Dog-friendly villas in France

Dogs are very much part of the family, so why would you want to leave them at home when you go on holiday? Our handy guide tells you how to get there, where to stay and what preparations you'll need to make if you'd like to take your dog on holiday to France.

Doggy dos and don’ts

France is a very dog-friendly nation, and you’ll often see pampered pooches under tables or on laps in cafés and even smart restaurants. You can take your dog into most shops and on public transport, though beware the beautifully manicured public parks, as they are generally off limits even on a lead. Some beaches restrict access for dogs in the main summer months, but with vast areas of open countryside to discover in every corner of the country, you’ll never be short of places to walk.

 

Getting there

The easiest way is to choose one of the Channel crossing routes and take your own car. The ferry and Eurotunnel operators do charge for carrying pets, and you’ll need to allow a little extra time for all the paperwork to be checked over. Furry friends have to stay in the car during short crossings as a rule, though if you’re on a longer overnight route, some ferries have dog-friendly cabins. Once you arrive in France, you’ll find plenty of motorway service stations equipped with grassy space for a quick leg stretch, though we find the simple aire de repos stops are often a better bet. These rest areas usually just have toilets and picnic tables and possibly a vending machine for drinks, but there’s always a green area to walk, and they are usually a lot quieter than the main service stations.

 

Passports and paperwork

To travel out of the UK, your dog must be micro-chipped, and they’ll also need their own passport. Make sure you plan ahead for this one, as you’ll need to do it at least 21 days before your travel. Your vet can help with this, and also make sure that all the appropriate vaccinations are up to date at the same time. This pet travel site provides a helpful overview of what’s needed, or you can check www.gov.uk to make sure everything is in order.

Where to stay

To help you plan your trip, check our list of villas which can accept dogs. There are some restrictions on the size and/or number of pets that can be accommodated, so before you book, please call us on 020 8392 5858 and we’ll check with the property owner on your behalf.