We've finally accepted that trying to find a dog friendly beach site in France is rather tricky. So, plan B it is! We are now looking for a site which is riverside or close to a river, suitable for dogs to swim in (retriever swims well, spaniel like to deep paddle!)
We have two weeks at the end of Aug and are happy to go pretty much anywhere in France as long as there is some history/archaelogy to keep OH and son happy. Doesn't have to be all sing, all dancing as we don't do that. Loved Le Capeyrou last yr, lots to see and do, bar and food truck on site but on outskirts of village anyway.
I'm really struggling with this search. I usually know exactly where we're going by now, not always to stop overs but main site. We are restricted to last 2 weeks in Aug due to OH work and before I have to go back to school (work)
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Camping Les Nobis at Montreuil Bellay in Loire area is by the river Thouet. It has a gate onto a Riverside path. There is a park next to it on the Riverside and walks along the bank.Its a pretty medieval town.
There are plenty of sites along the Loire probably with river access.
There is also Isle d' Offard camping in nearby Saumur. It's on an island on the Loire opposite the town centre which I am sure has river access. A pleasant walk over the bridge takes you to Saumur centre. It has a big chateau you can visit plus loads of chateaux and wineries along the river.
There are several campsites in the Millau region with river access onto the Tarn very popular for swimming and canoeing. A bit further south than the Loire but a lovely area.
Post last edited on 15/01/2023 15:44:34
Post last edited on 15/01/2023 15:46:49
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See no end of dogs swimming / paddling off the river beaches on the Dordogne near where we live.
La Bouysse next door to Soliel Plage is good value. The municipal in our village, Cenac (foot of the hill Domme stands on), is right by a river beach and the village has loads of amenities - restaurants, takeaways, bars, cash point, bakers, decent Carrefour Contact, 24/7 petrol station. Seems very popular with the Dutch.
Loads of history and archaeology in the area as I'm sure you know.
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Hi,
Camping Verdon Park, on the Verdon, Greoux Les Bains, Camping La Coutiliere, on the Sorgue near Fontaine de Vaucluse & Camping Le Voconce on the Ouveze, just south of Vaison La Romaine are all places with rivers we have taken our dog. From memory, at Les Rivages at Millau, dogs can’t go on the main beach area but we’ve not been for a while.
On the Med, Portiragnes Plage has an area where dogs are welcome all day & many people exercise their dog early am & late pm everywhere
Then moved not too far away to Camping La Roubine, again a cracking riverside site. This was a massive change for us as it seemed all singing and dancing, but actually it's only as much as you want.
The kids stuff is well away from the pitches and you never hear them. Lovely pool and restaurant, clean facilities. Excellent vineyard next door, can highly recommend the pink.
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Camping Chantemerle, 2k from Florac on the Tarn is good for dog swimming. If you get a riverside pitch you can go down the bank to the river away from the riverside beach (though you can also use the river beach). Not sure what history there is in the area. There are also good river spots to walk to from the site. You would need to book for August.
There is also a site in Confolens (name escapes me atm) where our dog enjoyed swimming. This is near Oradour sur Glane for the history element.
Quote: Originally posted by lizzie on
...There is also a site in Confolens (name escapes me atm) where our dog enjoyed swimming. This is near Oradour sur Glane for the history element.
Camping des Ribières. We were there last year and will return as it's a lovely site. There's free use of canoes and the river is good for both humans and dogs to take a dip. It's an easy stroll into Confolens.
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Not sure if you want to go to the Dordogne again but Camping Port De Limeuil is right on the river and is a gorgeous site - nice pool, lovely snack bar and bar, plenty for teens to do, level owners.The village is walkable (bars and restaurants, not much in the way of shops) and you are about 30 mins from Bergerac by car.
Camping les Nobis in Montreuil Bellay mentioned above is in a great location and its a fabulous part of the Loire with direct access to the Thouet river. We stayed last year and found the 'guingette' very disappointing with poor quality, expensive food. However it's a short (steep) walk to the village which has several good takeaways, restaurants and bars. They also organise lots of activities in high season and are a friendly, good natured crowd.
Thank you all for your suggestions. I am working my way through them! We visited Oradour last year(extremely moving) on our way to the Dordogne. Will take a look as we liked the area.
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
Quote: Originally posted by lizzie on
...There is also a site in Confolens (name escapes me atm) where our dog enjoyed swimming. This is near Oradour sur Glane for the history element.
Camping des Ribières. We were there last year and will return as it's a lovely site. There's free use of canoes and the river is good for both humans and dogs to take a dip. It's an easy stroll into Confolens.
It was the comment, in the reviews, about the river being fast flowing that worried me. The retriever is fine but the cocker spaniel is stupid!
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
Unfortunately, Camping des Ribières will only accept 1 dog.
------------- 2026
Various weekends, weather and time permitting
April - Yorkshire and Yorkshire
June - Wiltshire and Oxfordshire
Autumn - North and Scotland
Quote: Originally posted by gailbonney on 19/1/2023
It was the comment, in the reviews, about the river being fast flowing that worried me. The retriever is fine but the cocker spaniel is stupid!
In that case Port de Limeuil might not be suitable.
"The beach at Limeuil is located on the right bank of the Dordogne, just downstream of the confluence of the Vézère and Dordogne rivers. The beach is limited in size. You can lay your towel on the lawn in the shade or in the sun on the pebbles. From the beach you have a beautiful view of the two bridges of Limeuil.
To get there you can either park in the village car park (paying in summer) or in the car park of the football field.
There is a current at this point in the river and little bottom. You go there more for a dip than for swimming performances! Behind the beach there are tables in the shade, a bar (A l'Ancre de salut) has a nice terrace and can serve as a refill for drinks and ice cream.
Be careful in summer, if the Vézère is in flood (which sometimes happens after big storms), the beach becomes difficult to use (the Vézère then takes on an ochre colour). In this case, prefer a beach on the Dordogne, which is more protected from storms."
Amazing family weekend with old steam engines, classic car displays, market stalls, and full catering and bar. And camping on site - Save £25 by booking in advance.
Topic: Dog friendly riverside sites in France
via mobile 15/1/2023 at 3:38pm
