Situated in the picturesque southwestern region of the country, Toulouse offers a delightful mix of rich history and vibrant culture. Known as the ‘La Ville Rose’ thanks to its unique churches built of blushing pink bricks and terracotta shop fronts, Toulouse is a picture postcard wonderland. 

With more than 80 dedicated dog-friendly spaces, the city of Toulouse is a great place to take your dog in France. So whatever you enjoy doing, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Toulouse, France.

The Twin Bridges walk

This 5km circular walk is located north-west of central Toulouse. Starting from the Avenue de l’Ancien Vélodrome, this easy route takes you along the banks of the tree-lined La Garonne canal as well as through some more urban areas. Dogs are welcome to join you but must be kept on a lead.

Maskotte

This concept pet store is located in the centre of Toulouse and is open from 10am-7pm Tuesday-Saturday. (Please note that they also close for lunch!) As well as offering a fantastic range of quirky and unique items for cats & dogs, the shop also features a self-service grooming area. Opened in April 2023, owner Flovia provides excellent customer service as you browse their collection of ‘well thought out, beautiful and fun’ gifts and products for your pet.

Jardin Royal

This park is 1.7 hectares of peace and tranquility in the south easy of the city. Created in 1754, it was the first public garden in the city. It is free to enter and features a range of exotic tree species, a pretty bridge and a lake with a duck house in the centre. You can also find a statue celebrating The Little Prince in memory of its author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. There are two designated dog areas within the park.

Place du Capitole

Take a leisurely stroll around the Place du Capitole, the iconic main square of Toulouse. You’ll need to keep your dog on a leash as you navigate the bustling streets and soak in the atmosphere. Spend the afternoon exploring the local shops, cafes and restaurants. Find a nice spot with outdoor seating where you can enjoy a drink or a light lunch with your pet by your side.

Whatever you enjoy, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Toulouse, France.

Montpellier has everything you could ever want from a town in the south of France. The shade-dappled streets give way to pretty sun-drenched squares where you can happily while away the afternoon. It’s a very green city too, with 741 hectares of public green space. Founded in the 10th century, it is one of the few large French cities with no Roman heritage. It’s a popular university town too and is home to one of the oldest universities in the world. You’ll also find the oldest medical school still in operation here. With great hiking in the mountains a few miles to the north and beautiful beaches to the south, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Montpellier.

Coldrip

This trendy coffee spot serves the fluffiest pancakes you’ve ever seen. Serving breakfast, brunch & lunch between 11-4pm on Thursdays and 9-4pm from Friday to Monday. They’re a dog-friendly spot too and will allow your dog to join you while you sit back and enjoy your coffee.

Parc du Domaine de Méric

Part of the Méric estate, this 10 hectare park is well known for its poppy meadow which blossoms in spring each year. The park contains a running path, picnic areas and a playground. There is also a dedicated dog park which is completely fenced in and features lots of shaded seating areas.

Amizoo

This lively pet store is located in the south of Montpellier and spans two floors. It offers a wide range of pet supplies including food, toys, leashes, collars and other accessories.

Plage du Grand Travers

This 3km stretch of beach features wonderfully soft sand and a more natural setting than some other beach locations along the coast. Dogs are permitted on the beach from access level 60, which sits right across from a car park.

Broc Café

This dog-friendly cafe is open from 8am-1am every day. It serves a selection of burgers, salads and has an extensive drinks menu. The generous outdoor seating makes for perfect people watching.

Pic Saint-Loup

If you’re looking to stretch your legs a little bit, head to Hérault, an hour’s drive from Montpellier. There you’ll find a great hiking trail called Pic Saint-Loup. Considered to be moderately challenging, this 3.4km out and back trail is open year round. Dogs are welcome to join you and may be off-leash in some sections. From the top, the stunning panoramic views stretch across the vineyards all the way to the coast. 

So whatever you enjoy, you’ll find plenty of things to do with your dog in Montpellier, France. Find out more information on taking pets to France here.

The capital of France is synonymous with iconic architecture and stylish streets. With an estimated 17 dogs per 100 people, this is a dog lover’s paradise. Packed with chic boutiques, incredible bakeries and cafes that are perfect for people watching, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Paris. 

