🐾 Traveling to France with Pets
Pet-Friendly France
France is highly welcoming to pets, particularly dogs, which are a common sight in parks, restaurants, and even trains. From Parisian boulevards to Provençal beaches, pets are part of everyday life. Most accommodations, eateries, and public transport allow well-behaved animals, positioning France as one of Europe's top pet-friendly destinations.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
EU Pet Passport
Dogs, cats, and ferrets from EU countries require an EU Pet Passport with microchip identification.
Passport must include rabies vaccination records (at least 21 days before travel) and veterinary health certificate.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination must be current and administered at least 21 days before entry.
Vaccination must be valid for the entire stay; check expiry dates on certificates carefully.
Microchip Requirements
All pets must have ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Chip number must match all documentation; bring microchip reader confirmation if possible.
Non-EU Countries
Pets from outside EU need health certificate from official veterinarian and rabies antibody test.
Additional 3-month waiting period may apply; check with French embassy in advance.
Restricted Breeds
France bans Category 1 breeds (e.g., American Pit Bull Terrier) and restricts Category 2 breeds (e.g., Rottweiler) requiring permits, sterilization, and muzzle/leash mandates.
Check specific breed lists and local regulations before travel.
Other Pets
Birds, rabbits, and rodents have different entry rules; check with French authorities.
Exotic pets may require CITES permits and additional health certificates for entry.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across France on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like dog beds and bowls.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Paris & Lyon): Many 3-5 star hotels welcome pets for €10-30/night, offering dog beds, bowls, and nearby parks. Chains like Ibis and Mercure are reliably pet-friendly.
- Coastal Villas & Chalets (Provence & Côte d'Azur): Beachside accommodations often welcome pets at no extra charge, with direct access to walks. Perfect for seaside holidays with dogs in scenic surroundings.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb and Vrbo listings frequently allow pets, especially in rural areas. Entire homes offer more freedom for pets to roam and relax.
- Farmstays (Gîtes Ruraux): Family farms in Normandy and Dordogne welcome pets and often have resident animals. Ideal for families with children and pets seeking authentic rural experiences.
- Campsites & RV Parks: Nearly all French campsites are pet-friendly, with designated dog areas and nearby trails. Lakeside sites in Brittany are especially popular with pet owners.
- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end hotels like Le Meurice in Paris offer VIP pet services including gourmet pet menus, grooming, and walking services for discerning travelers.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Provincial Hiking Trails
France's countryside offers thousands of pet-friendly trails in the Loire Valley and Pyrenees.
Keep dogs leashed near wildlife and check trail rules at regional park entrances.
Beaches & Coasts
Many Mediterranean and Atlantic beaches have designated dog swimming areas.
Côte d'Azur and Normandy offer pet-friendly sections; check local signage for restrictions.
Cities & Parks
Paris's Luxembourg Gardens and Champ de Mars welcome leashed dogs; outdoor cafés commonly allow pets at tables.
Lyon's old town permits dogs on leash; most outdoor terraces welcome well-behaved pets.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
French café culture extends to pets; water bowls outside are standard in cities.
Many Parisian bistros allow dogs inside; ask staff before entering with pets.
City Walking Tours
Most outdoor walking tours in Paris and Marseille welcome leashed dogs at no extra charge.
Historic centers are pet-friendly; avoid indoor museums and churches with pets.
Cable Cars & Lifts
Many French cable cars allow dogs in carriers or muzzled; fees typically €5-10.
Check with specific operators; some require advance booking for pets during peak seasons.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Trains (SNCF): Small dogs (carrier-sized) travel free; larger dogs need half-price tickets and must be muzzled or in carriers. Dogs allowed in all classes except dining cars.
- Buses & Trams (Urban): Paris and Lyon public transport allow small pets free in carriers; larger dogs €2-4 with muzzle/leash requirement. Avoid peak commute times.
- Taxis: Ask driver before entering with pets; most accept with advance notice. Uber rides may require pet-friendly vehicle selection.
- Rental Cars: Many agencies allow pets with advance notice and cleaning fee (€30-80). Consider SUVs for larger dogs and road trips.
