We know that there has been loads of info about specific sites and dog walking recently but...we have been to France many times but not with a dog. As the time is getting near- I'm getting a bit more nervous as to where we will be able to walk him. He is the sort of dog who needs to run. We have booked countryside sites but we are unsure about the rules for letting dogs of the lead etc outwith the site. We are aware of course that just as here - dogs must be on a lead in the campsite. We will be down in the Ardeche so for example what about letting dogs off to swim ? In the country - what sort of areas can you let dogs run in? Being a nation of dog lovers I am sure that my worries will be unfounded but any comments would be welcome.
------------- XVI yes?
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
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The Ardeche river is full of swimming dogs - don't worry - as are many other rivers that we've visited. The beach by the Pont d'Arc is a regular haunt of a French black lab who wears a dinky bandanna - we've seen him there a few times. You can let dogs run anywhere it doesn't prohibit them - not many of those either, certainly not the sort of places you'd be walking one (ie through fields of cattle or sheep) but on normal walks you're fine. Dogs are also more tolerated in towns and cities, you'll nearly always find a doggie bowl outside bars and if you sit at a table with your dog, ten to one he'll be brought a drink as well as you.
You can also take dogs into many shops and restaurants. The French seem to love (and tolerate) their dogs even more than us.
Dogs are prohibited, in high season, on many beaches, but you'll often see a sneaky Frenchman, pretending not to have read the notice! Usually it's best to completely avoid beaches, though unless you're very thick-skinned!
Just one thing, though - they don't appear to poop-scoop as much as we do, but where they do you'll often find free bag dispensers on lamp posts!
We had a great first experience taking our dog to France last year. He swam in every river in the Tarn Gorge are and some in the Dordogne and swam in the sea in Normandy (though like Val says beaches are usually no-no's in high season). There were plenty of places to walk him off lead in the areas we were at and in the towns he was also catered for with bowls of water being readily available. I'm only sorry we didn't take him before! He is looking forward to visiting the Pyrenees this August LOL and is brushing up on his French LOL!
we have just returned from Pornic where our dog was made very welcome everywhere, town, markets, fields, beach. French people seem to love dogs and constantly stopped us to ask dogs name and breed. She had an amazing holiday and loved being the centre of attention.
As well is two words!
How does a sage know everything about everything? or does he? or does he just think he does?
Remember, if you buy something you bought it, not brought it.
Just to mention, though, that dogs are not allowed in the French National Parks, not even on a lead (see thread "Pyrenees c..k-up".)
In some Regional and National Parks (or Reserves) Naturelle, they're not allowed either, but that ultimately depends on the Mairie of the local commune.
Don't forget to leave a review of the French and other European campsites you have visited!
A day of all things motorhome and campervan. The show is held both in the main indoor arena and across the grounds. Catering, hot drinks and food options are available. Easy access to the site and free parking included. Win one of five pairs of day tickets
Topic: Dog Walking In France
