Where to travel in the South of France with your dog?

Are you planning a trip to the South of France with your dog for your next holiday? From the Southeast to the Southwest, from the Atlantic Coast to the Mediterranean Coast, I've selected 10 destinations where you can fully enjoy your stay with your dog, without ever getting bored!

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Since I've been living in the South near Montpellier with Musher, I must admit that I feel a bit like I'm on vacation all year round! From the French Riviera to the Basque Country, the landscapes are as varied as the cultures, always fascinating to discover.

If you are looking for dog-friendly destinations in the South of France with your dogYou're in the right place! Between sea, mountains, charming villages and wide open natural spaces, the South is full of places where you can easily organize a stay with your dog, whether it's for a weekend or a real holiday.

Some destinations are very accessible, while others require a bit more planning, especially depending on the season, activities, or local regulations. Over time, I've learned to identify the places that are truly suitable for enjoying a stress-free trip with my dog.

In this article, I share with you our favorite destinations in the South of Francetested with Musher: from Provence to the Basque Country, via the Pyrenees, Corsica or the ArdècheFor each destination, I'll give you ideas for activities to share with your dog, as well as the best dog-friendly accommodations! ❤️

Provence with your dog: from hilltop villages to the Mediterranean

We're starting with a destination that evokes the southern region! Provence stands out as a an unmissable destination in the south of France A must-see with your dog. Located between Marseille, Avignon et NiceIt captivates with the richness of its typically Mediterranean landscapes.

In Provence, everything is full of colors : lavender fields with red hills Massif de l'Esterel, including fragrant walks through the mimosa groves, always with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop along the French Riviera.

Between the spectacular panoramas of Verdon Gorges , the hilltop villages of Luberon and iconic places like the Ochre Trail à RoussillonThe region offers a wide variety of activities accessible with a dog. Hiking, swimming, strolling and scenic viewpoints follow one another easily, making Provence an ideal destination for a holiday combining exploration, relaxation and moments shared with your four-legged companion.

👉 Also discover The 10 most beautiful villages of Provence with your dog during your stay!

For a stay in Provence with your dog, here are the QUALIDOG-certified accommodations I recommend! 👇

Gers with your dog: D'Artagnan's territory!

Peaceful, rural and authentic, Gers is an ideal destination in southwest France for traveling with your dog in complete peace of mind. Located between Toulouse et AgenThis territory offers hilly landscapes, perfect for cycling.

Nature is omnipresent there, punctuated by Gascon castles The cubic architecture, typical of the region, bears witness to a rich historical past. Some are even dog-friendly!

It's the perfect destination for a peaceful and stress-free holiday with your dog : we take the time to discover villages of character such as Non-personal or anonymized information remains protected by tax secrecy. Disclosure to third parties is only allowed if no identification is possible and both states confirm that no harm to tax administration will occur., Condom ou Lupiac, following in the footsteps of the famous musketeer D'Artagnan.

With your dog, the Baïse Valley and its cycle route offer beautiful and accessible walks. on foot or by bikeThe Astarac region also invites hiking in the heart of gentle and open landscapes.

In Gers, everything is in place to slow down, breathe and share simple moments with your four-legged companion.

👉 To discover dog-friendly activities in this destination, you can consult our best places to visit the Gers with your dog.

For a stay in the Gers region with your four-legged friend, discover these QUALIDOG-certified accommodations 👇

Aveyron with your dog: gorges and unspoiled nature

Located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Montpellier and 2 hour of ToulouseAveyron is distinguished by its unique landscapes of Grands Causses : vast limestone plateaus with arid vegetation, carved by spectacular rivers like the Tarn and its tributaries.

It's a true adventure playground for lovers of hiking, swimming and outdoor activities with their dog.

With Musher, we now have the chance to know the... like the back of our hand Millau and Tarn Gorges region Indeed, we have been supporting theMillau Grands Causses Tourist Office to develop its dog-friendly facilities in the destination. The territory even recently obtained the Destination QUALIDOG label, a guarantee of quality for a great stay with your dog, without any hassle.