- Flights to France: Check airline pet policies; Air France and Lufthansa allow cabin pets under 8kg. Book early and review specific carrier requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: Air France, KLM, and Lufthansa accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for €50-100 each way. Larger dogs travel in hold with veterinary health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour emergency clinics in Paris (Clinique Vétérinaire des Cordeliers) and Nice provide urgent care.
Keep EHIC/travel insurance covering pet emergencies; vet costs range €50-200 for consultations.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Maxi Zoo and Animalis chains across France stock food, medicine, and pet accessories.
French pharmacies carry basic pet medications; bring prescriptions for specialized drugs.
Grooming & Day Care
Major cities offer pet grooming salons and daycare for €20-50 per session or day.
Book ahead in tourist areas during peak seasons; many hotels recommend local services.
Pet-Sitting Services
Rover and local services operate in France for pet-sitting during day trips or overnight stays.
Hotels may also offer pet-sitting; ask concierge for trusted local services.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in urban areas, public parks, and protected nature zones. Rural trails may allow off-leash if under voice control away from wildlife.
- Muzzle Requirements: Required for Category 2 breeds and large dogs on public transport. Carry a muzzle even if not always enforced.
- Waste Disposal: Poop bags and disposal bins are ubiquitous; failure to clean up results in fines (€68-150). Always carry waste bags on walks.
- Beach & Water Rules: Check beach signage for dog-allowed sections; some ban pets during peak summer hours (10am-7pm). Respect swimmers' space.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets welcome at outdoor tables; ask before bringing indoors. Dogs should remain quiet and seated on floor, not chairs or tables.
- National Parks: Some trails restrict dogs during bird nesting season (April-July). Always leash pets near wildlife and stay on marked paths.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly France
France for Families
France is a family haven with safe cities, interactive museums, coastal adventures, and welcoming culture. From iconic landmarks to playgrounds, kids are engaged and parents relaxed. Public facilities cater to families with stroller access, changing rooms, and children's menus everywhere.
Top Family Attractions
Disneyland Paris
Magical theme park with rides, characters, and shows for all ages just outside Paris.
Tickets €60-100 adults, €55-90 kids; open year-round with seasonal events and parades.
Jardin d'Acclimatation (Paris)
Historic park with zoo, rides, and playgrounds in the Bois de Boulogne.
Tickets €5 adults, free for kids under 3; combine with picnics for full-day family outing.
Château de Versailles
Opulent palace with gardens, fountains, and bike rentals kids love.
Family tickets available; audio tours and outdoor spaces make it engaging for children.
Cité des Sciences (Paris)
Interactive science museum with planetarium, submarine, and hands-on exhibits.
Perfect for rainy days; tickets €12 adults, €9 kids with multilingual exhibits.
Futuroscope (Poitiers)
High-tech theme park with 3D rides, IMAX, and futuristic attractions.
Tickets €45 adults, €36 kids; immersive experiences near Loire Valley with gardens.
Alpine Adventure Parks (French Alps)
Summer luge runs, via ferrata, and zip lines across the Alps.
Family-friendly activities with safety gear provided; suitable for kids 4+.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across France on Viator. From Eiffel Tower climbs to Loire Valley bike tours, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate experiences with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Hotels (Paris & Nice): Hotels like Novotel and Best Western offer family rooms (2 adults + 2 kids) for €120-200/night. Amenities include cribs, high chairs, and kids' play areas.
- Coastal Family Resorts (Côte d'Azur): All-inclusive beach resorts with childcare, kids' clubs, and family suites. Properties like Club Med cater exclusively to families with entertainment programs.
- Farm Holidays (Gîtes): Rural gîtes across Provence and Normandy welcome families with animal interactions, fresh produce, and outdoor play. Prices €80-150/night with breakfast included.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering rentals ideal for families with kitchens and washing machines. Space for kids to play and flexibility for meal times.
- Youth Hostels: Budget-friendly family rooms in hostels like those in Paris and Lyon for €70-120/night. Simple but clean with kitchen access.
- Château Hotels: Stay in converted châteaux like Château de Bagnols for fairytale family experience. Kids love historic architecture and surrounding gardens.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Paris with Kids
Eiffel Tower picnics, Cité des Enfants museum, boat rides on the Seine, and Luxembourg Gardens playgrounds.
Carousel rides and ice cream at traditional parlors make Paris magical for children.
