Travelling to France with a Dog: Complete Guide 2026
France is one of Europe’s most dog-friendly countries. From the wild coastlines of Brittany to the lavender fields of Provence and the beaches of Corsica, France offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes and experiences that you can share with your dog.
Entry requirements for France with a dog
France is part of the European Union. For EU residents travelling with a dog, the requirements are straightforward. For non-EU residents, particularly UK residents after Brexit, additional documentation is required.
EU pet passport
The EU pet passport is the standard document for travelling with a dog within Europe. It contains your dog’s microchip number, vaccination records and owner information. Your vet issues it. Without it, entry to France can be refused at the border.
ISO microchip (11784/11785)
Your dog must be microchipped with an ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip. The microchip must be implanted before or on the same day as the rabies vaccination.
Valid rabies vaccination
The rabies vaccination must be valid and administered at least 21 days before entering France for a first vaccination. Booster vaccinations are valid immediately.
| Document | EU residents | UK residents |
|---|---|---|
| EU pet passport | Required | Pre-Brexit passports accepted if issued before 1 Jan 2021 |
| Animal Health Certificate | Not required | Required (issued within 10 days of travel) |
| ISO microchip 11784/11785 | Required | Required |
| Rabies vaccination | Valid, 21 days min for first vacc | Valid, 21 days min for first vacc |
Best regions for a holiday with your dog in France
France’s diversity is its greatest asset for dog owners. The country offers everything from Atlantic beaches to Mediterranean coastlines, mountain trails and medieval villages. Our road trip guide covers all of them in detail.
Brittany
Wild coastlines and beaches
- 2,000 km of coastal paths (GR34), accessible to dogs on a lead throughout
- Dog-friendly beaches out of season – if a beach is closed to dogs, our guide on what to do when dogs are banned from the beach always has an alternative nearby
- Medieval villages, harbours and dog-friendly terraces
- Dog-friendly ferries to Belle-Ile-en-Mer and other islands – see our ferry guide for dogs
Provence and Cote d’Azur
Lavender fields and Mediterranean coast
- Gorges du Verdon: 14km trail accessible to dogs on a lead
- Plage du Merou at Hyeres: official cani-beach, open year-round
- Watch out for summer heat – our guide on heatstroke in dogs and dogs in hot cars is essential reading
Corsica
Wild beaches and mountain landscapes
- Palombaggia and Santa Giulia: dogs on a lead year-round
- Eastern coastline: 100km of accessible beaches
- Ferry from Nice, Toulon or Marseille: 17 EUR per dog – full details in our ferry guide for dogs in France
- Rabies vaccination must be valid at least 21 days before travel
The Alps
Mountain trails and exceptional landscapes
- Hundreds of marked trails accessible to dogs on a lead
- Chamonix, Annecy and the Vercors massif
- Mountain lakes and exceptional panoramas – watch for ticks in long grass and wooded areas
Dog-friendly beaches in France
France has over 3,000 kilometres of coastline and hundreds of beaches. The rules on dogs vary significantly from one municipality to the next. Most beaches restrict dogs during the day in summer (June to September) but allow them before 9am or 10am and after 6pm or 7pm. If you arrive and dogs are banned, our guide on what to do when a beach is closed to dogs will help you find an alternative. Fines for non-compliance typically range from 35 to 150 EUR. Always follow safe swimming rules for your dog once on the beach.
Interactive map of dog-friendly beaches in France
Getting to and around France with a dog
France is well connected by road, rail, sea and air. For sea crossings, our dedicated ferry guide for dogs covers all French routes in detail.
By car
Dogs must be restrained or confined during the journey under French Highway Code article R412-6: approved harness, transport crate or boot separation net. Fine of 135 EUR for non-compliance. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car in summer – see our guide on dogs in hot cars.
By train (SNCF)
SNCF accepts dogs on all trains since January 2026. The fare is 10 EUR per dog per journey regardless of size. Small dogs under 6kg travel in a carrier. Large dogs travel on a lead with a muzzle. Book in advance on sncf-connect.com.
By ferry to Corsica
Corsica Ferries charges 17 EUR per dog per journey from Nice, Toulon or Marseille. Full details in our ferry guide for dogs in France.
By ferry from the UK
Brittany Ferries accepts dogs on most routes between the UK and France. UK residents need the Animal Health Certificate before boarding. Full conditions in our ferry guide.
By plane
Air France accepts small dogs under 8kg including carrier in cabin for 70 EUR (domestic) or 125 EUR (European flights). Large dogs travel in the hold. EasyJet and Ryanair do not accept pets on board.
Dog-friendly accommodation in France
France has an extensive offer of dog-friendly accommodation, from traditional gites and holiday cottages to hotels and campsites. Our dedicated guide on finding dog-friendly holiday rentals in France covers everything you need to verify before booking. If your dog cannot join you for part of the trip, our guide on dog boarding options during the holidays has all the alternatives.
Find dog-friendly accommodation in France
Rules and practical tips
Lead requirements: dogs must be kept on a lead in all public spaces unless in a designated off-lead area. This applies to parks, streets, beaches and public transport.
Restaurants and terraces: no law obliges restaurants to accept dogs, but in practice most outdoor terraces outside city centres are accommodating. Our guide on dogs in restaurants and terraces in France explains your rights. Guide dogs and assistance dogs have a legal right of access to all public establishments under the law of 30 July 1987.
Summer heat: temperatures in the south of France regularly exceed 35 degrees C in July and August. Plan walks before 10am and after 6pm. Never leave your dog alone in a parked car – it is a criminal offence in France under article 521-1 of the Penal Code. Read our full guide on heatstroke in dogs at the beach.
Swimming safety: before letting your dog swim in the sea or a river, read our guide on safe swimming with your dog and our guide on the dangers of saltwater for dogs. Not all dogs are natural swimmers, and near-drowning in dogs can have delayed symptoms up to 24 hours later.
Ticks and parasites: ticks are active from March to November across France. Our full guide on ticks in dogs during the summer covers prevention and removal. Consult your vet about appropriate parasite protection before travelling.
Also read
Interactive map of dog-friendly beaches in France
All dog-friendly beach guides
Complete dog travel checklist
Road trip with your dog in France
Ferry rules for dogs in France
FAQ: Travelling to France with a dog
Do I need a pet passport to travel to France with my dog?
How much does it cost to take a dog on SNCF trains in France?
Are dogs allowed on beaches in France?
How do I get to Corsica with my dog?
Can I take my dog to France by plane?
Are dogs allowed in French restaurants?
What are the best dog-friendly regions in France?
What health precautions should I take before travelling to France with my dog?
France rewards the dog owner who plans ahead. The entry requirements are straightforward, the infrastructure is increasingly adapted, and the landscapes are exceptional. From the beaches of Brittany to the mountains of Corsica, there is a version of France for every dog and every owner.
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