There are therefore a great many activities to share with your dog in the Aveyron: whether it's canoeing, hiking, visiting listed villages, or simply swimming. Not to mention visiting the town of Millau, its artisans and gastronomy, or the famous Millau Viaduct !

👉 To easily organize your stay, consult our travel guide to Millau and the Tarn Gorges with a dog.

For a holiday in the Aveyron region with your dog, here is my selection of QUALIDOG-certified accommodations! 👇

💬 I'll interrupt your reading for 10 seconds, but it's for a very useful piece of information, I promise! Pet food, vet visits, holidays, equipment… The dog budget is becoming a real money pit, isn't it? It's unbelievable!
With Musher, we've been working for you: the Wouafer's Pass gives access to Over 30 negotiated discounts, including Corsica Ferries, Campings.com, SantéVet and dozens of discounted pet food brands 🐾 Personally, I'm going to save €344 this year… and that feels good!
I'm including the link to Wouafer's Pass here… and I'll let you continue reading

The Dordogne Valley with your dog: a rejuvenating region for the whole family

De Souillac à auriac via Rocamadour, in the heart of Black Périgord in the Lot, the Dordogne valley offers a perfect balance between nature and history. It is clearly one of the most beautiful French regions to visit with your dogand still too little known. It is home to a rich biodiversity, with many species of fish and migratory birds, along the Dordogne river, bordered by cliffs and forests.

It's an ideal destination for enjoying a variety of activities with your dog: walks, swimming, sightseeing, and cultural discoveries. The iconic village of RocamadourClinging to its cliffside, it offers spectacular panoramas and dog-friendly trails, including one leading down to the river below for a refreshing dip. The region also charms with its Lot culture authentic and welcoming, combining gastronomy, local markets and traditions.

Labeled Destination QUALIDOGThe Dordogne Valley offers endless possibilities for a holiday with your dog. Between the strong castlesWith its charming villages and water sports, it's easy to alternate between hiking and sightseeing. You'll have no trouble finding a variety of activities to enjoy the destination with your dog!

👉 Consult our travel guide with a dog in the Dordogne Valley to find out everything about this dog-friendly destination!

Explore the Dordogne Valley with your four-legged friend thanks to these QUALIDOG-certified accommodations 👇

Corsica with your dog: idyllic and dog-friendly beaches

La Corsica, off the coast of the French Riviera and Italy, offers a diversity of exceptional landscapes, between rugged mountains, fragrant scrubland and unspoiled coastline. It is a region in the South of France where it is easy to travel with your dogbecause it is accepted almost everywhere.

It's an ideal destination for active and exotic holidays with your dog, where you can easily alternate between sea and mountains in the same day. You can choose to Visit Bastia and Cap Corse with your dog or of hike the legendary GR20 togetherFor lovers of breathtaking hikes with spectacular panoramas, there's nothing better!

But what really makes the difference are the numerous dog-friendly beachesBy moving away from busy areas, you can easily discover unspoiled spots where they can swim and run freely.

⛴️ Be aware that it is very It's easy to go to Corsica with your dog thanks to the Corsica Ferries companyThey are very dog-friendly: Dogs are welcome everywhere on the decks, in the restaurant, the shop, and even in some cabins reserved for passengers traveling with their pets! There's even a dog toilet area on one deck.

👉 Want to learn more about activities to do with your dog in Corsica? Check it out our travel guide to Corsica with a dog.

Explore Corsica with your dog thanks to these QUALIDOG-certified accommodations 👇

The Ardèche region with your dog: numerous and unspoiled rivers

Located approximately 2 hours from Lyon and 2h30 of Montpellier Mountains and the Ardèche River offer varied landscapes. Between limestone cliffs, winding rivers and typical chestnut forests, nature is omnipresent, with numerous swimming spots thanks to the multitude of rivers and streams, perfect for cooling off with your dog.