There are no laws about allowing dogs into places of food service. Subsequently, this means that premises can make this decision for themselves. Dogs can travel on the Metro and the bus in Paris. They are free if they fit in a basket or carrier or they are able to sit on your lap. However, if your dog is larger, you’ll pay for a child ticket. You must keep your dog on a leash at all times. If that wasn’t enough, a new rule came into effect in 2019 that finally allows dogs to access to more of the city’s green spaces.

Le Grande Véfour

You might be surprised to learn that your dog is welcome to join you at this Michelin-starred restaurant. Cited as being the oldest restaurant in Paris, this place does not skimp on the glitz and glamour. Not only will you be able to feast on the top-notch dishes from chef James Martin, your pet may be offered something to eat too!

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont

This 25-hectare park in the 19th arrondissement is one of the biggest in Paris. Built on an old quarry, the park is home to several features of interest, such as a waterfall, a suspended bridge and offers some stunning views of the city. Moreover, this is one of the few spots in Paris that allows dogs to roam off-leash. 

Moustaches

This bright and friendly pet store has everything you could possibly need for your four-legged friend. From leashes to food to Eiffel Tower toys, Moustaches has several locations around the city so you’re never too far away.

Bontemps Patisserie

This stunning dog-friendly bakery serves some of the most delicious pastries in Paris. Settle down and relax in the beautiful tea room hidden in its leafy courtyard. And don’t forget to try the famous sablé cookies.

So whether you want to sample some famous French cuisine, or enjoy an afternoon in the park, you’ll find plenty to do with your dog in Paris.

France is a great place to explore with your dog. Although the museums and art galleries of Paris are off limits, there are plenty of other things to do around the country. Like visit one of the whopping 267 dog-friendly beaches for example. From swanky chateaus, to glorious beaches, we’ve compiled a list of fantastic places to take your dog in France.

La Vallee des Saints, Brittany

Dubbed the ‘Easter Island’ of France, La Vallee des Saints is home to a collection of enormous granite statues depicting the founding saints of Brittany. There are approximately 50 statues at this current time but the project aims to have 1,000 in 50 years time. It’s worth picking up a guide book to tell you a little history about each one. This picturesque hill has views across the Monts d’Arrée mountains and allows leashed dogs. The valley is also home to a fountain whose waters are said to cure animals!

Le Touquet, Pas-de-Calais

Only an hour from Calais, Le Touquet is often called ‘Paris-on-Sea’ thanks to it’s touches of 1920’s glamour. Once a holiday playground for British literary giants like PG Wodehouse & HG Wells, it’s home to many luxury attractions as well as several dog-friendly beaches. The Plage des Dunes is a tranquil, wild beach where your dog can run free.

Carcassonne, Languedoc

This ancient, walled city is home to the medieval, UNESCO-listed La Cité de Carcassonne. This historical citadel is the second most popular tourist attraction in France, after the Eiffel Tower. Once you’ve explored the cobbled streets, take a stroll down the banks of the Canal du Midi. Stretching 150 miles, it’s the longest canal in France and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. A lovely spot to walk your dog.

Tuileries Gardens, Paris

The world famous Jardin de Tuileries is a public park in the centre of Paris. Located between the Place de la Concorde and the Louvre, it first opened to the public in 1667. This beautifully manicured formal garden contains a collection of over 200 statues. While many of the public parks in Paris are off-limits to dogs, the Tuileries Gardens allows dogs on the two elevated sections in the north and south.

Château de Chenonceau, Loire Valley

Thanks to its unique building structure across the Cher River, this is the second most popular chateau in the country. Home to many prominent women over the years, it has garnered the nickname ‘the ladies chateau’. It is every bit as elegant as you’d expect. While many chateaus will allow your dog within the grounds, if your dog is small enough to be carried, the Château de Chenonceau is happy for your dog to come inside too. The signs in the car park remind visitors not to leave their dogs in the car and that the chateau is a dog-friendly space. They also offer bowls of water on arrival and also at the cafe.

 

France is a nation of dog-lovers and there are plenty of things to see and do with your dog in France. Whether you want to soak up the rich history or enjoy some time by the sea, we’re sure you’ll find something for you and your four-legged friend to enjoy.