I have always loved to travel with my furry best friend. You might feel the same way. There is just something special about exploring a new city with a dog by your side. I recently planned a trip and asked myself many questions. I even looked up is venice dog friendly? Plus, I checked the el monte rv pet policy to see if a road trip was better. I even searched for dog friendly touring caravan sites across Europe. Finally, I decided on a place of pure luxury. I chose the fontvieille district. This area is a hidden gem. It is perfect for a must visit monaco short trip with dogs 2026. This guide will help you plan your own Dog Friendly Travel in Fontvieille, Monaco.
Fifty years ago, the fontvieille district monaco did not even exist. It was just a narrow strip of sand where the big Rocher rock fell into the sea. However, the city needed to grow. The people here gained 21 hectares from the sea to build this new area. That is about the size of 30 soccer fields. Today, it is a place of calm and beauty. It is tucked away at the foot of the Rocher. The port is very sheltered from the east winds and the south swell. Therefore, it is a very quiet place to walk with your pet. You will find that it is much less busy than Monte Carlo. It feels like a real neighborhood. Plus, it is very green. About 20% of the territory in Monaco is green space. This makes the fontvieille district a top pick for pet owners.
Planning Your Journey to the Principality
First of all, you must know the rules for entry. Monaco follows the same rules as the European Union for pets. Your pet must have a microchip for clear identification. Additionally, a valid rabies vaccination is a must. You must wait 21 days after the first shot before you can travel. If you come from a country that is not in the European Union, you might need a special blood test called a titer test. I suggest you talk to your vet at least three months before you leave. This ensures every paper is ready. You will also need an EU Pet Passport. This book holds all the health info for your dog. It is like a human passport but much cuter.
Later, you must decide how to get there. Many people fly into the Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport in France. This is the main entry point for Monaco. From there, you can take a bus or a train. The buses inside Monaco are great. Dogs can ride for free! However, if you take the 100 or 110 bus toward Nice, rules change. Your dog might need a muzzle or a carrier bag. You might even have to pay for a seat for your pet. Similarly, trains have their own rules. Small dogs in carriers often pay a small fee. Large dogs on a lead must wear a muzzle and get a ticket. It is a good idea to check the rules for each rail company. You do not want any surprises at the station.
Now that you know how to get there, let us look at the best fontvieille hotels.
Where to Stay: Luxury Pet Living
I spent a lot of time looking at fontvieille hotels. I wanted a place that truly welcomed dogs. I found the Columbus Hotel Monte-Carlo. It is part of the Curio Collection by Hilton. This hotel is a dream for dog owners. It has a high rank for being pet friendly. Most rooms allow dogs. On top of that, dogs are welcome in the bar, the restaurant, the lounge, and on the terrace. This is quite rare to find! They even give you a special kit. It includes a dog bed, some food, and water bowls.
The hotel charges a fee of 20€ per night for your pet. This is a fair price for the service. Though they do not have a private garden, the Rose Garden is right across the street. It is a perfect spot for a morning stroll. Additionally, the hotel has no weight limits for dogs. You can even bring more than one dog per room. They can also help you find a dog walker if you need to go somewhere without your pet. I recommend you call them directly to book. You might even get a better rate that way. Another option is the Hotel Ambassador Monaco. It is a 3-star property with a very welcoming vibe for pets.
Finally, you might consider the Fairmont Monte Carlo. It is a 4-star hotel about one mile from the heart of Fontvieille. It offers amazing views of the sea. The Lobby-Lounge there is open all the time. It serves classic French food and great burgers. It is a stylish place to relax with your companion. However, for the best neighborhood feel, stick to the heart of Fontvieille.
The next step is finding the best spots to eat with your pup.
Dining with Your Dog in Fontvieille
You will never go hungry in this district. There are so many gourmet spots that welcome four-legged friends. First of all, let us talk about Italian food. Giacomo is a stylish pizzeria right on Larvotto Beach. It offers fresh fish and seasonal food. The Neapolitan ovens make the pizza taste amazing. Similarly, Amici Miei on the port is a great choice for gourmet Italian meals. Another local favorite is Maya Mia. It is a charming lunch spot with homemade pasta and crispy pizza. They even have a valet service in the evening.
If you like meat, you must visit the Beef Bar. It is located on Quai Jean-Charles Rey. It has an excellent reputation. For a more exotic taste, try Moshi Moshi. This is an intimate sushi bar. It mixes Japanese and Mediterranean styles. I loved the creative sushi rolls with yellowfin tuna. Additionally, CapoSushi combines traditional techniques with local flavors. They have a great wine list too.
Later, you might want a more relaxed vibe. Caffe Milano is a great insider tip. It offers Mediterranean flavors from the sea. They make their own bread and pasta. You should definitely try the coffee with homemade ice cream to finish your meal. Plus, the views of the water are lovely. On the contrary, some places do not allow dogs. For example, the Yacht Club does not let animals inside. It does not matter who you are. Therefore, always call ahead. Ask if they are pet friendly before you go. This is especially true for restaurants with Michelin stars.
Now, let us explore the fun activities you can do together.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
Fontvieille is a paradise for walking. First of all, you must visit the Princess Grace Rose Garden. This park is a peaceful oasis. It has 6,000 rose trees. You can see over 315 different varieties of roses. It is a beautiful place for a slow walk on a lead. The garden is open every day from 9 am to 6 pm. It is free for everyone to enjoy. Just across from it is the Fontvieille Park. It has many Mediterranean plants like pine and olive trees. It also has exotic species and works of art along the paths.