Lyon with Kids
Mini World Lyon model city, Parc de la Tête d'Or zoo, old town puppet shows, and Rhône River cruises.
Child-friendly festivals and traboules (secret passages) keep families entertained.
Chamonix with Kids
Alpine zoo, cable car to Aiguille du Midi, mer de glace glacier train, and summer sledding.
Mont Blanc views and mountain playgrounds with alpine wildlife and family picnics.
Provence Region
Avignon puppet festival, Calanques National Park hikes, lavender fields, and village markets.
Boat rides and easy trails suitable for young children with scenic picnic spots.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Trains: Children under 4 travel free; ages 4-11 get 50-75% discount with parent. Family compartments available on SNCF TGV trains with space for strollers.
- City Transport: Paris and Lyon offer family day passes (2 adults + kids) for €15-20. Metro and trams are stroller-accessible.
- Car Rentals: Book child seats (€5-10/day) in advance; required by law for kids under 10 or 135cm. SUVs offer space for family gear.
- Stroller-Friendly: French cities are highly stroller-accessible with ramps, elevators, and smooth pavements. Most attractions provide stroller parking.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Nearly all restaurants offer menus enfants with pasta, steak frites, or crepes for €6-12. High chairs and coloring books commonly provided.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Brasseries welcome families with outdoor seating and casual atmosphere. Paris's markets have diverse food stalls.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Carrefour and Monoprix stock baby food, diapers, and organic options. Markets offer fresh produce for apartment cooking.
- Snacks & Treats: French patisseries offer macarons, pain au chocolat, and crepes; perfect for keeping kids energized between meals.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Available in shopping centers, museums, and train stations with changing tables and nursing areas.
- Pharmacies: Stock baby formula, diapers, and children's medications. Staff speak English and assist with product recommendations.
- Babysitting Services: Hotels in cities arrange English-speaking babysitters for €15-25/hour. Book through concierge or local services online.
- Medical Care: Pediatric clinics in all major cities; emergency care at hospitals with pediatric departments. EHIC covers EU citizens.
♿ Accessibility in France
Accessible Travel
France excels in accessibility with modern infrastructure, wheelchair-friendly transport, and inclusive attractions. Cities prioritize universal access, and tourism boards provide detailed accessibility information for planning barrier-free trips.
Transportation Accessibility
- Trains: SNCF TGV trains offer wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and ramps. Book assistance 24 hours ahead; staff help with boarding at all stations.
- City Transport: Paris Metro (select lines) and RER are wheelchair-accessible with elevators and low-floor buses. Audio announcements aid visually impaired travelers.
- Taxis: Accessible taxis with wheelchair ramps available in cities; book via phone or apps like G7. Standard taxis accommodate folding wheelchairs.
- Airports: Paris CDG and Nice airports provide full accessibility with assistance services, accessible toilets, and priority boarding for passengers with disabilities.
Accessible Attractions
- Museums & Palaces: Louvre and Versailles offer wheelchair access, tactile exhibits, and audio guides. Elevators and ramps throughout.
- Historic Sites: Eiffel Tower has elevator access; Provence villages largely accessible though some cobblestones may challenge wheelchairs.
- Nature & Parks: National parks provide accessible trails and viewpoints; Luxembourg Gardens in Paris fully wheelchair-friendly.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Summer (June-August) for beaches and festivals; spring (April-May) for mild weather and blooms.
Shoulder seasons (September-October) offer pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and lower prices.
Budget Tips
Family attractions often offer combo tickets; Paris Pass includes transport and museum discounts.
Picnics in parks and self-catering apartments save money while accommodating picky eaters.
Language
French is official; English widely spoken in tourist areas and with younger generations.
Learn basic phrases; French people appreciate effort and are patient with children and visitors.
Packing Essentials
Layers for variable weather, comfortable shoes for walking, and sun protection in summer.
Pet owners: bring favorite food (in case unavailable), leash, muzzle, waste bags, and vet records.
Useful Apps
SNCF app for trains, Google Maps for navigation, and Rover for pet care services.
Citymapper and RATP apps provide real-time public transport updates.
Health & Safety
France is very safe; tap water drinkable everywhere. Pharmacies provide medical advice.
Emergency: dial 112 for police, fire, or medical. EHIC covers EU citizens for healthcare.