Updated for 2026 with current entry requirements, transportation policies, and dog-friendly destination recommendations across France.

Dog-Friendly France: Where to Go With Your Dog

The French have a reputation for loving their dogs, and after spending a month traveling across France with our Border Collie, Margot, I can confirm that reputation is completely earned. Dogs are a normal part of daily life in France. They sit under restaurant tables, ride the Metro, stroll through outdoor markets, and lounge in hotel lobbies. In many ways, France feels like it was designed for traveling with a dog.

From the cafe terraces of Paris to the lavender fields of Provence, the beaches of Normandy to the vineyards of Bordeaux, France offers a richness of experience that is hard to match, and nearly all of it is accessible with your four-legged travel companion.

Entry Requirements for Dogs

France follows EU pet entry regulations. Here is what you need.

From the United States or Non-EU Countries

Requirement	Details
Microchip	ISO 11784/11785 compliant, 15-digit
Rabies vaccination	Administered at least 21 days before entry
USDA health certificate	Form 7001, endorsed by APHIS within 10 days of travel
EU health certificate	Your USDA certificate is converted to an EU format at the border or by APHIS

From Within the EU

If you are already in Europe with your dog, you just need a valid EU Pet Passport with current rabies vaccination. Travel between EU countries with pets is straightforward.

Breed Restrictions

France has breed-specific legislation. The following breeds face restrictions:

Category 1 (Attack dogs, banned from public transport and public places):

• Pit Bull type (Staffordshire Terrier without pedigree)
• Boerboel type (Mastiff without pedigree)
• Tosa type (without pedigree)

Category 2 (Guard and defense dogs, allowed in public with muzzle and leash):

• American Staffordshire Terrier (with pedigree)
• Rottweiler (with and without pedigree)
• Tosa (with pedigree)

If your dog is any of these breeds, you must carry proof of civil liability insurance covering your dog, proof of up-to-date vaccinations, and you may need to have completed a behavioral assessment. Category 1 dogs must be muzzled and leashed in all public areas and are prohibited from public transport.

For most dog owners traveling with common breeds, none of this applies. But it is important to know if your dog could be classified under these categories.

Getting to France With Your Dog

Flying

From the US, the best airlines for flying to France with a dog include:

• Air France: As France’s national carrier, they have the most pet-friendly policies for flights to Paris. Dogs up to 8 kg (including carrier) allowed in-cabin. Larger dogs accepted in cargo hold. Air France also allows pets on most domestic French flights.
• Lufthansa: Excellent pet transport through Frankfurt, with connections to Paris, Nice, Lyon, and other French cities. Up to 8 kg in-cabin.
• KLM: Through Amsterdam, with good pet transit facilities. Up to 8 kg in-cabin.
• United Airlines: Direct flights to Paris CDG from multiple US cities. In-cabin pets up to 25 lbs with carrier.
• Delta: Direct flights to Paris CDG. In-cabin pets allowed on transatlantic flights.

Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) is the primary international gateway. Nice Cote d’Azur (NCE) is a good option for southern France.

The Eurostar (London to Paris)

If you are coming from the UK, the Eurostar through the Channel Tunnel does not allow pets (except registered assistance dogs). You will need to use the Eurotunnel Le Shuttle car service instead, which allows pets in your vehicle.

Driving Into France

If you are driving from another European country, simply cross the border with your EU Pet Passport. France shares open borders with Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, and Spain (all Schengen Area).

Getting Around France With Your Dog

Trains (SNCF)

France’s excellent train network is dog-friendly. SNCF, the national railway, has clear pet policies:

• Small dogs (under 6 kg): Travel free in a carrier bag (max 45 x 30 x 25 cm)
• Larger dogs: Pay a flat fee of 7 euros on regional trains (TER) or a percentage of the second-class fare on TGV high-speed trains (approximately 50%)
• Dogs must be leashed and muzzled on all trains
• Each passenger may bring one dog

The TGV high-speed trains connect Paris to Lyon (2 hours), Marseille (3 hours), Bordeaux (2 hours), Strasbourg (1.75 hours), and Nice (5.5 hours). Margot traveled on four different TGV routes with us and handled them all beautifully. The trains are smooth and quiet, and most passengers barely noticed her.

Paris Metro and RER

Dogs are allowed on the Paris Metro and RER suburban trains. Small dogs must be in a carrier. Large dogs must have a ticket (half the price of a standard ticket), be leashed, and be muzzled. In practice, enforcement of the muzzle rule varies, but I recommend complying to avoid any issues.

Driving

Renting a car in France is easy, and most rental companies allow pets. France’s autoroute (highway) system is excellent, with rest areas every 20-30 km that often include grassy areas for dog walks. Toll roads (péage) are common but the road quality is superb.

French law requires dogs in cars to be restrained so they cannot interfere with the driver. A harness, crate, or barrier satisfies this requirement.

Paris With Your Dog

Paris is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the world. With an estimated 300,000 dogs living in the city, the infrastructure and culture around dogs is deeply ingrained.

