Stena Line guide to dog friendly France

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Your four-legged friend, furry baby or pampered pooch is an integral part of your family. They offer the warmest of welcomes, every time they see you, help you get more exercise and have been proven to reduce stress levels. So, the last thing you want to do when going on holiday is leave them behind.

Recent research shows 45% of dog owners are influenced by their pet when choosing a holiday destination so we know you don’t want to leave Rover cooped up in kennels.

The great news is, if you travel with Stena Line to France, you don’t have to. Your dog can travel for free either in your car or in one of our designated kennels on board. But what happens when you get to France? We have discovered there are lots of options when it comes to dog friendly France:

*We would always recommend double checking your pet is welcome before booking any accommodation

1. Dog Friendly Accommodation near Cherbourg

If travelling to your destination is too much when you get to France, spend a night near the port. There are pet friendly options to suit no matter what you are looking for:
Apart City Cherbourg Centre Port: stretch out with your dog in a studio or two roomed apartment, depending on what suits you with cooking facilities for a home cooked meal while you are there.

IBIS Budget: if you want to travel a little further from the port then you can’t go wrong with the IBIS Budget, clean and comfortable, it is the perfect place to stay if you are hitting the road the next day and only want a bed for the night. Once you inform the hotel when booking that you are bringing your pet (select ‘pets welcome’), your dog can stay with you in your room. Just be aware, you must keep your pet on a lead in public areas and away from anywhere serving food.

2. Dog Friendly Hotels France

Having your furry friend with you does not prevent you from staying in hotels while on holiday in France. We have found several hotels, each with their own unique charm, that are happy to welcome you, your family and four-legged friend:

Appart’hôtel Odalys Atrium à Aix en Provence: located near the centre of Aix en Provence, this hotel located in a beautiful French period building could be the perfect base for you and your dog to explore this historic city.

Chateau de Varenne: if you are looking for something more luxurious, why not stay at a Chateau? Built for nobility in the 17th century this converted Chateau maintains all of its historic charm while providing you and your pooch with a luxurious place to holiday. Owned and run by an Irish family, this enchanting hotel is in the historic town of Sauveterre between Avignon and Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

3. Dog Friendly Cottages France

There is a swathe of dog friendly cottages all over France. Some we love the look of include:

Les Fougeres: these charming stone self-catering cottages in the rolling Brittany countryside are the perfect place for you to explore the surrounding area. As well as wonderful walks on your doorstep, a stay here is only a short drive from the historic market town of Dinan. It’s a wonderful location if your pet loves the water, as the beaches of Dinard are only twenty 20 away.

Les Geais Rural: if you are looking for a more active family holiday, the region of Limousin in central France could be the place for your family. This recently restored, two bedroomed pet friendly cottage is a wonderful place to stay if you enjoy hiking, cycling and being outdoors.

4. Dog Friendly Campsites in France

If you are planning a family holiday to a French campsite with your dog, you will be happy to know that many welcome furry family members too.
Located all over France, each campsite offers a different holiday experience:

Le Ranonlien Campsite: this five star campsite by the sea in Brittany has everything you need for a wonderful family holiday, including
multiple swimming pools, an onsite spa and lots of water slides for the kids. You are sure to make memories to last a lifetime here.

Le Vieux Port Campsite: further south this vast dog friendly campsite boasts a huge range of facilities including outdoor and indoor pools, a wave machine, tennis courts, plenty of space for lovely dog walks, restaurants, wellbeing space and activities for children and adults alike. It’s the kind of place you don’t have to leave to have a wonderful holiday.

5. Taking the ferry with your dog: what you need to know

To travel with us your pet should be microchipped and have a pet passport. After that it is useful to bring the following when travelling with your pet abroad:

• Supply of any medications that your pet may need (bring a little extra in case you are unexpectedly delayed)
• Grooming products
• Food, water and treats
• Spare collar and lead
• Spare ID tag which includes address and phone number of where you will be staying

Once you have these, what are you waiting for? Book your ferry to dog friendly France with Stena Line today and only pay a deposit of €100. Stena Line, top dog for holidaymakers! Book. We look forward to welcoming you onboard.