Travelling to Paris with your furry friends isn’t just about walking in a park, but a tail wagging adventure waiting to happen! Strolling down the charming streets of City of Light, with your dogs leading the way, sniffing out the freshly baked croissants and baguettes like seasoned food critics. From posing for paw-some photos in front of the Eiffel Tower or Louvre Museum, Paris offers a delightful experience for both you and your four legged friend. City of love, city of future Olympic Games, city of doggos.
We have visited Paris a few times before so we were not interested in going to museums or galleries as such but more indulging in some dog friendly cafes and local food. All cafes with sidewalk seating almost always allow dogs so you don’t have to ask if you can sit outside. Exploring Paris with your dog is easy thanks to the dog friendly metro that connects the city’s major sights and stations, from Champs Elysees to Montemarte. Dogs of any sizes may ride for free on any of RER trains but larger dogs require to wear muzzle and leash and in some cases, very large dogs, their own tickets. More info available on PARIS METRO.
TOP THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR DOG
While most restaurants will allow dogs on their premises, ironically, most dogs are forbidden from the majority of city parks and green spaces. Boo – we are hoping this will change in the near future.
PARKS
- Du Palais Royal – full of people walking their dogs, while they cannot go off leash, your dog has a perfect opportunity to sniff.
- Jardin du Luxemburg – pups paradise, with a fence of area for off leash play.
- Canal Saint-Martin – scenic walk along this canal, lined with trendy cafes and street art, providing plenty of opportunities for you and your dog to soak up some Parisian atmosphere.
- Montemarte – our favourite district, wander through cobblestone street, stopping at dog friendly cafes and enjoying the panoramic views from the top of the hill.
- Bois de Boulogne/ Bois de Vincennes – Paris largest public park welcomes dogs with open arms; lakes, wooded areas and walking trails. Perfect spot for a day of outdoor fun.
- Eiffel Tower (not allowed on the premises of ET grounds but you can walk with the dogs around and watch the lights to be switched on at 9pm).
- Arc De Triomphe
- Galleries Lafayette – you can explore the shopping centre together
- The Basilica of Sacre – Coeur – perfect for the views of the city
- Place de la Concorde towards Champ-Elysees
- Notre Dame and along the river Seine.
FOOD
- Le Pain Retrouve – 18 R. des Martyrs, 75009 Paris
- Mamiche
- Babka ZANA – chocolate or cinnamon, one big one to share or not.
- The French Bastards – any one keen for cinnamon stroll? visit one of their bakery shops at 35 Pl. Saint-Ferdinand, 75017 Paris
- For fans of Emily in Paris visit – La Boulangerie Moderne Rabineau – close to Pantheon – 16 Rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, 75005 Paris
- Cafe Marlette – good dog friendly brunch bunch
- Seven Heaven – brunch and dogs near Square Louis Majorelle (small dog friendly park) – 17 Rue de la Forge Royale, 75011 Paris
While you can’t take your dogs here to dinner – to experience the French madness of dining, be aware it’s not for everyone – but you must try! Bouillon-Chartier and Relais Entrecote.
There is Paris dog cemetery (Le Cimetière des Chiens) you can visit with your pet, located in the neighbourhood of Asnières-sur-Seine. Small fees to owners, dogs go free.
You can also do a nice boatride with your pet on Batobus. A day pass allows you unlimited hop-on hop-off access. Your dog can go either in a carrier bag or muzzled and on a leash. Hop on Hop off Boat tour – get your tickets on – Batobus
Our pups were exhausted at the end of the day and lucky to be in their bed. When travelling, do allow your dogs to take rests as much as possible. While it is all fun for you, it might not be all fun for them.