Parks and Gardens

Most Parisian parks allow dogs on leash. A few notable exceptions include the Jardin du Luxembourg and certain sections of the Tuileries, where dogs are restricted to designated areas.

Best parks for dogs in Paris:

• Bois de Boulogne: Paris’s largest park (2,100 acres) on the western edge of the city. Multiple off-leash areas, lakes, paths through forest, and plenty of space. This was Margot’s favorite spot in all of Paris.
• Bois de Vincennes: The eastern counterpart to the Bois de Boulogne, equally large and equally dog-friendly. The Lac Daumesnil area is particularly beautiful.
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: A dramatic park in the 19th arrondissement with hills, a waterfall, a suspension bridge, and great views. Dogs on leash.
• Parc Monceau: Elegant park in the 8th arrondissement, surrounded by beautiful Haussmann buildings. A popular spot for local dog walkers.
• Champ de Mars: The park beneath the Eiffel Tower. Dogs on leash, and the views are obviously spectacular.

Restaurants and Cafes

Parisian cafe culture was practically invented with dogs in mind. Outdoor terraces (terrasses) universally welcome dogs. Many indoor dining rooms do too, especially casual bistros and brasseries. It is not unusual to see dogs sitting quietly under tables at even fairly upscale restaurants.

Neighborhoods with the best dog-friendly dining:

• Le Marais: Dense with cafes and restaurants, many with outdoor seating. Also great for shopping with your dog, as many boutiques welcome them.
• Saint-Germain-des-Pres: Classic Parisian cafe culture at its finest. The famous Cafe de Flore and Les Deux Magots both welcome dogs on their terraces.
• Montmartre: Charming hilltop neighborhood with dog-friendly restaurants and the beautiful Sacre-Coeur basilica (dogs wait outside, but the surrounding gardens are lovely).
• Canal Saint-Martin: Trendy neighborhood with waterside cafes where dogs are the norm.

Museums and Attractions

Dogs are generally not allowed inside Parisian museums (the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, etc.). However, the outdoor areas around many attractions are wonderful with a dog:

• Walk along the Seine riverbanks (especially the lower quays, which are pedestrianized)
• Explore Ile de la Cite and Ile Saint-Louis on foot
• Walk through the Covered Passages (Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas) though some do not allow dogs
• Visit the outdoor art and book markets along the Seine

Provence: Lavender Fields and Village Markets

Provence in the south of France is a dream destination with a dog. The pace of life is slow, the weather is warm, the landscapes are stunning, and the culture is deeply outdoor-oriented.

Best Experiences in Provence With Your Dog

Lavender field walks (June-August): The lavender fields of the Luberon, Valensole plateau, and around Senanque Abbey are iconic. Dogs are welcome to walk through the fields on leash. The colors and scents are extraordinary, peak bloom is typically mid-June through mid-July.

Village markets: Provence’s open-air markets are legendary. Aix-en-Provence (daily), L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue (Sunday antiques market), Gordes, Roussillon, and dozens of smaller villages host weekly markets where dogs are everywhere.

Hiking in the Luberon: The Luberon Regional Natural Park offers excellent trails through limestone gorges, hilltop villages, and Mediterranean scrubland. Dogs on leash are welcome on most trails.

The Calanques (near Marseille): These dramatic limestone inlets between Marseille and Cassis offer world-class hiking. Dogs are allowed on some trails but are restricted in certain protected areas during summer fire season. Check current regulations.

Accommodations

Provence has wonderful pet-friendly accommodation options:

• Mas (Provencal farmhouses): Many operate as B&Bs or vacation rentals and welcome dogs. Often set on large properties with gardens.
• Gites (rural cottages): Self-catering rental cottages, ideal for dogs. Gites de France is a network with a pet-friendly filter.
• Hotels in villages: Small hotels in Provencal villages are often pet-friendly. Expect fees of 10-20 euros per night.

Normandy and Brittany: Beaches and History

Northern France’s Atlantic coast is spectacular for dogs.

Normandy

D-Day beaches: The historical beaches of Normandy (Omaha, Utah, Juno, Gold, Sword) are open to dogs, especially outside of the peak summer months. Walking these beaches with a dog is a profound experience. The American Cemetery at Colleville-sur-Mer does not allow dogs, but the beach below it does.

Mont-Saint-Michel: Dogs are not allowed inside the abbey, but the bay surrounding Mont-Saint-Michel is open and dramatic. Walking across the tidal flats (with a guide, as the tides are dangerous) is possible with a dog.

Etretat cliffs: The dramatic white cliffs and natural arches are accessible via clifftop walks where dogs are welcome on leash.

Brittany

Beaches: Brittany’s wild coastline has hundreds of beaches, many of which allow dogs year-round. The Pink Granite Coast (Cote de Granit Rose) around Perros-Guirec is particularly stunning.

Crepe culture: Brittany’s crepe restaurants (creperies) frequently welcome dogs, especially at outdoor tables.