The Gorges de l'Ardèche are an unmissable experience: hikes with spectacular views, swimming breaks and even Canoe trips with your dog on the ArdècheThe trails also allow you to discover waterfalls, charming villages and more wild areas.

In the Ardèche region, chestnuts are very prominent, and personally, I'm not complaining! I recommend trying the Ardéchois, a chestnut cream cake—a real treat after a day of hiking! Musher would have loved to try it too, but I didn't leave a crumb 🤭

👉 To learn more about dog-friendly activities in Ardèche, I recommend our article: Traveling in Ardèche with your dog.

🗺️ Since it's a region I love exploring, I've also prepared a A one-week itinerary to discover the hidden gems of southern Ardèche with your dog 🤩

Want to discover the Ardèche with your dog? Here are some QUALIDOG-certified accommodations you shouldn't miss 👇

Hérault with your dog: from the Camargue to the Cévennes

I've lived near Montpellier for years, so I can only recommend that you discover our magnificent department: theHérault ! In all objectivity, of course 😄

Between the Mediterranean coast, the wild hinterland and the charming villages, it is a territory that offers many opportunities for activities with your dog.

I really enjoy our walks with Musher in sea side, between beaches, ponds and lagoons. The Hérault coastline is flat and allows you to walk peacefully with your dog, without difficulty. Furthermore, the banks of theThau Lagoon or the salt marshes between Villeneuve-lès-Maguelone and Vic-la-Gardiole have Camargue-like atmosphereWorth seeing if you like ornithology and the pink flamingos.

But what I like best about the Hérault is the hinterland. The Gorges of the Hérault and Salagou Lake They offer some very beautiful hikes accessible with a dog, with places to cool off by the water. I also enjoy strolling through the typical towns and villages of the area, such as Saint-Guilhem-le-Desert, classified village, or, Montpellierwhich remains a pleasant city to explore.

The Hérault department is also known for wine tourism 🍇 and cycling tourism 🚴, as there are many possibilities with a dog! I also recommend our article dedicated to Languedoc-Roussillon wine routes to explore with your dog.

👉 If you'd like to find out about other dog-friendly activities to do with your dog in the Hérault region, check out our article What to do in the Hérault region with your dog?

Treat yourself to a getaway in the Hérault region with your dog thanks to these QUALIDOG-certified accommodations 👇

The Pyrenees with your dog: between mountains and lakes

If you wish to spend your holidays in postcard settings with your dog I recommend the Pyrenees mountain range Extending from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques in the west to the Pyrénées-Orientales in the east, it boasts a rich natural environment, with... turquoise blue lakes in the middle of the mountains...between coniferous forests and pastures. You'll even easily come across herds of horses roaming semi-freely!

It's here ideal destination for an active holiday with your dog Hikes with elevation gain, mountain biking trails, and long days in the great outdoors. Among the must-sees is the tour of Ayous Lakes, in the Ossau Valley, or even the GR10 which crosses the Pyrenees (be careful to avoid areas where dogs are prohibited in the Regional Natural Park).

In winter, the scenery changes and offers you many opportunities to enjoy the snow with your dog: ski-joering, cani-sledding or even cani-snowshoeing.

👉 Find 4 dog-friendly ski resorts in the Pyrenees for your winter holidays.

Breathe in the fresh air of the Pyrenees with your dog thanks to these QUALIDOG-certified accommodations! 👇

The Drôme region with your dog: its caves and hikes for all levels

Located between Lyon and the French Riviera, the Drôme offers a great diversity of landscapes: the plain of Valencia Vercors plateaus and the Prealps. The climate there is mild, although there is a lot of wind, which allows you to enjoy the summer in the South of France without suffering from intense heat.

Le Massif of VercorsThe mountains of Diois and Baronnies are veritable playgrounds for the nature lovers Impressive cliffs, forests, and vast plateaus unfold one after another, with numerous hikes accessible with a dog. It's the perfect place for refreshing walks and moments of disconnection in the heart of nature.

