Top 10 castles to visit with your dog
Is it possible to visit a castle with your dog? Which castles allow dogs to visit? What is the essential accessory for visiting a castle with your dog? Find the answers in this article!
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Hear! Hear! Damsels, damsels, gentle ladies or gentlemen, dog owners, history buffs! I offer you an excursion to the time of the castles where once lived kings, queens, lords, princesses, knights and vassals. Passionate about this rich historical era, I told myself that it was absolutely necessary to give you a Top 10 of the best castles to visit with your dog.
"What ? Castle visits are not accessible to dogs? Fake !! If you are a fan of historical outings mixing culture and traditions of yesteryear, know that there are many castles that accept your dog during the visit.
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the Top 10 of the best castles to visit with your dog.
Before starting, a little culture point! Did you know that the Middle Ages was a very, very long period? It extends from the end of the 1453th century AD, until XNUMX. That's what is fabulous. Thanks to this rich past, you will discover very different castles here!
The time travel to medieval times begins now!
The Château de Parentignat in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Located in the municipality of Parentignat in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, this sumptuous castle opens its doors to all types of dogs. Thus, you can just as easily take your Saint Bernard there as your Labrador or your Jack Russel. Your dog is welcome at the castle, both inside and outside. THE Parentignat Castle, also called the little Auvergne Versailles, is full of ancient wonders that I will leave it to you to discover 🙂 There is even a dog bar at the reception! Your dog will have to be kept on a leash and will also be able to explore the huge English-style park.
The particularity of the Château de Parentignat is that it houses the collection of Georges de Lastic, private collections of large-scale paintings, illustrating the talents of the great French masters of the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries.
Fort La Latte or The Castle of La Roche Goyon in Brittany
Posed with dignity on the tip of Latte, near Cap Fréhel in Brittany, The Castle of La Roche-Goyon also accommodates all dog sizes. Your Chihuahua or Great Dane will also be able to enjoy this magnificent marine setting.
If there is one historical place to visit in Brittany, it is indeed the Fort La Latte castle. Built in 1301, the richness of its past will immerse you in the Middle Ages at 100%. And what about the creeks located nearby? Their access is a little steep but you will be alone in the world. When I lived in Brittany it was one of my favorite places. After a few days of good weather, the waters are crystal clear and it's a real corner of paradise. Fort La Latte is one of the essential stages of the GR34. With my dog, we have often walked the GR34, this coastal circuit that goes around Brittany.
The Château de la Roche on the Loire river
The commune of Saint-Priest-La-Roche located in the Loire benefits from a tourist asset: its Castle of Roche. This historical monument whose first writings relating its past date from 1260, is located on a loop of the Loire.
This castle only welcomes small dogs under 10 kilos but it is a pleasant destination to discover. It elegantly overlooks the longest river in France. Escape game, theatrical visit or classic visit, there is something to delight the whole family.
The backpack: the perfect accessory for following visits with your little dog!
Some castles, such as the Château de La Roche, only allow access to small dogs. Bad luck for my labrador and me.
This is the greatest advantage of miniature size dogs: discreet, they do not take up space, and as we can carry them in our arms, they are more easily accepted everywhere.
In some tourist places, it is considered that your dog can enter if he does not put a paw on the ground or his nose on anything. Basically, it is considered that he can enter if he does not "do his dog" and remains quietly in your backpack or in your arms like an object. We will say that it is already better than nothing and that it makes at least the happiness of all the owners of small dogs! You have the right to a bit of culture as a family…
You have a small dog and you want to equip yourself with a backpack for your future visits with your dog for the next vacation? Here is the Top 3 best backpacks for dogs to transport your companion selected by our Wouafer's:
William Backpack: This is one of the Wouafer's most popular backpacks. It is extremely comfortable and can carry small dogs or possibly puppies. The little extra: its ergonomics and its sober design.
Timon backpack : In nylon and very resistant, this bag will be ideal for transporting your little companion during cultural visits. The little +: its significant value for money and its possibility of carrying it only on the handle.
Connor Backpack: Another ideal bag that can carry small dogs up to 6 kilos. The front closure will allow your little dog to put his head out and discover the world without making the slightest effort. The little +: its great price and its small pocket on the front which allows you to put your papers.
