Dogs in France seem to have a good deal - lots of dog-friendly places to go and consequently inclusion in many aspects of daily life.
These pictures were taken on our holiday to La Rochelle in France. I've put some useful links at the bottom of this page if you're thinking about taking your dog to France.
La Rochelle is a beautiful seaside town, roughly halfway down on the west coast of France in the Poitou-Charentes region. We decided not to take our own dogs this time so they had a holiday of their own with our dog walker in the Sussex countryside.
We were struck by how many dogs there were around in La Rochelle. We noticed lots of small dogs with Yorkies, Shih Tzus and French Bull Dogs particularly popular. These smaller dogs were all extremely well groomed, often with diamante collars trotting respectfully behind ther owners.
Here's a Shih Tzu with the characteristic topknot. She was attracting a lot of attention since it was a very blustery day and her long coat was blowing every which way.
This French Bulldog pup was enjoying languishing on his owner's lap.
Here's another little Yorkshire Terrier. This one was having his haircut by a stall holder in the local market. The scissors looked quite big I thought!
This Pekingese was enjoying being carried along the sea front.
There seemed to be more small dogs around than the bigger breeds, although Golden Retrievers, Labs and Boxers were particularly popular.
This Siberian Husky was sat with his owner outside the cathedral. The man was asking for money so I gave him 2 Euros and asked in my broken French whether it would be okay to take a photo of his dog. He had two Huskies and they both looked very well cared for and very calm.
Dogs in France are allowed in so many more places than their English cousins. It wasn't unusual to have dogs in cafes and even restaurants. We also saw dogs in the local department store and a museum, and hadn't realised that we were also staying in a dog-friendly hotel.
This Golden Retriever was roaming around the Hotel de Ville with its human family.
Close to La Rochelle is the Ile de Re and the capital is St-Martin. We spent a lovely day here watching the boats (and dogs!), drinking and eating in cafes on the quayside.
This Retriever was happily watching the world go by with his owner.
Many boats come and go through the well-protected harbour and as usual the dogs are included.
This Beagle was very comfortable on his boat, and the photo underneath shows two doggy shipmates, one obviously in need of a little buoyancy should the need have risen.
My brother lives close by to La Rochelle so we met and caught up over a glass of wine. His dog, Lara, is a Caniche Nain or a Miniature Poodle. This picture was taken in the cafe.
Here's another dog enjoying the French cafe experience, and below that is Calypso, an American Cocker Spaniel, sitting on a bench with her owner.
All in all it looks as though dogs in France have a good life.
Pet Friendly France - useful links
Here are some useful links if you're thinking of taking your dog to France on holiday.
are self-catering, holiday cottages on the South Brittany/Loire Atlantique border in France. This is friendly family run gite accommodation where dogs are welcome. They even have a dog agility course set up in their garden!
Le Village Catalan
is a small village of twelve houses in the microclimatic foothills of snow-capped Canigou in the Pyrenees, between the ski resorts and the Mediterranean. Please check on attitude towards dogs since things may have changed, however certainly at one time they provided a welcome snack for your dog, a food bowl and water bowl, and information on suitable walks with water and shade.
Finally,
Brittany Ferries
are particularly geared up for taking dogs on the ferries and there is lots of useful advice on their website
including stories from people who have enjoyed holidaying with their dogs in France and Spain - worth a read even if you're not planning to travel by ferry.
