Doggy dining in France
If you’re a dog owner, going on holiday without your pooch is like leaving a member of the family behind. With LeShuttle, however, your pets are not only welcome, but can have a pampered and positively paw-some time travelling with us!
You will also be pleased to know that when it comes to eating out with your dog on holiday, restaurants in France are more welcoming than in the UK. Here’s our guide to pet-friendly eating and some of our favourite places to eat in France with your dog.
Do French restaurants allow dogs?
Most restaurants and cafés in France allow dogs
It’s more or less unheard of to take a dog into a restaurant or café here at home, but in France it’s a different story. In many cities, particularly in Paris, dogs are treated like royalty and are welcomed with open arms by a large proportion of eateries. It’s all part of the relaxed approach to dining that France is famous for.
Of course, you shouldn’t attempt to take your dog into a Michelin-starred restaurant, but the local bistro, brasserie or bakery should be absolutely fine.
Top tips for dining with your dog in France
Finding the right café or restaurant
When you’re in France, it’s a good idea to do a quick Google search for ‘dog friendly restaurants near me’. Always keep your dog on their lead and, if your dog’s small enough, place him or her on your lap so they’re not in the way of waiting staff or other customers.
Most cafés and bars will also allow you to bring your dog inside, unless there are signs that say “chiens interdits” (no dogs allowed).
Look for outside seating options
Outside seating areas are perfect for dogs
Another thing to keep in mind when deciding where to eat with your dog is its size. While small to medium sized dogs are easily accommodated, you’re likely to have more trouble with a larger dog. If the eatery has an outside seating area, you may be in luck.
Most places that offer an outside seating area, whether it’s street facing tables or a spacious courtyard, will allow you and your pooch to settle down for a meal. Lots of places will even provide a doggy water bowl, so your four-legged friend can stay cool and refreshed.
Just make sure your dog doesn't try to join in with other customers’ tables, as you could have disgruntled diners on your hands!
Why not try a picnic?
If you’d rather be outside enjoying the beautiful French scenery, a picnic is always a good choice. Pick up some bread from the bakery, head to a fromagerie for a selection of cheeses and grab a bottle of wine from a wine cellar, supermarket or corner shop. Then, all you need to do is find a nice spot to lay your blanket down.
If you’re visiting the countryside, you and your dog will be spoilt for choice. In the city it’s important to remember that many city parks don’t allow dogs, and even if they did, they’re often prohibited from going on the grass. In Paris, why not take a seat along the River Seine and enjoy the view as you eat, for the ultimate French dining experience?
Picnic with your pooch in Provence or Picardy!
Our favourite dog-friendly eateries in France
La Voile Bleue, Le Havre
Le Havre is one of northern France’s biggest ports, and it’s less than a three-hour drive from Calais. Here is where you’ll find La Voile Bleue, a pooch-friendly brasserie which serves up delicious French cuisine. The majority of the menu is seafood, which makes sense when you consider its location, with a few other dishes thrown in for good measure.
We recommend starting your meal with a dozen of Normandy’s finest oysters, followed by a seafood platter or a juicy steak, and a chocolate fondant for dessert.
Café de l'Industrie, Paris
Start your day in Paris with an al fresco breakfast
Paris, of course, is full of amazing places to eat. From fine-dining restaurants to family-run brasseries, Paris has something to suit every diner, every meal and every mood. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and the Café de l’Industrie is a great spot to tuck in.
Take a seat at the dog-friendly outdoor tables and take your pick from the mouth-wateringly good menu. Café (coffee) is a must, as are croissants and other French pastries. For something more substantial, choose eggs and smoked salmon.
Crêperie du Temps Passé, Brittany
The beautiful Brittany village of Locronan is where you will find Crêperie du Temps Passé
The crêpe is just a classic French dish. These thin pancakes are served with all kinds of toppings, all over the world, but nowhere are they more delicious than in France!
Located in Locronan, an idyllic village in Brittany, Crêperie du Temps Passé serves a whole range of crêpes, from the sublimely simple to the creatively complex, and it’s dog-friendly, too! It’s best to turn up with a big appetite, so you can try both savoury and sweet options.
Auberge du Moulin, Soulages-Bonneval
If you find yourself in the Aubrac region of southern France, it’s well worth seeking out the Auberge du Moulin hotel-restaurant. You and your pooch will be welcomed with open arms for a delicious meal of classic French fare.
One of the favourite items on the menu is a regional classic: beef served with mashed potatoes. Although it sounds simple, it’s far from it. The beef comes from Fleur d’Aubrac cows (cows who are pure-bred from an Aubrac cow and a Charolais bull), and the mashed potatoes are blended with cheese and a little garlic – delicious!
Travel to France with your dog with LeShuttle
Travelling to France with LeShuttle means you can all travel together for the 35 minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais. We have a 24-hour pet check-in service at our Folkestone and Calais terminals, and dedicated pet exercise areas. Make sure you read our Pet Travel checklist before you go.
We have lots of other pet-friendly holiday ideas in France and destinations within driving distance of our Calais terminal.
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