friendly hotels in france en route to spain, the Château Marteret in Gascony is perfect.. It is near the Pyrenees.. This is a private castle for rent.. It sleeps up to 14 people.. The estate covers 400 acres.. It has orchards, woods, and a lake.. We saw a herd of Meren horses there.. You can go swimming or sailing in the lake.. A quiet place off the beaten track..
Also, the Château de Berne in Provence is a slice of heaven.. It is a 5-star hotel near St Tropez.. The estate is 1,235 acres large.. Most of the land is left to nature.. It has 320 acres of vineyards.. Their restaurant, Jardin de Benjamin, has a Michelin star.. The rooms have a rustic, country-chic vibe.. We enjoyed wine tasting and guided walks..
We found another great spot in the Hotel de la Cité in Carcassonne.. It is the only 5-star hotel within the ancient city walls.. Notable guests like Queen Elizabeth II have stayed here.. The style is Neo-Gothic.. It gives you access to the walls in the evening.. We walked the ramparts when the tourists were gone.. The views were outstanding..
Saint-Émilion and Wine Country
I had to visit the wine regions.. I searched for dog friendly hotels france in the Bordeaux area.,. Saint-Émilion is very pet-friendly.. We took the train from Bordeaux to the village.. Dogs are allowed on trains with a ticket..
We visited the Château Cantenac.. It is a family-run winery.. We took a private tour of the vineyard and the barrel room.. The visit ended with wine, bread, and cheese.. My dog got two paws up for this place..
The Château La Croizille has one of the prettiest viewpoints.. It sits on a hillside over terraced vines.. We lingered on the terrace wine bar with a glass of red.. Then, we walked on the vineyard paths..
I also tried an escape game at Château Pas de l’Ane.. My dog helped us sniff out clues to solve the mystery.. It was a unique way to taste wine.. The estate has 13 hectares of vines..
At Couvent des Jacobins, we took a tuk-tuk to the vines.. The tuk-tuk accepts dogs too.. This winery is inside the medieval walls of the village.. It is set in a 13th-century monastery.. We tasted superior wines near the famous Château Angélus..
We stayed at the Château Hôtel Grand Barrail.. It is a 4-star hotel near Saint-Émilion.. The building has opulent charm.. Most rooms have a balcony with views of the vines.. It has a great spa and an outdoor pool.. We strolled through the gardens and the vineyards every day..
Unique and Atypical Accommodations
France has many unusual places to stay with a dog.. I wanted something different..
We tried Camping Terre Rouge in Villecomtal.. It offers luxury tents with private bathrooms.. The total score for this place is 8.7.. The staff score is a high 9.6.. Each tent has a fridge and a dining area.. We enjoyed the seasonal pool and the beautiful garden.. Continental breakfast is available for $11.68.. The hosts are very friendly and helpful..
Additionally, we visited Parenthèses imaginaires in the Dordogne.. This is a nature haven in the Périgord Vert.. They have chalets, glamping cabins, and camping spots.. They allow a maximum of 12 to 15 pets on the whole domain.,. My dog loved the 27 hectares of nature.. He could even swim in the fishing pond.. The “Chalet lacustre” is on the edge of the lake.. It has a covered terrace over the water..
I also found a dog friendly hotels paris option for a city stop.. The Hôtel Barrière Le Fouquet’s is very fancy.. Pets must be on a leash in public areas.. It is near the Champs-Élysées.. Another choice is Le Meurice.. It is across from the Tuileries Gardens.. There is an off-leash section near the Louvre where dogs can play.. Small dogs stay for a fee of €35 per day..
We even stayed in a dome under the stars.. Les Bulles d’O in Deux-Sèvres welcomes all dogs.. You sleep in a wooden bubble.. There are many hikes nearby.. Another dome in Drôme Provençale has a telescope to see the stars..
Have you ever thought about a trailer?. La Roulotte de Campras in Occitanie has views of the Pyrenees.. It is near Toulouse and Carcassonne.. A wonderful way to relax in nature..
