I love my dog. He is a member of my family. The idea of a holiday without him feels wrong. Many people feel the same way. In fact, research shows that 40% of French dog owners think their pets are the most important part of their lives. France is a paradise for people like us. There are about 17 dogs for every 100 people in that beautiful country. That is roughly 10 million dogs total! I decided to pack the car and head south. I wanted to find the Best affordable dog friendly hotels in Brittany and tours. It was the best decision I ever made.
First of all, I must talk about the preparation. You do not want a stressful start to your trip. Your dog needs a microchip for identification. A valid rabies vaccination is also a requirement. You have to wait 21 days after the first shot before you can travel. Your vet will give you an EU Pet Passport with all the details. I also learned that you must have a warming tablet for the return trip to the UK. The rabies jab cost me about £70, and the health certificate was £220. This might seem like a lot. However, the joy of seeing your dog on a French beach is worth every penny. Pure bliss.
The journey across the water is the next step. You have two great choices. I have used LeShuttle many times. It is very fast. You drive your car onto the train and reach France in just 35 minutes. You stay with your dog in the car the whole time. They even have a pet reception and a special walking area. On the contrary, you might prefer a boat. Brittany Ferries offers special pet-friendly cabins. These rooms are simple but cozy. They usually have two or four beds. You can even get a puppy pack with a water bowl. I found the staff very helpful during the process. A quick tip: find out how to turn off your car alarm before you board the ferry. You do not want it to go off during a rocky crossing.
The Magic of Brittany: Coastal Walks and Cozy Beds
Our first stop was Brittany. This region has a rugged coast and old buildings that look like they belong in a storybook. It is very popular for a reason. If you want Affordable Dog Friendly Hotels in Brittany and Tours, you will find plenty of gems here.
One of my favorites for a family trip is the Residence Odalys Fleur de Sel in Guidel Plage. It is a three-star residence only 1.4 kilometers from the center of town. The rooms are quite large. They range from 31 to 42 square meters. Additionally, they have a pool, a gym, and a spa. The location is a 10 out of 10 for me. Your kids and your dog will love the space. Plus, you have a private kitchenette to cook your own meals. This helps keep the trip affordable.
Later, we visited Paimpol. I stayed at the Hotel K-Loys. This is a waterfront hotel near the Côte de Goëlo. It is very close to the center, just 300 meters away. The rooms have great views of the sea or the city. I think this hotel offers the best value for your money. It received a 10 out of 10 for value in my notes. The rooms are smaller, starting at 11 square meters, but they are very comfortable.
If you travel as a couple, I suggest the Brit Hotel St Briac in Lanvin. It is a three-star hotel with an indoor pool. It is located 1.1 kilometers from the center. The rooms are nice and range up to 45 square meters. They offer free parking and high-speed internet. Cleanliness is a top priority there. They earned a 10 out of 10 for it.
Sandy Paws: The Best Dog-Friendly Beaches in Brittany
You cannot go to Brittany and skip the beaches. My dog, Falco, loves the water. Santec is a fantastic spot. Every beach in that region is now dog-friendly. It is a dream for any pet owner. We also found Laber beach in Roscoff. The water is crystal clear and blue. The sand is golden. You must keep your dog on a lead there, but it is very quiet even in the summer.
Similarly, Hirel Beach is a must-visit. It is near the famous Mont Saint-Michel. The sand is very flat and wide. You can let your dog off the leash here to run. Just watch out for the sand yachts that race along the shore! Another hidden gem is Théven Braz Cove. It is a bit hard to find, but it is worth the effort. It is a secluded sandy and pebble beach.
Heading South: The Charm of Tours and the Loire Valley
Gradually, we moved inland to Tours. This city is the gateway to the Loire Valley. It was the capital of France three times in history. It is a city of art and culture. Finding Affordable dog friendly hotels in brittany and tours all became even easier here. Tours is very walkable and has many green spaces.
A stay at the Hôtel du Cygne is a great choice. It is a three-star property in the city center. The price is around £70 or AU$142 per night. Guests give it an exceptional rating of 9.6 out of 10. The staff are very welcoming. It is a small hotel with a lot of style.
On top of that, we found the Campanile Chambray Les Tours. This is a very budget-friendly option. It costs only £44 per night. The parking is good and the staff are extremely helpful. It is near a large shopping area, which is convenient.
If you want a bit more luxury, look at Château Belmont Tours. It is a four-star hotel with a rating of 9.0. They really care about pets. They provide food and water bowls for your furry friend. The hotel is set in a 2.5-hectare park. It is a beautiful place for a morning walk. Additionally, they have a full-service spa for the humans.
Another excellent option is the Oceania L’Univers Tours. It is a four-star hotel in the city center. They also provide food and water bowls. The rooms are large and clean. It has a historic feel because the building dates back to 1846. Many famous artists like Edith Piaf have stayed there.