Further south, the Provencal Drome It reveals a gentler, sunnier atmosphere. I discovered this region somewhat by chance with Musher, while crossing the Pre-Alps, and it was love at first sight: magnificent landscapes, between cliffs, peaceful little rivers, and vast meadows in front of charming stone villages. We even stopped for a picnic by the water with Musher, where she was able to enjoy a refreshing swim!

👉 I interviewed a local from the Drôme region who is passionate about his area to give you advice on the wonders of the Drôme to discover with your dog. Everything is detailed in our article: Traveling the Drôme with your dog.

Head to the Drôme region with your dog for an outdoor getaway thanks to these QUALIDOG-certified accommodations 👇

The Landes region with your dog: between pine forests and immense sandy beaches

Located on the Atlantic coast, from the south of Arcachon to the north of Biarritz, The Landes are distinguished by their vast beaches of fine sand bordered by dunes and vast pine forestsSeaside resorts such as Spoil are well known for the surfbut also offer magnificent grounds for walks suitable for your dog.

It is an ideal destination if your companion likes to swim and dig in the sand: the endless beaches allow you to walk for miles, often in a wild and preserved setting (while respecting the authorized areas).

For a change of pace, there are routes around the lakes, such as the Marine LakeAnd in terms of nature, the Landes forest offers many shaded trails, particularly towards the Tuc of the Nine Churches, which offers a lovely view of the region.

Finally, the Landes region also reveals a cultural interest with Dax, famous spa town, classified as a City of Art and History, which is also known for its iconic Art Deco monuments.

👉 If you're planning a trip to the Landes region with your dog soon, check out our article for Discover the Landes region with your dog.

🗺️ We have also created several holiday itineraries for a week in the Landes region with children and a dog : on the Saint-Julien-en-Born, Mimizan or even Seignosse side.

Head to the Landes region with your dog for a break in the great outdoors thanks to these QUALIDOG-certified accommodations 👇

The Basque Country with your dog: a strong culture and a hinterland to discover

Le Pays Basque extends across the Pyrénées-Atlantiques and northwestern Spain, for a mixture of cultures unique and assertive. The mild and humid climate of this region of Southern France offers mid-mountain landscapes with dense vegetation.

While this destination boasts a beautiful coastline, dog-friendly beaches are rare. I recommend the...Basque hinterlandwhich was a real favorite of mine, both for its landscapes and its culture! The typical villages like Saint-Jean-de-Luz or the small inland towns seduce with their half-timbered architecture, their lively alleyways imbued with a strong culture.

With your dog, I invite you to explore these pretty villages, as well as the mountains and valleys of the Basque Country, you'll have a wonderful time!

👉 For your stay in the Basque Country, see our article: Holidays in the Basque Country with your dog.

The Basque Country awaits you and your dog: enjoy a getaway in the great outdoors thanks to these QUALIDOG-certified accommodations 👇

I hope you found what you were looking for for your next holiday in the South of France with your dog!

To mix things up, I also recommend our article: Where to travel in the northern part of France? The beauty of some destinations will surprise you!

If you have other destinations to share with us, feel free to let us know in the comments! 👇

Practical Memo

🛏️ Where to find other dog-friendly accommodations in the South of France

I recommend choosing accommodations with the QUALIDOG label to ensure you and your dog are well received. However, if you need more options, you can find dog-friendly accommodations on these platforms:

🐾 How can I travel to the South of France with my dog?

👉 3 tips before going to the South of France with your dog

The South of France is known for its summer heat, which can quickly become difficult for your dog to cope with. Consider Protect your dog from heatstroke.
Some areas are also affected by the processionary caterpillars, particularly in spring. Therefore, one must remain vigilant during walks in the forest.
Finally, in summer, the tourist crowds can make some places less enjoyable, especially on the coast. If you're traveling with your dog, it's best to go during the off-season or enjoy activities early in the day to avoid the crowds.

➕ Other resources

Find all our other tools for planning your vacation with your dog.