7 destinations for a vacation with your dog away from the crowds
What are the destinations far from the crowds for a successful vacation with your dog? Corsica, Morvan, Limousin, Larzac, Mayenne, Ardennes or even Guyana: discover these 7 ideal destinations for a vacation with your dog!
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That's it ! We've been waiting for this for so long... We are finally déconfinés!!! In fact, my dog and I feel a bit like the snow queen, freed, freed, it's our holidays this summer… ok… sorry to have put it in your head…!
I have only one desire: to go on vacation with my dog. Because of the Covid-19, the holidays are going to be different... So for more security and serenity, we will go to a destination without tourists, in one of these magnificent corners of France, discreet and jealously guarded by its inhabitants... No question of to lay our towel on a crowded beach. I want to breathe without stressing about crossing the crowd.
After some research, I decided to share with you 7 super cool destinations, without tourists, to spend a furry holiday with your dog! I also share with you all the dog-friendly activities and accommodation that you can book on site 🙂
The mountains of Corsica, Limousin, the Ardennes, Guyana… Ready to find the dog-friendly destination for your next summer vacation with your dog?
The Mountains of Corsica with his dog
Corsica is THE idyllic destination for your summer holidays. This island, renowned for both its beauty and its gastronomy, will captivate even the most adventurous among you! And, in addition to being a magnificent region, Corsica is also very welcoming for holidays with your dog. There are numerous dog-friendly beaches and a plethora of hiking trails. There are hikes for all levels. If you want to escape the crowds, leave the beaches behind and head for the mountains. Simply choose a hiking route with your dog and you'll feel almost alone in the world. Hundreds of kilometers of marked trails await discovery, often with breathtaking sea views!
And if you prefer to head out to sea and get away from the coast, then go for a paddleboarding or canoeing trip with your dog … On the water, you certainly won't meet many people…
Good to know! To travel to Corsica with your dog, Corsica Ferries allows dogs on its ships. What better way to start your vacation than by traveling by boat with your dog? Wondering how your ferry trip with your dog will go? Discover all our tips for a successful ferry crossing in the article: Taking the Ferry with Your Dog
For more information on visiting Corsica with your dog, see the article: “ Enjoying your holidays in Corsica with your dog ”
I went to Corsica without my musher. I didn't have him with me at the time. We had a wonderful time. It was in June, so we avoided the worst of the heat. Be careful of heatstroke for your dog , though. But don't worry, in Corsica there's always a magical spot in the water to cool off: a paradise beach, a river with incredible pools, mountain lakes…
→ Discover a list of dog-friendly accommodations in Corsica
→ Discover a list of activities to do with your dog in Corsica
The Morvan Regional Natural Park with his dog
For an even wilder holiday with your dog, head to Burgundy to explore the Morvan Regional Natural Park ! This magnificent regional natural park, established in 1970, is, along with the Ballon des Vosges Regional Natural Park and the Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park, one of the three parks in Burgundy-Franche-Comté. It now encompasses 117 charming and rural villages. A verdant haven nestled between Dijon and Nevers, it's a place well worth a visit.
In this vast natural park, you can enjoy many outdoor sports with your dog! Cani-mountain biking, cani-hiking on marked trails, cani-cross , whitewater sports , fishing, treasure hunts organized with the tourist office… And all this in a wild green setting with virtually no tourists.
In the Morvan Regional Natural Park with your dog, you can for example enjoy the walk to the Saut du Gouloux or enjoy the pretty Lac des Settons where dogs are accepted.
If you like the great outdoors, sports, hiking, sun and nature, then the Morvan Regional Nature Park is a good choice for your holidays with your dog! Dogs are allowed throughout the natural park, provided they are kept on a leash or lead.
→ Discover a list of dog-friendly accommodations in Burgundy
→ Discover a list of activities to do with your dog in Burgundy
The Limousin with his dog
The Limousin region in Nouvelle-Aquitaine is waiting for you and your dog! It's a corner of France I adore because it's impossible to get bored there… In the Limousin, nature is everywhere. All kinds of sports are possible with your dog! We often associate summer holidays with the beach, but frankly, going to the beach in the summer with your dog is a real hassle! First of all, few beaches allow them. And then, the beach means sun and therefore heat: your dog's enemy. And these destinations are incredibly crowded, so it's impossible to let your dog run free; they have to be tied up from morning till night and from night till morning… I avoid these destinations. I'm a fan of nature destinations, so YES! I'm putting the Limousin in the spotlight.
Day hikes, horseback riding with your dog , swimming in lakes, cycling with your dog , running, visiting castles… Anything is possible. And it must be said that the Limousin is a very sparsely populated area, so when it comes to tourism: the freedom is yours…
Just next to the Limousin region, I also invite you to discover the Creuse , one of the least populated departments in France. A verdant haven in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region, it's ideally located for enjoying a multitude of sports and outings with your dog, off-leash! In the Creuse, for example, discover Lake Vassivière with your dog; dogs are welcome on the beaches and lawns! You can also go canoeing there!
When I was younger, I hosted a holiday camp in this corner of France. I spent 3 unforgettable weeks and I discovered magical, intimate, preserved places...
→ Discover a list of dog-friendly accommodations in Aquitaine
→ Discover a list of activities to do with your dog in Aquitaine
The Larzac with his dog
Did you know that the Larzac plateau in the Occitanie region has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011? Yes, having explored it a few times with my dog, I can tell you it's a natural wonder! The plateau stretches for over 1000 km across the southern part of the Aveyron department. This area is the perfect playground for outdoor activities with your dog. You can also discover a unique cultural heritage and incredible biodiversity.
