I recently took a trip to the heart of the Mediterranean with my furry best friend. We spent a great deal of time in a unique district called Les Moneghetti. It is the north-central ward in the Principality of Monaco. This area sits right where the Alps drop into the sea. The views are truly something special. Dog Friendly Travel in Moneghetti, Monaco is possible if you know the right spots. You must prepare for steep inclines because the land rises 165 meters from sea level at its highest point. It is a compact place with a total area of only 0.115196 square kilometers. About 3,131 people live in this ward, which makes the population density very high. Every street feels full of life. Bright colors. Historic buildings. Narrow paths.
I want to share my best dog friendly travel ideas for this part of the world. Monaco is the second smallest state on the planet. However, it has so much to offer for a must visit monaco short trip with dogs 2020 or any other year. You will find that the district borders neighboring France. It was originally part of La Condamine. First of all, you need to understand how to get your pet into the country safely. The rules are strict. No room for error. You must follow the laws of the land.
The Legal Side of Travel
You must ensure your pet is ready for the border. Dog friendly monaco starts with the right paperwork. Pets from the European Union need a European Pet Passport. This document must show that your pet has a microchip for identification. Additionally, your dog must have a valid rabies vaccination. You must get this shot at least 21 days before you enter the country. It is also important that the vaccine stays valid during your whole stay.
What about travelers from outside the EU? The rules change. You will need a health certificate from an official veterinarian. Plus, a rabies antibody titration test is often required. This blood test proves your pet is immune to the disease. There is a three-month waiting period after the test for some countries. You should check with the French embassy or Monaco authorities before you book your flight.
Monaco also has rules about which breeds can visit. Certain types of dogs are restricted or prohibited. Dangerous dogs fall into Category 1 or Category 2. Category 1 dogs like Pitbulls or Mastiffs without a pedigree are not allowed in the Principality. You cannot buy or import them. Category 2 dogs, such as pedigreed Rottweilers or Staffords, can enter but they face rules. These dogs must be registered with the police. You must keep them muzzled and on a lead in public places. They are not allowed on public transport or in places with children.
Finding a Place to Sleep
I found that choosing the right bed is key. There are several dog friendly hotels in monaco located near or inside Les Moneghetti. Hotel Novotel Monte Carlo is a very popular choice. It is a 3-star property located only 186 meters from the ward. They allow both dogs and cats. They even provide food and water bowls for your pet. The staff is very friendly and helpful. It is a comfortable place for families too.
Hotel Ambassador Monaco is another great option. It is only 124 meters away from Les Moneghetti. This 3-star hotel allows small pets to stay with you. It sits in the heart of the La Condamine district nearby. The rooms are stylish and have marble bathrooms. You can reach the Prince’s Palace in about ten minutes on foot from here.
If you want luxury, you might look at Hotel Port Palace. It is a 4-star boutique hotel overlooking Port Hercule. They allow pets in specific areas. They even offer pet amenities in the rooms. The hotel sits right on the famous Grand Prix circuit. You get a designer look inside because the decor was done by the artistic director for Hermès.
On top of that, you can find the Boutique Hôtel Miramar. This 3-star hotel was fully refreshed in 2021. It has 14 modern rooms. Nine of these rooms have their own private terrace. It is located very close to the ward and offers a marine theme. You can enjoy a continental breakfast with city views.
Finally, there are the super luxury hotels like the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo or the Hôtel Hermitage. These places charge around €60 per day for a pet. They offer high-end services like gourmet treats and concierge help for pets. Most 4 and 5-star hotels in the area are pet-tolerant. You should always call ahead to ask about fees.
Getting Around the District
You will notice that walking is the best way to see the sites. Each district is accessible in just a few minutes. Public elevators and escalators help you handle the steep hills. However, you might want to use the bus sometimes. The Compagnie des Autobus de Monaco (CAM) operates services across the whole country. Small pets in carriers can ride for free. Larger dogs must pay a fee of about €1.50. These larger dogs must wear a muzzle and stay on a lead.
Train travel is also an option. The Monaco-Monte-Carlo station is actually located right in Les Moneghetti. It serves the Marseille–Ventimiglia line. Small dogs in carriers travel for free on these trains. Larger dogs need a half-price ticket. They must be muzzled as well. The station itself has areas for families.
Taxis are available 24/7 if you need a quick ride. You should tell the driver you have a dog before you get in. Most of them will accept pets if you give them notice. Uber also has pet-friendly options in the region. If you want to drive yourself, rental agencies like Hertz allow pets. They might charge a cleaning fee between €30 and €80.
Parks and Outdoor Fun
The ward has its own special place for dogs. You should visit Lamarck Square. This square contains a garden, a post office, and a police station. It is one of the designated canine zones in the city. These zones are called espaces canins. Your dog can relieve itself here. You must pick up any waste and put it in the bins provided. The city puts out bag dispensers in these eight parks to help you stay clean.
Nearby, you will find the Princess Antoinette Park. This park has a secure off-leash zone where pets can play freely. It is a great spot to meet other local dog owners. Additionally, you can walk along the Boulevard de Rainier III or the Boulevard du Jardin Exotique. These streets offer amazing views of the Mediterranean. Just remember to keep your dog on a lead at all times in the streets.
