With summer fast approaching, you’re probably planning your next break to the French countryside. If you want your dog to travel by your side when exploring sunny France, it’s a great idea to do a little research before you go, so that you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. When it comes to eating out, France is generally very accepting of dogs. To make sure you have the best possible experience, we’ve gathered a list of some of our favourite dog-friendly restaurants below.
Le Don Camillo Pizzeria
Found in the small commune of Saint-Honoré-les-Bains, in the south of the Parc Naturel Régional du Morvan, Le Don Camillo Pizzeria is a great place to grab some lunch in a casual setting. The friendly staff are always welcoming of owners and their pets, particularly during sunny days when it’s the perfect weather to enjoy the restaurant’s outdoor seating area. Dine on fresh salads and food from the grill during lunchtime, or take your pick from the varied pizza menu during dinner. The restaurant is a quirky local favourite, with works of art hung in the front window and a children’s menu also available.
28 av du Gal d' Espeuilles, 58360 Saint-Honoré-les-Bains, France
+33 3 86 30 65 11
Geppetto
Another restaurant with a menu focusing on fresh pizza, Geppetto is in the heart of Le Havre, on France’s north coast. The family-friendly atmosphere and pet-friendly status makes this place ideal for lunch, and Le Havre is less than a three-hour drive from Calais, making it ideal for a spontaneous weekend away. Geppetto is decorated with distinctive wooden features and their menu features light hors d'oeuvres and generously topped pizzas and pasta dishes. Great for families, Geppetto caters for children, and they also offer the option to take away.
6 Rue du Roi Albert, 76310 Sainte-Adresse, France
+33 2 35 46 75 03
Restaurant el Borini
Located in the medieval village of Issigeac in the historic Périgord region of France, Restaurant eL Borini is a beautifully decorated restaurant, ideal for dinner with the whole family – pet included! Inside, the restaurant features exposed beams and brickwork that add to the warm and cosy ambience and tasteful French décor. Seasonal produce is carefully presented and has a contemporary influence, with flavours working together to create such classics as beef Rossini with potatoes and Roquefort sauce, roasted lamb saddle and a seasonal fruit crumble with ice cream for dessert. EL Borini is a cosy place to retreat from the cold in winter, but in summer, you can enjoy the pretty terrace with your pet, enjoying lunch or dinner al fresco with views of the surrounding medieval architecture.
Tour de Ville, 24560 Issigeac, France
+33 5 53 58 06 03
Anna et Paul
Anna et Paul is a well-respected restaurant in the commune of Vannes, in Brittany. With a menu that varies depending on the seasonal market produce available, the restaurant has an extensive drinks menu and is great for both lunch and dinner. Lunch sees dishes such as ravioli with mushrooms and pesto sit alongside veal sautéed with tomatoes, while the dinner menu boasts guinea fowl with foie gras and fillet of sea bream. Dessert will ensure your sweet tooth is satisfied, so be sure to try the poached pear and caramelised ganache for pudding. Not only is this restaurant popular with locals, but it’s dog friendly, too.
The commune of Vannes is in Brittany, a popular summer destination. © Flickr user Sonja Pieper
23 Place du Général de Gaulle, 56000 Vannes, France
+33 2 97 61 22 02
Le Vieille Maison
This summer, head to the enticing Côte d'Azur in southern France and spend time in the scenic commune of Èze, which can be found just east of Nice. Le Vieille Maison is a welcoming restaurant when you’re visiting with pets, and it makes the most of its position near the coast by serving up fresh seafood, such as prawns in a rich cream sauce and salade niçoise. An ancient village, Èze has all the natural beauty of the French Riviera without as much showiness as some of its neighbouring towns and cities. Be sure to visit the 12th century castle, which sits at the peak of the town’s rocky centre.
18 Avenue de la Liberté, 06360 Èze, France
+33 4 93 01 58 30
Dining with your pet needn’t be a compromise. © Flickr user Peter Bond
Ready to travel to France this summer?
With LeShuttle you can travel from Folkestone to Calais in just 35 minutes, and from there, France is waiting to be explored.