Dog Friendly French suggestions please
Hi all, I am thinking of taking my caravan to France next August (we have to go at that time due to work commitments). I like to plan well ahead so am already looking at destinations and sites! Any suggestions with the following criteria would be much appreciated:
- Dog Friendly - this is top priority as we have never taken our dog abroad before and want her to be happy.
- There are no children in our party so we don't need kids activities etc.
- Preferably access to river/stream/lake for the dog in car it is too hot for her
- Close to a village/town with eating places (hoping some will be dog friendly)
- Good size pitches with shade available
- Good, clean facilities with hook ups, toilets and showers.
- Countryside walks/hikes nearby.
- We are looking at the area around Bergerac, Dordogne,La Rochelle.
I hope I am not searching for the impossible - all input appreciated.
Comments
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Eight items on the wish list and three of the top four relate to the dog. Really you should choose where you would like to go and the dog will just have to put up with it. After all you are the ones paying
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Couple of things you might have to watch for. Often beaches that allow dogs out of high season have a ban in place for July/August. Likewise some sites may also ban dogs during the high season so always best to double check. As a general rule you won't find the majority of French campsites much different in their attutude to dogs as campsites at home. Following on from what ET said above I think you will find the process easier if you select the campsite you want and then check its suitability from a dog point of view. Don't forget you will need to arrange a visit to the vet on the return journey. It might be an idea to have a chat with the Club Overseas Department to see if any of the sites they have in their booking service are considered more dog friendly than others.
David
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Following on from what ET said above I think you will find the process easier if you select the campsite you want and then check its suitability from a dog point of view.
We don't have a dog, but friends of ours have and they go to France. They found, a couple of years ago, that some sites don't allow dogs in July and August at all. They were travelling May/June, but double-checked with the site just in case.
So perhaps worth checking that, as you will be going in August. I don't know how widespread this is, but it was something they told us at the time.
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August in S France can get VERY hot. Your dog might not be happy if they're not acclimatised to the heat.
IMO France is more dog friendly than the UK. For example, far more eateries allow you to take your dog in with you.
As others have said, however, many beaches ban dogs in August (same as the UK). Lakes are a better bet - but at that time of year are likely to be heavily populated with kids :-)
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Hello Neat5, we have been taking our dog to France for the last two years, next weekend we go with our Two dogs the first time for our one year old. Are you members of the ACSI Club, and also when booking the Ferry Crossing you can obtain Camping Cheques saving you money.
As for your dog you need to have him Microchipped, all his Vaccinations need to be up to date you also need proof of this. He needs his rabies jab at least 6 weeks before you travel. Then the vet can sort out his pet passport which you will probably have to call back for. He is then ok to travel. You can take a worming tablet and i have a tick remover just in case .
Within 5 days of departure to the UK you need to take your dog to a vet to have him wormed , i take my own tablet with me . The prices vary from vet to vet i have been charged 40 euro for one dog. They check the dog over and give them the tablet..As for sites depending what time in August you go yes most Beaches do not allow dogs, but some allow them on at certain times. Most sites allow 1 dog some take more . I do think French Sites are happy to have your Dog but like in the Uk they must be on a lead . We have the spiral that we put in the ground . Most restaurants have dogs sit outside with their owners . You will find some places have dogs bowls outside with water for the dogs.
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