Hiking the GR34: The coastal path stretches along the entire Breton coast. Dogs are welcome on leash, and the scenery ranges from dramatic cliffs to hidden coves.

The French Riviera With Your Dog

The Cote d’Azur is glamorous and generally dog-friendly, though beaches can be restrictive in summer.

Nice

• Promenade des Anglais: The famous seaside promenade is great for walking with your dog. The pebble beach below it has dog-friendly sections.
• Colline du Chateau (Castle Hill): Beautiful park overlooking Nice with views of the Baie des Anges. Dogs on leash.
• Cours Saleya Market: The daily flower and food market in Old Nice welcomes leashed dogs.

Antibes and Cannes

• Cap d’Antibes coastal path: A stunning walk around the cape, dogs on leash
• Ile Sainte-Marguerite: A short ferry from Cannes, this island has forest walks. Confirm dog policy with the ferry operator.

Riviera Beach Rules

Most public beaches on the Riviera restrict dogs from June through September. However, several designated dog beaches exist, and private beach clubs sometimes allow small dogs. In the off-season (October through May), most beaches are accessible with dogs.

Bordeaux and Wine Country

Bordeaux is a beautiful, walkable city that loves dogs. The Garonne riverfront, the Miroir d’Eau, and the city’s many parks are all dog-friendly.

Wine tasting with your dog: Some chateaux in the Bordeaux region welcome dogs at outdoor tastings. Saint-Emilion, the UNESCO-listed medieval wine village, is wonderful to explore on foot with a dog. Call ahead to individual estates to confirm their pet policy.

The French Alps

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, the French Alps offer incredible experiences with your dog.

• Chamonix: One of the most dog-friendly mountain towns in Europe. Dogs are welcome on many hiking trails, at restaurants, and in some cable car cabins (check individual lift policies).
• Annecy: A stunning lakeside town with a beautiful old town and lakefront walks. Dogs are allowed on the lake beach in designated areas.
• Summer hiking: The Alps offer thousands of kilometers of dog-friendly trails. Be mindful of altitude, heat, and the condition of your dog’s paws on rocky terrain.

Practical Tips for Traveling in France With Your Dog

Veterinary Care

France has excellent veterinary care. Look for “veterinaire” signs. Consultations typically cost 40-60 euros. Emergency vet clinics (urgences veterinaires) operate in all major cities.

Pet Supply Stores

Major chains include Jardiland, Truffaut, and Animalis. You will find pet food, supplies, and accessories in most French towns.

Dog Etiquette

• Always carry poop bags and clean up after your dog. France has gotten much better about enforcement in recent years.
• Keep your dog leashed in urban areas and on trains.
• Carry a muzzle even if your dog does not typically need one. Some venues and transport require them.
• The French command for “sit” is “assis” (ah-SEE) and for “stay” is “reste” (REST). Local dogs may react to these commands if your dog is socializing.

Weather Considerations

• Summer: Southern France can be extremely hot (35-40C/95-104F). Walk early and late, carry water, and avoid hot pavement.
• Winter: Northern France and mountain areas get cold and snowy. Pack a dog coat for small or short-haired breeds.
• Spring and fall: The ideal seasons for dog travel in France. Mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and beautiful scenery.

Dining with Dogs: What to Expect

The French dining experience with a dog is remarkably civilized. Most restaurants that have outdoor seating will welcome your dog without question. Indoor restaurants are more variable. A few tips:

• Bring a travel mat or blanket for your dog to lie on under the table
• Water bowls are almost always provided, often before you ask
• Do not feed your dog from the table, it is considered poor form
• If in doubt, simply ask “les chiens sont acceptes?” (are dogs accepted?)

Budget Planning

Category	Estimated Daily Cost
Pet-friendly accommodation	70-180 euros
Dog food and treats	5-10 euros
Train travel (dog fare)	7-35 euros per journey
Pet sitting (if needed)	15-25 euros per hour
Vet visit (if needed)	40-60 euros

Sample 14-Day France Itinerary With Your Dog

Days	Location	Highlights
1-4	Paris	Bois de Boulogne, cafe terraces, Seine walks, Montmartre
5-6	Normandy	D-Day beaches, Etretat cliffs, Mont-Saint-Michel
7-8	Loire Valley	Chateau gardens, vineyard walks, village markets
9-11	Provence	Lavender fields, Luberon villages, Aix-en-Provence
12-13	French Riviera	Nice promenade, coastal walks, seaside dining
14	Departure from Nice	Morning beach walk, fly home from Nice airport

Final Thoughts

France rewards the traveling dog owner in ways that few countries can. The food is extraordinary, the landscapes are varied and beautiful, the history is rich, and the French attitude toward dogs in public spaces is one of genuine acceptance. Margot was treated like a welcome guest everywhere we went, from the most casual cafe to surprisingly upscale restaurants.

If you are considering an international trip with your dog, France should be at the very top of your list.

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