Additionally, you can try the Captain Game. This is an original orienteering course around the port of Fontvieille. It is about 2.5 kilometers long. You have to find 10 milestones. It takes about two hours to finish. It is a great way to discover the port in a different way. Along the trail, you will learn about the environment. For example, you will see BIOHUTS. These are made of steel and oyster shells. They help clean the water and give tiny animals a place to live. You will also see tide pools. These mimic natural rock pools and help local sea life. It is a fun game for both humans and dogs.
On top of that, there is a special off-leash zone. You can find it in Princess Antoinette Park. This is a safe space where your dog can play freely. Most other parks require a lead. For example, the Jardins d’Apolline and Théodore Gastaud Square are popular for leashed walks. However, some places are off-limits. You cannot take your dog into the Exotic Garden or parts of the Saint-Martin Gardens. Always look at the signs at the gates.
If you want a longer walk, head to the Cap d’Ail coastal path. This path starts just 500 meters west of the Monaco border in Fontvieille. It is 3.6 kilometers long. It takes about an hour to walk. You will see wild plants and amazing Belle Epoque villas. The path ends at the beautiful Mala Beach. Though Monaco beaches do not allow dogs, some nearby spots do. Douaniers Beach in Cap d’Ail is one of them. It is a rocky spot, but it is great for a cooling dip in the sea. Just remember to bring lots of water and sun cream.
After all that walking, you need to know how to be a good neighbor.
Being a Responsible Dog Owner
Monaco is a very clean city. People here take pride in their streets. Therefore, you must always pick up after your dog. There are bins all around the city with free waste bags. Use them every time. If you do not pick up poop, you could face a 300 euro fine! That is one expensive mistake. On top of that, your dog must be on a lead in most public spaces. This keeps everyone safe and happy.
Similarly, you must know about the rules for different breeds. Monaco classifies some dogs as dangerous. Category 1 dogs, like Pitbulls without a pedigree, are not allowed to be imported. Category 2 dogs include pedigreed Rottweilers and Staffordshire Terriers. If you have one of these, you must follow strict rules. The owner must be an adult with no criminal record. The dog must be registered with the police. Plus, it must wear a muzzle and stay on a lead in public at all times. These dogs are not allowed at public gatherings or places where children are.
Additionally, you should keep your dog’s vaccinations current. Vets recommend annual shots for things like Distemper and Parvovirus. Rabies shots are compulsory for dogs living in the city. If you plan to board your dog, get the Kennel Cough vaccine too. Keeping your pet healthy is the best way to ensure a great trip.
Finally, let us talk about what to do in an emergency.
Health and Safety for Your Pet
Accidents happen. It is a good idea to be ready. La Petite Clinique in Monaco is a great choice for emergencies. It is located at 4 Rue du Gabian. This is less than 10 minutes from the heart of Fontvieille. They provide urgent care 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their team speaks English, French, and Italian. They can handle everything from minor cuts to critical care. You should save their number +377 99 92 49 19 in your phone.
Additionally, there is the Clinique Vétérinaire de Fontvieille on Quai Jean Charles Rey. It has been around since 1985. They are independent and offer high-quality care. They are authorized to give rabies shots and all travel certificates. They use state-of-the-art equipment to help your pet. They also work hard to manage your pet’s pain during any procedure. The nurses there are very helpful on the phone if you have questions.
On top of that, they keep their prices reasonable. You can even get a quote before they do any surgery. They also regulate the price of dog food to help owners. Having such great medical help nearby gives me a lot of peace of mind. It makes the fontvieille district monaco feel even safer.
FAQ
How dog friendly is Monaco?
I found that Monaco offers an exceptional lifestyle for pets. The territory is well-adapted with veterinary services and infrastructure. About 20% of the territory consists of green spaces where you can walk your dog on a lead. Additionally, dogs can ride on the local buses for free.
Can I leave my dog alone in a hotel room?
I learned that policy varies by location. For example, the Columbus Hotel does not allow you to leave your dog alone in the room. You should always check with your specific hotel before you arrive.
Can I bring my dog to Monaco?
Yes, you can bring your pet. You must ensure your dog has a microchip, a valid rabies vaccination, and an EU Pet Passport.
How to travel with a dog in a hotel?
I recommend you call the hotel directly to get the best rates. You should look for hotels that provide a welcome kit with a dog bed and bowls to make your pet comfortable.
How to avoid hotel pet fees?
Some hotels might offer discounts if you book direct or mention specific travel sites. However, many hotels in the area, such as the Columbus, charge a standard fee of 20€ per night.
What is the best place to vacation with dogs?
The fontvieille district is a top choice because it is quiet and less busy than other areas. It features the Princess Grace Rose Garden and is close to Douaniers Beach, which allows dogs.
Do you have to tell a hotel if you have a dog?
Yes, it is very important. I suggest you call in advance to confirm they are pet friendly and to discuss the size of your dog.
Concluding words
I believe that Fontvieille is the perfect spot for a luxury trip with your dog. This district is a calm oasis with 20% green space and many pedestrian paths. You can find top-tier veterinary care and hotels like the Columbus that truly welcome four-legged guests.
Whether you walk through the Princess Grace Rose Garden or visit a local pet-friendly cafe, you will enjoy a high-quality experience. It is a safe and beautiful neighborhood for every pet owner to visit.