Monaco has a lot of green space. About 20% of the country is covered by parks and gardens. However, dogs are not allowed everywhere. You cannot take your dog into the Exotic Garden. They provide a free kennel at the entrance if you want to visit without your pup. The Princess Grace Rose Garden is also off-limits to dogs. You should check the signs at the gate before you enter any park.
Similarly, the beaches have strict rules. There is not a single beach in Monaco where you can take your dog for a swim. Larvotto Beach is the main public beach. It is strictly non-smoking and no dogs are allowed. If you want to take your dog to the water, you have to leave the country. Nearby Cap d’Ail in France has a coastal path where dogs are welcome. There is a small area there where dogs go into the water, but it is not a sandy beach.
Dining with Your Dog
Eating out is a big part of the experience. Many restaurants with outdoor tables will welcome your pet. I always call ahead to ask if they are pet-friendly. Some high-end spots like the Michelin-starred restaurants might say no. For example, Le Grill at the Hôtel de Paris does not allow pets. Pavyllon at the Hôtel Hermitage also says no to furry guests.
However, the Bar Américain allows dogs on the terrace and even inside. The Limún Bar is another welcoming spot. In the Monte-Carlo Beach area, Restaurant Elsa is pet-friendly. If you visit the Port Hercule night market in the summer, your leashed dog can join you. You can try local snacks like Barbajuan, which is a small fritter.
Keep your dog quiet and off the furniture when you eat. Water bowls are common in the luxury districts. If your dog is well-behaved, most café owners will be happy to see them. Focus on the outdoor historic and scenic routes to find the best spots.
Keeping Your Pet Safe
Safety is the most important thing. You should know where the closest vet is located. La Petite Clinique is a 24/7 pet clinic in Monaco. It is found at 4, Rue du Gabian in the Fontvieille district. They are always open, even on holidays. You can reach them at +377 99 92 49 19. They treat emergencies like heatstroke, toxic food ingestion, and trauma.
The team speaks French, English, and Italian. This clinic is less than 10 minutes away from the border of Cap d’Ail. It is a very sophisticated place with x-rays and expert care. Additionally, there are other clinics like Clinique Vétérinaire Sainte-Dévote on Boulevard Princesse Charlotte.
You must pick up after your dog. If you do not, you can face a fine of up to €300. Some sources say the fine could even be up to €500. That is very expensive waste. Use the bins found all around the city. It helps keep the Principality clean for everyone.
Things to Do Nearby
Les Moneghetti is a perfect base for exploring. You can visit the Church of the Sacred Heart. It was built between 1926 and 1929. It has a lot of history. Plus, you can see the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince barracks nearby. This is where the small military group stays.
You can walk to Port Hercule in just a few minutes. They have different activities depending on the time of year. There is a Christmas market in December and a funfair in October. Dogs are not allowed inside the church, but they can walk around the rocky surroundings.
Later, you might want to visit the Oceanographic Museum on the Rock. It is perched 85 meters above the sea. Dogs are not allowed inside the museum. However, the walk to get there is beautiful. You can wander through the narrow streets of the old town. You will see the famous cannons near the palace square.
If you want more nature, try the Customs Officer Trail. It runs along the sea and connects to neighboring towns like Menton. You will see exceptional villas and rocky cliffs. It is a great way to spend an afternoon with your dog on a lead.
FAQ
Is Monaco pet friendly?
Monaco is a welcoming place for pets, especially dogs, in its stylish urban environment. Most public areas, hotels, and restaurants permit well-behaved pets as long as they stay on a lead.
Where is the most dog friendly place in France?
Nearby towns on the French Riviera like Menton, Nice, and Cap-d’Ail offer many activities and places to stay with your dog. These areas are very popular for travelers with pets.
Which park is pet friendly?
Princess Antoinette Park has a secure zone where dogs can play off a lead. You can also take leashed dogs to Lamarck Square in Moneghetti or St. Martin’s Gardens.
Can dogs go in shops in France?
Dogs are generally welcome in France and Italy. You should look for signs at the door or ask the shopkeeper before you enter with your pet.
Can I take my dog on a bus in France?
Buses that go toward Nice or Menton require dogs to wear a muzzle or stay in a carrier. You might also have to pay for a seat for your dog on these regional lines.
What is the most pet friendly hotel chain?
Novotel and Marriott properties like Le Méridien are known to be pet-tolerant in this region. The Columbus Hotel, part of the Curio Collection by Hilton, is also highly rated for pet owners.
How to travel with a dog in a hotel?
First of all, use filters like “Pets allowed” when you book your room online. You should call the hotel in advance to confirm fees and ask for amenities like dog beds or water bowls.
Concluding words
Travel to Moneghetti with your dog is a smooth process when you prepare. This ward provides a designated canine zone at Lamarck Square for your pet to use. Additionally, the Monaco-Monte-Carlo railway station is located right in this district, which makes travel to nearby French towns very simple. Hotel Novotel Monte Carlo and other local spots even provide food and water bowls for your furry friend.
First of all, you must ensure your pet has a European Pet Passport and a valid microchip before your arrival. This ward is a busy place with a population density of 27,180 people per square kilometer. Proper planning. A happy pet. A great vacation.
