Camping with dog in France

Kissed awake by the sun, the day starts with a fragrant coffee and then a long walk with the dog along the beach on the Atlantic coast and the Mediterranean or through the mountain landscape of the Pyrenees. Travellers can enjoy a dip in the lake with their four-legged friend and meet like-minded people at the dog playgrounds. Camping holidaymakers who would like to travel to France will find a variety of attractive holiday resorts throughout the country.

Travelling destinations

Having your own mobile home and the familiar atmosphere as well as the mobility and desire to discover new destinations make camping holidays a popular way of travelling. And France is such a diverse country that choosing the right campsite is no easy task. If you are drawn to the warmth, you are sure to choose a campsite for camping with your dog in south-east France. There are dozens of dog-friendly holiday areas along the Mediterranean coast between Narbonne and Marseille as far as Nice. Caravans or motorhomes are parked under palm trees and travellers can enjoy the view of the bright blue sea from frontline pitches. Camping Parc des Maurettes is one of these idyllic pitches where dogs are welcome guests. Thanks to the showers for the four-legged friends, the beach sand and salt water are rinsed off in no time.

On the somewhat more rugged and romantic Atlantic coast of France, Camping Le Ranch is also popular with dog owners. A swimming pool with water slide and a restaurant are further amenities at this campsite. Situated at an altitude of 410 metres, Camping La Pinède is located on the Drôme river, close to the town of Die and the picturesque Normandy mountains.

Top tips

• When camping with your dog in France, there is one thing to bear in mind: Dogs are not allowed on all beaches, especially the public bathing areas in the Mediterranean. The Cote d'Azur, for example, is less suitable for a relaxed holiday with a dog.
• As the majority of national parks in France do not allow dogs to enter, pet owners should rather orientate themselves towards the smaller regional nature parks. The Haut-Jura, not far from the Swiss border, is one of these dog-friendly regional parks, where four-legged friends are sometimes allowed to run around off the lead.
• The banks of the River Dordogne are a favourite destination for dog owners. This meanders around 480 kilometres through the south of France and leads through a varied landscape characterised by flat meadows and fields, small, original villages and wine-growing areas.

Activities and excursions

A camping holiday with a dog offers suitable regions and attractions for those seeking relaxation as well as active holidaymakers.

Enjoy maritime flair during your individual holiday

Thanks to the numerous dog-friendly campsites in France, travellers can spread out their holiday and get to know different places and landscapes. Between Calais and Dieppe alone, for example, there are more than two dozen campsites to choose from. And that's over a distance of only around 200 kilometres. In the Breton municipality of Trégastel, for example, dogs are very welcome during the season from mid-September to mid-June. Nothing stands in the way of your four-legged friend having fun on many unspoilt beaches. The animal family member is welcome to romp around off the lead on the natural beaches and designated dog beaches and refresh themselves in the cool water together with their owner.

Hikes through the French Alps

Travellers who prefer something a little more sporty will get their money's worth in the French Alps. Camping holidaymakers will certainly not be climbing the 4,800 metre high Mont Blanc with their four-legged friends, but there is nothing wrong with an adventurous hike in the foothills of the Alps. Around the city of Lyon, for example, there are many good campsites and opportunities for hikes. One of these hiking trails is the Promenade de Rochecardon. Around 6 kilometres long, it is ideal for a half-day excursion. Mouthe, a town a little further north of Lyon, has a special charm, especially in the winter months. The freezing cold is particularly suited to the nature of huskies. After hours of fun in the snow, owner and pet can relax at the dog-friendly campsite in France. One of the longest hiking routes is the Via Alpina, which winds its way through the French Alps for a total of 883 kilometres and can be divided into many idyllic stages.

Events

Gourmet festivals, colourful carnivals, the classics and short trips back in time: In France, there is at least one highlight in the events calendar every month.

January

• Wine festival: As soon as the Christmas holidays and the New Year have been duly celebrated, France turns its attention to one of the world's most famous cultural assets: wine. In Burgundy, the Winegrowers' Festival takes place at the end of January with various fairs, events and, of course, tastings.

June

• Joan of Arc Festival: This month is dedicated to the Middle Ages in parts of France. The Joan of Arc festival is celebrated in the city of Reims in honour of Joan of Arc. There are historical re-enactments, jugglers and plenty of good humour and hearty food.

July

• Bank holidays: If your holiday falls on 14 July, things can get a little louder in France. This is when the bank holidays is celebrated. Your four-legged friend should be prepared accordingly: If the dog doesn't mind, everyone can marvel at the fireworks together. However, if the bangs and lights disturb your dog, a quiet spot or a cosy film evening in the camper van is a better alternative.