🌟 Why Choose France for Pet Friendly Holiday Getaways

France consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for pet owners. With its vast outdoor spaces, scenic countryside, miles of coastline, and relaxed approach to pet travel, many travellers choose dog friendly holidays France year after year.

Here’s what makes France so special:

• Open natural spaces that dogs can explore — beaches, forests, vineyards and trails.

• Pet-friendly culture — many towns and cafes warmly welcome dogs.

• Outstanding range of holiday homes — from dog friendly gite France properties to pet friendly villa France with pools.

• Easy travel infrastructure — well-connected by airports, trains, and motorways ideal for travelling with pets.

And if you’re looking for the perfect place to stay that caters to both you and your four-legged friend, you’re spoilt for choice.

🏡 Types of Pet Friendly Accommodation in France

When planning pet friendly holidays in France, accommodation choice is key. From rustic countryside charm to luxury villas by the Mediterranean, here are the most popular types:

1. Dog Friendly Gîtes in France

A classic choice for many travellers, a dog friendly gite France lets you experience French rural life in comfort. Gîtes are typically self-catering cottages — ideal for families and pets alike.

Why choose a dog friendly gîte?
✔ Often fully fenced gardens for pets
✔ Spacious interiors with outdoor access
✔ Locations close to walking trails and nature reserves

These are perfect for relaxed holidays in regions like Normandy, Brittany, Dordogne and the Loire.

2. Pet Friendly Villas in France

If you’re looking for a more luxurious escape, a pet friendly villa France could be your ideal home base. Many are equipped with private pools, large gardens, and plenty of space for your dog to roam.

Popular villa regions include:

• Provence & Côte d’Azur — warm climate, lavender fields, coastal walks

• Languedoc & Midi-Pyrénées — sunny days and countryside views

• South-West & Dordogne — rivers, forests and picturesque villages

Staying in a villa gives you extra privacy and comfort — particularly helpful when travelling with active dogs or several pets.

🇫🇷 Top French Regions for Dog Friendly Holidays

Each region of France has its own charm and great reasons to include it in your dog friendly holiday France itinerary.

🌿 Provence

Known for fields of lavender, sun-drenched vineyards, and hilltop villages, Provence is a paradise for outdoor lovers and their dogs.

• Long walking trails and countryside paths

• Pet-friendly markets and cafes

• Easy access to nature reserves and parks

A pet friendly villa France here often includes gardens and private pool space for pets to enjoy.

🌊 Brittany

For sea-air lovers, Brittany offers rugged coastlines, sandy beaches and historic towns.

• Miles of coastal dog walks

• Boats, lighthouses, and seaside villages

• Great seafood and open spaces

Many dog friendly gîte France rentals here make excellent bases for discovering the region with your pet.

🏰 Normandy

Perfect for culture and countryside lovers.

• Charming villages and historic sites

• Pasture lands and hedgerows for long strolls

• Dog-friendly beaches (season dependent)

Choose a dog friendly gite France near the Bay of Mont Saint-Michel for spectacular views.

☀️ Languedoc & Midi-Pyrénées

A sunny haven with vineyards, gorges and thermal springs — ideal for pets and people.

• Mild climate nearly year-round

• Thousands of walking paths

• Authentic French villages

Many pet friendly villa France options in this region come with outdoor living spaces perfect for pets.

📅 Booking Pet-Friendly Rentals: Why Choose Rent-in-France.co.uk

Looking for dog friendly gite France or a pet friendly villa France? One of the biggest decisions you’ll make is where to book your holiday rental.

While there are many platforms out there — including Airbnb — Rent-in-France.co.uk stands out for pet owners. Here’s why:

✅ 1. Direct Contact With Owners

Many properties on Rent-in-France.co.uk are listed by owners themselves. This means:

• You can ask directly about pet facilities

• Clarify garden access and local walks

• Confirm space and rules for dogs

This direct owner communication gives peace of mind for pet lovers.

✅ 2. Zero Booking Fees

Unlike many global platforms, Rent-in-France.co.uk charges zero booking fees, so you save money on your holiday rental.

In comparison, Airbnb’s service fees typically add 10%–20% on top of the nightly rate. Additionally, Airbnb often charges a guest service fee and cleaning fee, which can significantly increase your total cost.

With Rent-in-France.co.uk, what you see is what you pay — with no hidden extras.

✅ 3. Large Range of Pet Friendly Properties

Rent-in-France.co.uk specialises in holiday rentals across all popular French regions, including:

• Provence

• Brittany

• Normandy

• Languedoc

• Midi-Pyrénées

• Loire Valley

• Dordogne

• South-West France

Whether you want a dog friendly gite France or a pet friendly villa France with a pool, you’ll find options suited to your needs and budget.

✅ 4. Personal, Friendly Service

Being UK-based, Rent-in-France.co.uk brings personal customer care with local French knowledge — super helpful when planning dog friendly holidays France.

Owners are also quick to share tips on:

• Local walking routes

• Nearby dog-friendly beaches

• Vets and pet services

• Seasonal pet regulations

🐾 Tips for Travelling With Pets in France

To make your dog friendly holidays in France smooth, here are some travel tips:

✔️ Pet Travel Documents

Bring your dog’s vaccination records, especially your pet passport if you’re travelling from another country.

✔️ Find Dog-Friendly Beaches & Trails

France has rules governing pets on beaches (often seasonal), so check ahead for local restrictions.

✔️ Pack Essentials

Bring food, medications, favourite toys, and bedding — especially if your dog thrives on routine.

✔️ Road Travel

If driving, prepare:

• Pet seat belts or crates

• Fresh water and shade

• Regular breaks every couple of hours

✔️ Public Transport with Pets

Small dogs are usually allowed on French trains and buses, but rules vary — always confirm before booking.

📍 Best Activities to Enjoy With Your Dog in France

Here are some fun things you and your pup can do on dog friendly holidays France:

🐕 Countryside Walks

France’s rural paths and vineyards are ideal for long hikes and sniff-filled adventures.

🌅 Beach Time

In regions like Brittany and Normandy, coastal paths and many dog-friendly beaches make splash time easy.

🍷 Outdoor Cafés & Markets

Many French cafes welcome dogs at outdoor tables — great for people-watching and pet breaks.

🚴‍♂️ Cycle Routes

Bring a bike and explore towpaths and quiet lanes — perfect for active dogs that love adventure.

📆 Best Time for Dog Friendly Holidays in France

The ideal season depends on the region:

• Spring & early summer (May-June): pleasant weather, fewer crowds

• Late summer (August): lively, warm, best for beach towns

• Autumn (Sept-Oct): harvest season, beautiful countryside colours

• Winter: quiet and peaceful — great for countryside retreats

Always check local rules for dog access to beaches and national parks, as these can change seasonally.

💡 Final Thoughts

France is a dream destination for pet owners. From scenic forests to coastal paths and charming villages, you’ll find endless opportunities to explore with your four-legged friend. Whether you choose a cosy dog friendly gite France in the countryside or a luxurious pet friendly villa France with a private pool, planning ahead makes all the difference.

Rent-in-France.co.uk offers a wide selection of pet-friendly holiday rentals across all the best regions — with direct owner contact, zero booking fees, and personalised support to help you find the perfect base for your dog friendly holidays in France.

So pack your bags — and your pup’s favourite toy — and get ready for the French holiday adventure of a lifetime!

🐾 Bon voyage!