Going on vacation with your dog can quickly become a headache. Between accommodations where they are not always accepted and activities to adapt to your four-legged companion, research and organization are a must. But going on vacation with your dog is a great idea! Over the years, we've made some great discoveries about places to go on vacation with our dog. We'll start with France, before extending our destinations to Europe. Shall we show you?
1. Where to go on vacation with your dog? The Massif du Sancy
Hiking in the heart of nature, swimming in rivers, dog-friendly restaurants... We had a wonderful time in the Massif du Sancy with our dog! We found numerous marked trails between lakes, waterfalls and pastures: a real treat for him and for us! Thanks to the "Toutou Sancy" label, we even easily found dog-friendly accommodation, as well as a restaurant where he was welcomed with a bowl of water. Here, everything is designed to travel with your dog... and that changes everything!
Good to know: the Massif du Sancy is one of the destinations with the Qualidog label. A good point of reference when you're looking for a place to go on vacation with your dog!
2. Brittany, the ideal place to travel with your dog
Our adorable Australian Shepherd loves to get out, walk and run. And just as well, there are plenty of walking trails in Brittany! It's an ideal place to go on vacation with your pet, and some places in particular lend themselves well to it, including these four places we love:
- The Crozon peninsula: I go there almost every year with my dog! From the Pointe de Dinan to Cap de la Chèvre, the trails are beautiful and not very busy, even in summer.
- The Quiberon peninsula and the ria d'Étel: between walking trails and canoeing, it's a great place to have a good time with your dog.
- Cancale and surrounding area : Saint-Malo is not ideal for a dog. However, we do recommend the Pointe du Groin, Dinan and Fort Lalatte.
- Brocéliande forest: our dog's favorite playground! Between all kinds of smells, wild nature and legends, humans and dogs find their own way in this renowned forest.
In short, Brittany is a happy place for everyone.
3. Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses with your dog
We have three favorite spots in the Parc Naturel Régional des Grands Causses to go on vacation with your dog:
- The Millau Viaduct: we hiked up to the Peyre belvedere, accessible via a quiet path.
- The Pas de Soucy hike: a leisurely stroll in the Gorges du Tarn, accessible with a leashed dog.
- La Cité de pierres at Montpellier-le-Vieux: We love this natural labyrinth of rocks sculpted by time. The yellow trail is perfect with a dog: not too long, shady and full of discoveries.
We can't wait to return to Aveyron to continue discovering incredible places with our dog!
4. Where to go on vacation with your dog? The Dordogne Valley
The Dordogne Valley is one of our favorite destinations with our dog! River walks, hilltop villages like Collonges-la-Rouge or Carennac, swimming in the Dordogne (his favorite activity!)... it's all here. A nice surprise: several natural beaches are dog-friendly, and we even went canoeing together! Generally speaking, the welcome was top-notch: accommodation, restaurants, markets... our dog was well received everywhere. In short, we found a warm and authentic region, where humans and animals alike will be delighted to return.
The article to read: How to organize a vacation with your pet
5. Haut-Bugey, a natural destination for traveling with your dog
We didn't know the Haut-Bugey before we set foot here... and what a pleasant surprise! A calm, natural destination, full of lakes, forests and delicious local produce. Everything we love! Our fondest memories include the hike around Lac Genin, a real gem nicknamed the "Little Canada of Haut-Bugey". The Retord plateau is also well worth a visit. Here's a beautiful, discreet destination, with plenty of dog-friendly addresses, that deserves to be discovered for a 100% nature vacation with your dog!
6. Discover the Cévennes with your dog on vacation
Living in the Gard region of France, we know all about the Cévennes! Did you know that it's one of the few national parks where dogs are allowed (on a leash)? Our daily lives take us through forests, causses, rivers and even transhumance trails that we can travel together! Mont Lozère remains one of our favorites. You'll find wide open spaces, incredible panoramas and hardly anyone on the trails. Our dog's favorite? Swimming in the Tarn or Gardon rivers!
Good to know! in summer, these rivers can carry cyanobacteria, which are dangerous for dogs. So prefer the Galeizon, north of Alès, 100% fresh and clear.
7. The Pyrenees, a playground for dogs
We used to live in the Pyrenees, and it's a region we love coming back to with our dog. Between peaks and high-altitude lakes, the possibilities for walks are endless! Among our favorites:
- The Marcadau valley: wild and magnificent, perfect for a day hike.
- Lac d'Ayous : a breathtaking view of the Pic du Midi d'Ossau, accessible from the Col du Pourtalet.
- Payolle : accessible mountains, lake, forests: the best in the Hautes-Pyrénées!
- The GR10: to be hiked in sections, according to your level and that of your dog.
But be sure to plan ahead! Not all mountain ranges are accessible to dogs, particularly where patous or nature reserves are concerned.
8. Where to go on vacation with your dog? The island of Santorini
We didn't know Santorini before our first visit... and what a revelation it was! A bright, volcanic jewel with a unique, dog-friendly atmosphere. Several natural beaches, far from the crowds, make for great leashed walks along the water's edge. In the evenings, we loved strolling around Fira or Oia, Santorini's must-sees: some terraces are dog-friendly and it's easy to find pet-friendly accommodation, especially in Perissa or Kamari.
The article to read: What to do and see in Santorini in 3 or 4 days? Itinerary tips for 2025
9. Amsterdam, a dog-friendly city!
It's a well-known fact that Amsterdam is dog-friendly! You can stroll around (on a leash) in large parks such as Vondelpark and Westerpark. Our dog was even allowed to run free in certain areas. Walks along the canals are also very pleasant, as are boat cruises, which accept dogs on a leash. We were also able to take the ferry with our pooch to visit the charming and welcoming villages of Marken and Volendam. Cafés, transport, accommodation... quite simply, everything is easy to live with a dog!
Petit Futé Tip: to make sure you travel without headaches, remember to have your pet's veterinarian validate a European passport.
10. Vacation hiking in Switzerland with your dog
Hiking in Switzerland with your dog is the perfect way to enjoy breathtaking scenery. In fact, some hikes have become classics for us, such as creux-du-Van and its vertiginous rock cirque, easily accessible. We also have fond memories of the Dent de Jaman, with its incredible panorama of Lake Geneva (after a strenuous climb, it's true). You can also opt for Lac de Taney, for a cool break in the middle of the forest.
Good to know: be sure to check wildlife protection zones: some require you to keep a leash all year round.
And that's it! All you have to do is pack your things, and those of your pooch, and off you go! We also invite you to take a look at our tips for travelling with your pet without the headache. Find out about dog-friendly accommodation and places to stay, to avoid unpleasant surprises on arrival. Finally, adapt the pace of your vacation to that of your dog: rest, walks and moments of complicity will be the key to a successful holiday for both of you!