The Larzac region boasts thousands of hiking trails, swimming spots, and opportunities for playing in the great outdoors (off-leash, of course), with hundreds of sheep as your only tourists! I'm a huge fan of this place, which is so close to home. The landscapes are magical, and I never tire of exploring them. This is a region that should appeal to both young and old. And if you venture further south, you'll discover the magnificent Aubrac plateau.
Near the Larzac plateau, I also invite you to discover the magnificent destination of Millau. To explore all the dog-friendly options this destination offers, check out the article " Millau and its surroundings with a dog ." A tip: don't miss the hike along the Corniches du Larzac in Millau – the view is simply breathtaking!
→ Discover a list of dog-friendly accommodations in Occitanie
→ Discover a list of activities to do with your dog in Occitanie
👋 Musher's great deal
Dog food, supplies, grooming, vacations… the cost of a dog can quickly add up. So, with Musher, we created the Advantage Card : the very first card that brings together useful discounts to save you money all year round, on everyday expenses or vacations. 💸 See the 34 available discounts
Mayenne with his dog
How could I write this article without mentioning Mayenne, the department where I grew up? Mayenne is a department in the Pays de la Loire region. Often overlooked, it's just a highway through on the way to Brittany. People tend to ignore it, snub it, never stop, and yet… Discovering Mayenne with your dog is well worth the trip! Unspoiled nature, a rich heritage, warm-hearted locals who love to share and welcome guests, lakes and rivers perfect for fun and a refreshing dip with your dog…
Everything is there to spend a holiday filled with joy and encounters! In summer, Mayenne remains a relatively sparsely populated department, far from the beaches of the Côte d'Azur, your dog will be able to enjoy the hundreds of virgin hectares offered by the region! Again, far from everything, the leash will not be required for your sports getaways in the middle of nature!
I invite you to discover some classics with your dog: Laval and its old streets, Mayenne and its castle, Sainte Suzanne and its castle, La Fontaine Daniel, Saulges and its caves, the Mont des Avaloirs, the towpath which crosses the whole department along the Mayenne… without forgetting Jublains and its prestigious Gallo-Roman remains! It's been a long time since men understood that Mayenne was a magical territory 🙂
Personally, I learned to love the Mayenne region when I got my first motorcycle around the age of 20. I'd put on my helmet, grab a small backpack with water and a few chocolates (never forget the essentials, right?), and set off to explore the backroads and discover my department. I discovered dozens and dozens of castles and manor houses at the edge of a wood, hidden behind hedges, reflected in a pond… And for motorcycle enthusiasts, I also recommend reading the article: Traveling by Motorcycle with Your Dog.
And if you like this kind of area, combining nature and history, the Sarthe and Orne regions bordering Mayenne will also charm you. On the agenda: hiking, cycling, walks , games in the river and lakes – in short, a shared pleasure!
→ Discover a list of dog-friendly accommodations in the Pays de la Loire region
→ Discover a list of activities to do with your dog in the Pays de la Loire region
The Ardennes with his dog
The Ardennes department is a magnificent department in the Grand Est region. The Ardennes with your dog is, once again, a destination that's 100% nature, 100% sport, and 100% family-friendly! On the agenda: mountain biking, hiking, heritage tours, river tourism, family holidays, horseback riding, swimming, trail running, road running, walks…
In the Ardennes with your dog, you won't be bored for a single second! Your whole family will find something to do, all in a natural, intimate, and welcoming setting… For example, you can try canoeing with your dog at the Cap Ardennes rental company , visit the topiary park with your dog, the citadel and cable car of Dinant , the water gardens of Annevoie … There will be no shortage of activities and visits!
→ Discover a list of dog-friendly accommodations in the Grand Est region
→ Discover a list of activities to do with your dog in the Grand Est region
Find QUALIDOG-certified accommodation far from the crowds
Has this article made you want to find a destination far from the crowds for a Wow holiday with your dog? Do you want to find accommodation where your dog is well received? That’s good because I have prepared a small selection of QUALIDOG-certified accommodation for you!
Campsite Sites and Landscapes LE VENTOULOU
Dog park & fenced terraces 🌿
Camping le Valenty
Up to 10 dogs allowed per family ❤️
Camping Le Domaine de la Plage
⭐️ Adults-only campsite ⭐️
Gîte La Maison de Vignes
✨Enclosed garden, ALL dogs welcome ✨
Bonuses! Also discover Guyana with your dog
French Guiana is an overseas territory located on the northeast coast of South America. If you're looking for a wild holiday destination with your dog to play Robinson Crusoe, French Guiana is a perfect choice. The only condition, of course, is that you're willing to fly with your dog 😉 and hmmm… it's not certain that planes will be allowed to fly again… It's a destination to keep in mind for now, but definitely worth exploring.
To learn more about this mysterious yet welcoming and magnificent destination, check out this full article: Holidays in French Guiana with my dog!
I hope these ideas will have made you want to take off in France for this summer! Musher and I have already booked our next destination, accommodation included!
This summer, we are going on vacation to France, and I think it is an excellent opportunity to relaunch tourism in the country. Our beautiful France has so much to offer, it is full of magnificent corners, why would you want to go abroad? …
And don't forget, if you're going on holiday with your dog, subscribe to our Facebook & Instagram account to follow all our destination news and post your photos with #emmenetonchien . That way, I can see you and your furry friends!
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Thank you for making us want to travel!