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Something that really sells France as the ultimate doggy destination is its coastline, which is a true haven for all canines. The hundreds of miles of beaches provide plenty of opportunity for sandy paws and soggy coats – utter bliss!
Much like the UK, though, not every beach is dog-friendly and those that are, are often seasonal. But with over 250 dog friendly beaches in France, you’ll still be spoilt for choice. Whether you’re looking for a dog-friendly beach for your destination, or just a few ideal stop-off points along the way, there will be a beach perfect for playtime for your pooch.
Remember, the best times to take your dog to the beach are at low tide and when beaches are at their quietest, before breakfast or in the evening.
Dog-friendly France
France has one of the highest ratios of dogs to people in the world, with around 17 dogs to every 100 people. The dog population is estimated to be around 10 million and a study even showed that 40% of French dog owners regarded their pets as the most important thing in their lives. Almost every town boasts at least one ‘poodle-parlour’ (salon de toilettage), which is ideal if your dog needs a spruce up and you feel like taking a break from driving for a while.
With widespread adoration of dogs across France, it comes as no surprise that there are plenty of dog-friendly hotels, resorts, bars and restaurants too. But be sure to keep an eye out when booking your accommodation to ensure your dog is welcome.
Watch as your pooches explore the hidden dunes and salty waters
The best beaches for dogs in France
Here are a few of the best dog-friendly beaches in Calais, Normandy and Brittany. They range from bustling seaside resorts to wild dunes and secluded coves, and history may even have left its footprints in the sand of some. If you’re going further afield with your fluffy friend in France check whether beaches are dog-friendly before you go.
Dog-friendly beaches near Calais
Berck-sur-Mer
Popular with families and especially during the warmer months, at this beach dogs must be walked on a lead while near any of the designated swimming areas. It’s just under an hour’s drive from Calais, so minimal stops if you’re excited to get to the beach! Every April, the skies of Berck-sur-Mer are filled with colour as the town celebrates its International Kite Festival – well worth a visit.
Le Touquet-Paris-Plage
A 55-minute drive from Calais will get you to this small seaside town with its wide beach. You can take your dog onto the sand and into the water on a lead, as well as enjoy the promenade and dune walks available. Discover more about visiting Le Touquet-Paris-Plage with our handy guide.
Escalles Beach
A pebble’s throw from Calais is the small village of Escalles. Surrounded by green rolling hills and cliffs, Escalles boasts a wonderfully large beach, which is perfect for running around with the family dog. The sand here is flat and there's plenty of space to get active. There’s also an old windmill and a WWI monument nearby, but remember that dogs need to be kept on a leash at all times.
A trip to the beach is a treat for any dog who enjoys the sunshine after a quick dip!
Veulettes-sur-Mer
Just under 3 hours from Calais, one of the largest pebble beaches of the Caux Plateau offers plenty of space for you and your dog to enjoy. It’s lined with cafes and restaurants, some of which also allow dogs to sit outside with you while you dine (but please check ahead). Dogs can go on the beach on a lead anywhere except near swimming areas.
Plage Dune d’Aval
Wissant is a small town just 25 minutes’ drive away from Calais with three beaches. The one worth sniffing out is Plage Dune d’Aval, as the local government in Wissant permits dogs all year round. Find out more about this quaint dog-friendly town.
The best beaches in Normandy to take your dog
Le Tilleul
A 2 hour 45 minute drive from Calais in the Seine-Maritime department, Le Tilleul is home to a large stretch of coast. Plage d’Antifer is the go-to beach and is regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Haute-Normandy region. No doubt your dog will enjoy the scenery as much as you, but please remember that dogs must be kept on a leash on this beach.
Vierville-sur-mer
Omaha beach is one of the most dog-friendly of all the Normandy D-Day beaches
Vierville-sur-mer is a village located just 20 miles from Bayeux in the Calvados department, 3 hours and 45 minutes drive from Calais. It is where you will find the dog-friendly Omaha Beach, a stunning 2.5km stretch of white sand supervised during the summer months. Walk to the east of the beach to find monuments commemorating the Allied landing on June 6th 1944.
Coutances
There are several beaches near the small town of Coutances in the Manche department of Normandy, a drive of just under five hours from Calais. These beaches are largely unspoilt spots, with the main beach at Gouville sur Mer the most dog-friendly. Fishermen are often to be found here, fishing from the shore. Dogs on a leash are allowed, and the beach is supervised in July and August.
Terroir de Caux
Terroir de Caux is one of the most dog-friendly regions in Normandy. It is only two and a quarter hours drive from Calais, and has some stunning beaches close by. Among the best is the central beach at Quiberville-sur-Mer, towered over by the breathtaking cliffs of the Alabaster Coast. Dogs are permitted on the sand and pebbles. The beach gets busy in the summer months, with a water sports centre, promenade and children’s playground, so it’s best to keep them on the leash.
Sun, sea, sand, and dog hair of course!
Dog-friendly beaches in Brittany
Santec
All beaches within the Santec region of Brittany are now dog-friendly, so a trip to any of the many beautiful beaches there is a great idea. It’s generally best to pick quieter stretches of coast, and Plouharnel, in the south of Brittany (around 7 hours drive from Calais), is a safe bet.
Laber beach in Roscoff
The crystal-clear blue waters and golden sands of Laber beach in the Finistère seaside town of Roscoff is a great place for a walk with your dog all year round. You will need to keep your dog leashed, but the bays and cove remain relatively quiet even in high season.
Your furry friend will have fun on the beaches of Finistère
Théven Braz Cove
A little further to the west in Finistère can be found the secluded and almost hidden cove of Théven Braz. It takes some getting to but is more than worth the effort. Park up in the hamlet of Kerfiat near the village of Cléder and look for a concealed passageway down to the sea. The cove itself is a sandy and pebble beach which dogs will love.
Hirel Beach
If you are visiting the fairytale castle island of Mont Saint-Michel, make sure you don’t miss a wander with your dog to the quiet beach of Hirel, just along the coast. On the wide sandy expanses you can let your dog off the leash and dip your feet at low tide; just watch out for the sand yachts that race along this beach!
Pet-friendly travel with LeShuttle
Bringing your dog with you on your adventure across France is a dream for those whose canines are part of the family. With LeShuttle, your pets are not only welcome, but can have a pampered and positively paw-some time travelling with us! You can all stay together for the 35-minute crossing from Folkestone to Calais, and we even have dedicated doggy exercise areas and a pet reception!
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