What could be better than taking your whole family, dog included, to a villa in France? There’s so much more freedom than hotels – no scrambling for a sun lounger, no set times for breakfast; best of all, no tearful goodbyes with your beloved pooch.
Travelling to France with LeShuttle means that you can bring your dog with you. We are an award-winning pet travel company, and go that extra mile to make your pets feel welcome. All you need to do is keep their doggy documentation up to date and they will be sound as a hound travelling with us!
Where to stay in France with a dog?
There are hundreds of pet-friendly villas in France to choose from, from rustic romantic retreats right up to fully serviced châteaux. What they all have in common – apart from swimming pools – is a relaxed attitude to dogs. All the hosts of these holiday homes expect is for you to clean up after your pets and leave your villa as clean as you found it.
Is the south of France dog-friendly?
Yes. Most of the villas featured below are in the south of France, simply because you will find more pet-friendly villas and holiday homes there. But the north also has some of the best dog-friendly beaches in France, so is just as attractive an option. Wherever you go there is plenty of room to roam.
The whole country is generally very welcoming of dogs, certainly more so than the UK, but if you are eating out it is best to check with the restaurant or café first whether your dog will be allowed in. You will have to keep your dog on a lead on certain beaches and public spaces too.
Enjoy al fresco dining with your dog
A selection of dog-friendly villas
All the holiday homes featured below are pet friendly villas listed by our friends at Oliver’s Travels, the villa holiday specialist.
Le Pavillon, La Tranche Sur Mer
Le Pavillion is a three bedroom villa in the quiet village of La Jonchère in the west coast department of Vendée. The closest city is La Rochelle, but we think you’ll find everything you need close by. There is a café, bar and shop in the village selling your early morning coffee and croissants. It is a short drive to the gorgeous sandy beaches, go-karting, adventure park and water sports of La Tranche Sur Mer.
The villa itself has a heated swimming pool and games room with a pool table. It really is perfect for the whole family, dog included!
Villa Chambre Du Paradis, Bergerac
How can the Dordogne be anything but perfect for dogs! This cosy stone cottage, around 30 km from Bergerac, sleeps two and is a perfect cosy retreat or base to explore this beautiful region of world-class vineyards, winding rivers and picturesque villages.
Meals can be taken on the covered terrace overlooking the private Roman-style pool, which your dog will love splashing around in. There is a hot tub too. The exposed stone walls and beams inside Villa Chambre Du Paradis give the cottage a lovely rustic feel, and the flooring is ideal for your dog.
Your dog will love splashing around in your villa’s pool
Fresia I & II, Grasse
Pamper your pooch like a movie star in either of these two adjoining villas, high in the hills of the Côte d’Azur. Glamorous Cannes, Nice and Saint-Tropez are all short drives away, but seriously, why would you want to wander too far from these stunning abodes?
You could lounge by the pool, overlooked by the fruit trees and olive groves of the Mediterranean gardens, eat in the shade of the patio or take your dog for a stroll into the nearest village, where there is a bakery, two restaurants and some charming shops. Both villas sleep six.
Villa Shambhala, Dordogne
On the terraced fountain garden at Villa Shambhala it feels as if the sun is setting over the Dordogne river, just for you. It really is majestic. The riverside is just a few steps down from this four-bedroomed dog-friendly villa, which blends elegant opulence with traditional charm, and is wonderfully decorated throughout. Before you think just about the views, let’s not forget the art on the walls, the honesty bar stocked with local wines and the private pool in a secluded courtyard.
It is a short walk from Villa Shambhala to the Dordogne riverside
Villa Romane, Avignon
Stunningly situated in the heart of the Rhone Valley, Villa Romane is as close as we are going to get to a chateau in this summary of dog friendly accommodation! It can sleep up to 16 (which includes a separate cottage that sleeps four), five bath/shower rooms, three large reception rooms, and a circular pool with classical colonnades, surrounded by a poolside terrace perfect for al fresco cooking and entertaining.
Villa Romane is not far from the timeless Provençal towns of Arles, Avignon and Saint-Rémy-de-Provence, and would make for an idyllic stay in one of the most beautiful parts of France.
La Rhune, Biarritz
This four bedroomed villa lies at the foot of the La Rhune mountain – so much so that it feels like it is in the back garden! The villa’s huge windows give ample opportunity to admire the peak and the surrounding Basque countryside. It has a ranch-like feel, with the swimming pool set below a sloping lawn. The first floor bedroom balcony affords the lucky residents the best views of all. The property is within easy reach of the pretty village of Ascain, cosmopolitan Biarritz and the border with Spain.
La Rhune villa offers breathtaking views of the mountain it takes its name from
Villa La Plaine, Midi-Pyrenees
Dogs will love this fully restored and renovated farmhouse, which is situated just to the north of Toulouse. Set in two acres of land at the top of a hill, there is plenty of room to roam for your four-legged friend. The flagstones inside are perfect for your pooch too.
Everywhere is tastefully decorated, staying true to the history of the house but with the accent on comfort and mod cons. There are four large bedrooms, four bathrooms, a heated outdoor pool and everything you would expect from 5-star holiday accommodation.
Top tips when travelling with your pet
Your crossing with Le Shuttle is just the start of your adventure. It could still be quite a long journey for your pet before you reach your villa. On any long journey, make sure to pack some bottles of water, dog food and treats, poo bags, collars and leads, toys, blanket and bed. Take plenty of breaks on your journey so your dog can burn off some of their energy. Keep the window open so they keep cool, and you might get a photo that’s as good as this:
The journey is just the start of the fun!
Travel to your dog-friendly villa with Le Shuttle
Remember, you and your dog can stay together for the 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais. We even have dedicated doggy exercise areas and a pet reception!
Start benefiting from a LeShuttle Members account today
- Exclusive offers from our partners, including Nausicaá, Into The Blue & Cinema Society
- Members-only ticket offers
- Amazing monthly free to enter competitions
Plus...
- Make, import & manage bookings all in one place
- Store your passengers, vehicles, pets and payment methods for quick and easy bookings
Sign up for your FREE account today