Family-run business Hello from Hettie create bags and accessories (including pet accessories!) that are all made and produced in Britain. However when it comes to taking time off the family pack up their car and their four legged friends and head for the south of France to relax. Here’s mum of the family Siân’s pet-friendly guide to the local area.
It’s the beginning of another year and time to start planning holidays. We are a dog family and love that they can come with us too. We are fortunate enough to have a second home in France, in the beautiful Tarn-et-Garonne region in the south west.
Dogs will just love to explore the french woodlands in the South of France.
It is important to be well prepared for such a long journey, taking everyone’s comfort into account. (The dogs are pros at this now, sleeping most of the way, staring at the Eiffel Tower on the Paris Périphérique with nonchalance.)
Hettie’s packing essentials for pets:
- Big bag with everything to hand
- Bottles of water
- Treats
- Poo bags
- Food for dogs (and humans!)
- Collars and leads (including some longer leads so the dogs can run in grassy areas)
- Passports
When we get there the dogs just slot into their other life, lying by the pool and in their favourite shady spots out of the sun. But they like to get out and about too and here are a few areas they can enjoy.
Caylus
Drive from Calais: 914.5 km / 9h 4m
Explore the historic commune of Caylus with your pet.
Our house is in the department of Tarn-et-Garonne, near the pretty village of Caylus, and the stunning St Antonin Noble Val in the Gorge d’Averyon. The Sunday market here is extensive and draws visitors and locals alike. There are many wonderful dog walks right on our doorstep, many of them marked with the yellow PR signs. The little tourist building by the lake at Caylus, or any of the tourist offices in St Antonin and Caylus, can sell or supply books and maps with the walks marked.
The scenery is stunning - stone walls and crosses, pretty cottages with bread ovens, small churches, and plenty of space for the dogs to roam. The Aveyron River and gorge are wonderful to walk along, watching the kayaks paddle leisurely downriver, and have a paddle in the water.
St Antonin Noble Val
Drive from Calais: 912.2 km / 9h 4m
Courtyard outside the Beffroi Tentations restaurant in St Antonin.
The Sunday market at St Antonin is a must, and many people take their dogs, although in high season it is extremely crowded in the narrow streets. A perfect solution is to sit in a dog friendly bar/cafe such as Le Gazpacho and watch the world go by with a croissant, café au lait, and bowl of water for the pups.
Most of the restaurants are happy to welcome well-behaved dogs. A must is the Beffroi Tentations, which sets up in a gorgeous medieval courtyard - great food and ambience, and an outside venue to take the dogs.
Montauban
Drive from Calais: 909.1 km / 8h 55m
The Place Nationale in Montauban is a must-see destination with your pet.
Other picturesque bastide towns of Najac and Cordes are also well worth a visit. Again great places to stroll with the dogs and stop for an ice cream and a coffee. Although Montauban is the capital of the département and being built mainly of reddish brick it’s not to be missed. The Place Nationale is classed as one of the 10 most beautiful squares in France. Sit in one of the restaurants in the square and people watch.
Does the south of France sound like your pet’s kind of holiday? Start your next pawsome adventure with your pet by booking your tickets with us early and taking advantage of the best prices.