Why opt for a backpack to transport your dog? To free up your arms and be able to use them for something other than carrying your dog, for puppies who cannot walk for very long, for senior dogs who can also quickly show signs of fatigue... You can use your backpack backpack for your next hikes, visiting a city, on public transport or to share a bike ride with your dog. You don't know how to choose your dog backpack? Discover our comparison of dog backpacks and discover all our tips and tricks to equip yourself correctly.
Are you equipped? Let's continue with our top 10 castles to visit with your dog!
Guédelon Castle in Yonne
Direction the department of Yonne in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, to visit the Guedelon Castle with your dog. In these places, dogs from 10 to 30 kilos are accepted.
In the heart of a verdant forest, this castle is a medieval construction site. Since 1997, a few enthusiasts have decided to embark on the historic construction of a fortified castle using techniques and materials from the Middle Ages.
You can discover the castle and the construction trades, the village with the tilery, the stables, the animals and the forest and its mill. What to learn a lot of new things about this incredible time. Discover the Guedelon castle with your dog!
QUALIDOG certified accommodation in a castle
Does this article make you want to stay in a castle for your vacation with your dog? I have prepared a small selection of castles for you to stay in for a Wow vacation with your dog!
The Castle of Enigmas – Château d'Usson in Charente-Maritime
The castle of Usson is better known under the name of Enigma Castle. It is currently operated by a pirate-themed amusement park. A stopover in these places will not only allow you to visit a historical and cultural setting, but also a pure moment of relaxation.
Luckily, dogs are accepted on a leash. Toutou will not be able to follow you on the farm, however, so as not to frighten the other animals. Ready for the visit of the puzzle castle with your dog ?
Najac fortress in Aveyron
In the department of Aveyron stands the remains of an old royal fortress: the Najac Castle. In the company of your dog, you will have the opportunity to visit this imposing castle dating from 1260, for a guaranteed immersion in the medieval period. Your dog will love discovering the Fortress of Najac. And once the visit is over, set off to discover the riches of Aveyron. It's one of my favorite corners of France! A thousand and one ago hikes to do with dog.
The Château de Beynac in the Dordogne
In the department of Dordogne in the heart of Périgord Noir, The Fortified Castle of Beynac, a 10th century historical monument, welcomes small dogs weighing less than XNUMX kilos.
One of our Wouafer's had the opportunity to visit this castle. Accompanied by Louka his Schipperke, Thomas qualified the Château de Beynac as being “The most beautiful chateau in the Dordogne.”
So, I can only encourage you to go to these places with your little dog!
The 4 Lastours Castles in the Aude
It's not one, but four castles to visit with your dog this time around! The 4 castles of Lastours are four ruined castles, built in a distant era, above the village of Lastor, between the Orbiel and Grésillou valleys. Dogs of all sizes are welcome!
These ruined castles offer a hike of more than 2 hours. lovers of cani-rando will find their happiness there. So prepare it harness or leave alone of your dog for a guaranteed immersion in the Medieval era!
Château de la Palice in the Allier
The Palace of La Palice is located 25km from the town of Vichy, in Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. This historic site allows visits with your dog. This castle, built in the 1430th century, has been the property of the Chabannes family since XNUMX. Elegant and luxurious with its gilded ceilings, it is directly inspired by the Renaissance style.
It kinda reminds me of a haunted mansion, don't you? But precisely that is what makes it so unique! Don't miss the castle's sound and light show. Please note that your dog will not be admitted.
Castle of Talmont Saint-Hilaire in Vendée
Let me now introduce you to the last castle of this top 10! The mysterious Talmont Saint Hilaire Castle is a ruined castle that accepts dogs of all sizes.
This ruined castle is the oldest of this top 10 since it was built in 1025. Its stone walls and its enigmatic atmosphere are still a perfect combo that will immerse you in Medieval times.
It's a very lively castle: escape game, medieval festival, theatrical visit... there again, there's something for everyone.
Which castles do you want to visit with your dog? The cani-rando at the 4 castles of Lastours will probably be one of my next activities to do with my dog. I think Musher would love to hang out there! Moreover, to organize your canine hikes, I suggest you consult the article Hiking with your dog can't be improvised! You will find many tips and a checklist of equipment to remember to take with you.
Moreover, if you have already had the opportunity to visit a castle with your dog: share your good plan with the Wouafer's and add it to the site! Share your photos with #EmmeneTonChien on social media! On the account Instagram BringYourDog, I share the most beautiful photos of the Wouafer's!