Parks and Paths in Tours
When you are in Tours, you must visit the Parc des Prébendes d’Oé. It is a beautiful park perfect for playtime with your dog. The gardens are picturesque. Another great choice is a walk along the Loire Riverbanks. The paths are scenic and perfect for a picnic. Your dog will enjoy the fresh air and the natural smells.
If you go a bit south of the city, you will find the Parc de la Gloriette. It is a huge park with woodland paths and a lake. It is the perfect spot for a long afternoon hike.
Dining with Your Dog in Tours
You do not have to leave your dog behind when you go to dinner. France is very relaxed about pets in cafes and restaurants. I found several great places in Tours. Bistro Regent has locations in both the north and the center of the city. They have a good rating and a friendly atmosphere.
“The restaurant was excellent,” said one guest about the Kyriad Tours restaurant.
Another good spot is Le Paddock. It is a French restaurant with an average price of €20. If you like Italian food, try Il Ristorante Tours. They have a high rating of 9.0. For something more historic, visit the Old Town (Vieux Tours). There are many outdoor terraces around Place Plumereau. You can sit outside with your dog and admire the half-timbered houses.
Essential Tips for Your Road Trip
A long road journey needs a bit of planning. You should restrain your dog with a harness or a carrier in the car. Make sure they can reach water easily. I always stop every two hours to give my dog some exercise. Plus, I bring his favorite blanket to help him feel at home.
Check for signs of motion sickness. Some dogs get a bit tummy-sick on winding French roads. Therefore, keep some cleaning supplies in the car just in case. Also, keep the Animal Health Certificate or passport in a safe but reachable place. You will need it several times.
FAQ
Which Brittany ferry routes have dog friendly cabins?
You will find these special cabins on the UK-Spain routes. Additionally, they are available on the Portsmouth-Le Havre route. Other services like the Portsmouth-St Malo crossing allow dogs on board. However, your pet might have to stay in the car or a kennel on those specific trips.
What is the most dog friendly hotel chain?
Many brands in France offer great options for Affordable Dog Friendly Hotels in Brittany and Tours. Chains like Ibis, Ibis Styles, Kyriad, and Campanile are mentioned as welcoming pets. The Brit Hotel group and Oceania Hotels also provide excellent service for families with dogs.
Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room?
The rules for this vary by property. Some places like Parc de Fierbois do not allow you to leave your pet alone in the accommodation. Some hotels might let you leave the dog in the room if the staff is okay with it. Brittany Ferries allows you to leave your dog in the cabin while you eat dinner. You should always check the specific policy of the hotel before you arrive.
Where to stay in France with a dog?
You have many beautiful choices. Northern France and Normandy have many historic châteaux and farmhouses that welcome pets. Brittany is perfect for coastal lovers. The Loire Valley near Tours is ideal if you want to see famous castles and vineyards with your furry friend.
Can I stay with my dog on a ferry?
Yes, you certainly can. If you use LeShuttle, you and your dog stay together in your car for the whole journey. On Brittany Ferries, you can book a pet-friendly cabin to stay together overnight. These rooms are designed for comfort and often include a view of the sea.
How dog friendly is Brittany?
Brittany is a dream for dog owners. France has a high ratio of 17 dogs for every 100 people, and this region is very welcoming. Many towns have poodle-parlours to clean your dog after a beach walk. Most of the coast is open to dogs, especially in regions like Santec where all beaches allow them.
How to avoid hotel pet fees?
They note that some hotels and lodges charge a small daily supplement for pets. You should search for hotels with free cancellation or contact providers directly to ask about their specific fee structures.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
France is the ultimate destination for pets. Brittany offers rugged coastlines and medieval buildings. Touraine and the Loire Valley provide a mix of nature walks and cultural sites. Both regions have a wide range of Best affordable dog friendly hotels in brittany and tours.
How to travel with a 70 lb dog?
A large dog can travel easily by car through the Channel Tunnel or on a ferry. You must restrain your dog with a harness or a carrier for safety. Large properties like Château du Comte are perfect because they have big rooms and plenty of outdoor space for larger breeds.
Where is the most dog friendly place in France?
Terroir de Caux is noted as one of the most dog-friendly areas in Normandy. Touraine is also called an ideal spot because many châteaux and gardens there allow dogs on leads.
Where to leave your dog while on vacation?
You do not have to leave them behind! Many people believe that pets are cherished family members who deserve a holiday. You can find many boutique hotels, B&Bs, and campsites that welcome dogs so they can share the adventure with you.
How do I travel to France with my dog?
You need to follow a few simple steps. Your pet must have a microchip and a valid rabies vaccination. You will also need an EU Pet Passport or an Animal Health Certificate. Be sure to check the specific entry rules for France before you start your journey.
Concluding words
A family trip to France is a wonderful way to bond with your pet. You can find many affordable dog friendly hotels in Brittany and tours all that offer comfort for both humans and animals. From the sandy beaches of Brittany to the historic riverbanks of Tours, this country is a true haven for dogs.
You only need a bit of planning with vaccinations and passports to ensure a smooth journey. France offers a warm welcome and endless space for your furry friend to run. Pure joy.
