If your heart is breaking at the thought of leaving your beloved pet behind when you head off on holiday, then don’t panic. Taking your pet on holiday to France is easier than ever, especially when you follow our tips.
Taking Your Dog on Eurotunnel
Travelling with your pet on Eurotunnel is easier than ever. We even have a pet playground where they can stretch their legs and go to the loo before the 35-minute journey to Calais. Your pet will need their passport to travel with us, just like you! It’s really easy to arrange one for them, check out our blog post for all the tips you need.
Tips for Taking Pets in the Car
Your pet should be as comfortable in the car as possible. A grumpy pet travelling in a strange, new country is not ideal for anyone. Bring toys that won’t get them too excited, non-spill water bowls, plenty of snacks and a cosy bed and blanket.
Pet Friendly Accommodation in France
Many holiday rentals in France allow pets, so there’s lots of choice.
Great news if you’re planning to stay in a holiday rental in France, many holiday home owners allow pets to stay with you. So, if you’re bringing your furry friend, you’ll still have plenty of choices for a beautiful holiday home.
France is one of the most pet-friendly countries in Europe, so pet owners shouldn't overlook it as a holiday destination. Just make sure that you check that pets are allowed and that you are a responsible pet owner whilst staying in any holiday home; after all, it is someone else’s property.
What Should You Look for in Pet Friendly Accommodation?
Even though the holiday home is required by law to allow pets, that doesn’t necessarily mean that pets are welcome. Before signing on the dotted line, make sure you talk to the owner about their stance on pets, and anything you need to be aware of, such as if the garden is near a main road.
Don’t forget to talk to them about your pet; how much space they ideally need, how many pets will be with you, and if they have any physical requirements. That way, you’ll be sure that your pet will have the best holiday possible.
Most Pet Friendly Places to Visit
You won’t spend your holiday in France cooped up in your holiday rental, you’ll be out exploring! Before you head off on holiday, do some research on the best places in France to bring a pet, so you know exactly where to go and don’t have to waste time researching once you’re there. Thankfully, as France is a very pet-friendly country, most restaurants and cafés allow dogs, with many offering water bowls for our four-legged friends to stay hydrated.
Pet Friendly Parks in France
Vallée de l'Eure, Uzès
2 hours, 45-minutes from Calais
One of the most important aspects of picking the perfect park for your dog to run around in is how safe it is. In a strange country, you don’t want your pooch running off.
Vallée de l'Eure in Uzès is a valley set far away from the main road, with plenty of forest space for your dogs to run around in, and grassy paths to sniff. The valley is set by a river, which is great if your dog is a confident swimmer, but if you’re a little wary, it’s best to keep them on the lead when near the water.
Pet Friendly Cities in France
Mougins
10 hours, 30-minutes from Calais
This medieval town is surrounded by wooded areas, a doggy dream!
When exploring a new city in hot weather, make sure you keep an eye on your dog’s paws on the pavement. They can be burnt if the ground is too hot. Stick to shaded areas, and don’t go out at the hottest time of the day (12pm-3pm). Make sure you always have water for your dog to keep them refreshed and hydrated, and for dipping their paws in to cool them down. If there are grassy areas they can walk on, then stick to them as much as possible.
The Medieval town of Mougins, a 15-minute drive from Cannes, is an ideal place for dogs (and their owners). It sits in the middle of beautiful forests made up of gorgeous trees, like Pine, Olive and Cyprus. The town is a great place for grabbing a bite to eat, as well as experiencing some new culture in their art galleries.
Grab the lead, the pet passport and all the treats you can carry and set off for your French adventure! When it’s only 35 minutes from Folkestone to Calais, Eurotunnel is the perfect holiday transport.