It’s so easy to take your dog to France by ferry that there’s no need to leave your fluffiest family member at home when you head off on holiday. Here, we share some of the best dog beaches in France so that you can all enjoy the sun, sea, and sand during your trip.
Dog Beaches near Calais: Aval beach
At low tide, Aval beach in Wissant offers loads of space to walk with your dog. The perfect place to head to due to being just half an hour from the port in Calais by car, Aval beach is ideal for dogs who need to stretch their legs either before or after their ferry to France. For those who want to do some landmark spotting, this beach offers great views of the Cap Gris Nez, which is the closest part of France to England. In fact, it’s only 34km from Dover, so you’re much closer to the UK than you might think when you take a walk here. Aval beach tends to get windy which makes it unsuitable for swimming, so it’s important to keep an eye on your pooch at all times during your time here.
Dog beaches in Le Touquet: Plages des Dunes
Located just an hour from Calais by car, Le Touquet is a popular destination for those who don’t want to travel too far from the port. With a photogenic lighthouse, picturesque market street, and lively nightlife to discover, you’ll also be pleased to know that Le Touquet is home to a dog friendly beach or two. One of which is Plage des Dunes, a wild beach with a striking dune area where your furry friend can run free. There are a number of convenient car parks within walking distance, and as long as your dog is under supervision, they can roam wherever they like.
Dog beaches in Nice: Site de la Lanterne
As the only dog friendly beach in Nice, Site de la Lanterne is an absolute must-visit during your pet holiday in the south of France. It may be the smallest of the city’s beaches, but it offers your pup the opportunity to run around and enjoy some time on the sand and in the sea, without you having to worry about them getting into mischief. The Site de la Lanterne cannot be seen from Nice’s famous Promenade des Anglais, but you can find it just below the pétanque court, where you can often spot people playing this popular French game. There’s plenty of parking nearby too, making this a convenient place to stop off and stretch your legs if you’re just driving through.
Dog beaches in the Vendée: La Davière Beach
It’s difficult to find a dog friendly beach in the Vendée, despite the fact the department is known for its stunning stretches of sand. However, head to the seaside resort town of Saint-Jean-de-Monts and you’ll be greeted with beaches that welcome dogs on leads. For example, La Davière Beach offers something for everyone, as you can walk your dog through the dunes, watch people kite surfing, and have something to eat at one of the picnic benches. This is also a great beach for a swim (if there’s someone with you who can take your pooch’s lead), and you’ll be pleased to find lots of free parking in the vicinity. Away from the beach, you can walk your dog through the town’s forest, which covers an impressive 25km and boasts both pine and oak trees.
Dog beaches in Normandy: Cricquebœuf beach
When you visit the Normandy region of France you’ll find a number of dog friendly beaches, but many can only be visited in the early morning and evening. If you fancy a stroll with your four-legged friend during the day, pay a visit to Cricquebœuf beach. Dogs on a lead are allowed here throughout the year, and it never gets too busy which is ideal if you’re looking for a relaxing walk. In fact, it’s a beach that the locals choose to visit rather than tourists most of the time. During high tide the beach is almost non-existent, but at low tide it is made up of pebbles, and sometimes a sandy stretch too. Cricquebœuf is just 15 minutes from the picturesque city of Honfleur, and offers its guests a peaceful place to relax and unwind away from Normandy’s busier tourist spots, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area.
Now that you know where to find the best dog beaches in France, book your Dover to Calais ferry crossing and start planning a trip that the whole family can enjoy.