We also spent a night in a teepee.. Tipi Lodge d’Escapa in Midi-Pyrénées is great for families.. It feels like the Far West.. There is a pool and a barbecue too..
Finally, we tried a troglodyte house near Tours.. These are houses built directly into the rock.. The Troglodyte Gîtes of Pique les Muses can hold up to 14 people.. It is very atypical.. The Vignole Mansion near Saumur is a pet-friendly cave hotel.. The owner loves animals.. It is one of my favorite spots..
Tips for Traveling with Dogs in France
A trip with a pet requires some planning.. I learned a lot during our tour..
First of all, check the rules for each monument.. Many museums and cathedrals in Paris do not allow pets inside.. You can not take your dog into the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre.. However, you can see them from the outside..
Similarly, national parks have strict rules.. Dogs are often banned from the “core zones” to protect wildlife.. The Pyrenees National Park does not allow dogs at all.. If you get too close to mountain herds, watch out for the Patous.. These are shepherd dogs that guard the sheep.. They might see your dog as a threat..
Also, restaurants have specific schedules.. Many close between 1 PM and 6 PM.. I moved my castle visits to the hours when food shops were shut.. Most cafes and bistros in France are very relaxed about dogs.. You will often see dogs sitting under tables in dining rooms..
On top of that, watch your dog’s health.. Restrain your pet with a harness in the car.. Do not leave your dog alone in a hotel room.. Stop often for water and exercise.. I checked for signs of motion sickness..
Additionally, you must bring a bag for waste.,. Many towns provide dispensers, like the grey ones in Saint-Émilion.. There are also drinking water points in the village..
Finally, consider the food rules after Brexit.. You can not bring meat-based dog food from the UK into the EU.. You might need to buy regular food once you arrive in France.. Do your research before you go..
Exploring the Countryside
We took many country walks.. The Loire Valley has 25 hikes with maps.. Calvin, my dog, loved running through the fields in Bréhémont.,. We rarely saw other people..
In the Couserans region, we saw shepherds moving their herds.. This is called transhumance.. It is an ancient tradition.. There is a festival in Seix in June.. It is a genuine local celebration.. We acompanied the herds up into the hills..
We also visited some caves.. The Grotte de Niaux has prehistoric paintings from 10,800 BC.. However, many caves do not allow dogs.. I checked the list before we went to avoid a long drive for nothing..
Frequently Asked Questions
Are certain dog breeds banned from entering France or staying in these places?
Most places welcome all dogs regardless of breed or size.,. However, some specific sites do not allow restricted breeds like Category 1 or 2 dogs.,. You should check the individual rules of each chateau or glamping site before you arrive.,.
Do French trains and buses allow me to travel with my dog?
Public transport in France is often more relaxed than in the United Kingdom.,. You can take your dog on the train if you purchase a ticket for your pet.,. Small dogs are usually welcome on buses too.,.
Is there a limit to the number of dogs I can bring to a chateau or unique stay?
Limits vary by location.. Some wine estates allow only one or two dogs for each person.,. On the contrary, some places like the Château de Moulin-Le-Comte have no limit on the number of pets you bring.,. You must notify them if you plan to arrive with a large pack.,.
Can my cat come along for a stay in a unique accommodation?
Many unique spots welcome both dogs and cats upon request.,. Some chateaus allow cats if they stay inside a carrier bag.,. Places like Parenthèses imaginaires even offer free stays for your feline friend.,.
Concluding words
My journey through France with my pet proved that you do not have to leave your best friend at home.. From the grand halls of a dog friendly chåteau france to the quiet of a forest yurt, we felt welcome everywhere.,. France offers a relaxed atmosphere for pet owners in its cafes and hotels.,. Additionally, the unique stays provide a sense of adventure that a normal hotel can not match.,.
Later, you will find that a bit of planning makes a world of difference for your pet.,. Plus, the memories of walking through ancient gardens with my dog are priceless.,. History and nature in one trip. Pack your bags and take your dog to experience the best of France today..
