The secrets of Marseille to discover with your dog
Want to discover the south of France? Head to Marseille! What to do in Marseille with your dog? Where to swim with your dog near Marseille? Which accommodations accept dogs in Marseille! You will know everything here.
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Last week watching the rain fall through the window, I wanted sun, beach, warmth, smiles… My inspiration for the day was therefore found. I wanted to introduce you to the pretty city of Marseille and all the places to try with your dog. And who better to testify than a real Wouafer's duo from Marseille? Anaïs and her dog Bowie lived in Marseille for several years, so they know all the little secrets! In this article, to be read with a singsong accent, you will discover what to do in Marseille with your dog, where to hike, how to go to the creeks, on which beaches to stretch your legs... You are not at the end of your surprises … Ready for a bouillabaisse in the old port of Marseille?
Not sure you want to go home after hearing their story... It's up to you, Anaïs!
What sports and activities to do in Marseille with your dog?
Whether in Marseille or elsewhere, my dog and I share many moments together. At home but especially outside! he has already slept in tents, in mountain refuges and even in van trip.
With Bowie I practice cani cross, the cani-paddle, the ski, Mountain hiking, in the forest or in the creeks of Marseille. In short, it's pure happiness because he is always happy and up for anything. It illuminates our life every day, that's for sure!
In Marseille, it is possible to do lots of sports with your dog.
Cani-cross on the cornice : the corniche is a long path that runs along the Marseille seaside for 3,7 km from the Catalan beach Asked Prado beaches.
Du cani-vtt on the wild spaces around Marseille
Cani-rando on the hiking trails at the gates of Marseille and in particular in the Calanques National Park
Du cani-paddle, we love it! We leave from the prado beaches on the paddle, or from Malmousque, and we go to the Catalans, magic!
Where to walk your dog in Marseille?
My dog and I love it Valmer Park, in the 7th. You can admire the view of the sea, the islands and the city of Marseille, it's magnificent! In addition, it's often very quiet, we shared a lot of picnics facing the sunset and meetings with 4-legged friends!
We also often go to Buzine Castle Park, you have to take the car but it's worth it because it's a huge park of 4 hectares where you are very quiet. There is a large waterhole where the dogs love to play together.
We also like to go to Valley of the Auffes, behind the "swimming pool". There is a little nook facing the sea, perfect for having a pizza delivered and drinking a pastis with your feet in the water, without my dog bothering anyone.
We also take him to the Prado beaches, it's normally forbidden, like in the Catalans, but let's say that in Marseille, the rules are malleable… haha! The trick is to go there very early in the morning or late in the evening in summer, so as not to disturb bathers, but in autumn winter it is easier because it is much more deserted. My dog was very afraid of the waves and after a few years in Marseille, he loves it!
Tips from Musher and Sophie: – “In Marseille, other parks are quite dog-friendly, so you can put your paws there with your companion. Here are a few :
Longchamp Park in the 4th arrondissement of Marseille, one of the most beautiful parks in Marseille! It extends over more than 6 M000. In the middle, there is a magnificent water tower and two museums. Your dog is welcome.
Parc Pastré in the 8th arrondissement of Marseille, located a few steps from the sea and the Pointe Rouge. On the upper part, you can let go of your dog, on the lower part, it is authorized on a leash. It's also a nice place for a family picnic!
The Parc de la Moline, in the 12th arrondissement of Marseille? A huge 11-hectare park equipped with a canine development area... The best for dogs that can be free
The Saint Joseph hill park in the 9th arrondissement of Marseille. It is a pretty park of 3000 M2 designed for the whole family. Dog, children, athletes, visitors, photography enthusiasts… “
Dogs are allowed in the creeks of Marseille!
Finally, I also take my dog to the famous creeks of Marseille ! In the creeks, dogs are allowed if they are kept on a leash. However, as soon as you go beyond the really touristic paths, many dog owners let them run… and that's bliss! We run from creek to creek, we bathe with him if we are hot and then we leave, in short, the dream!
On some safe routes (Callelongue - marseilleveyre ou Sugiton by Luminy) we leave Bowie free. On the other hand, we are much more careful on certain trails if the visibility is less good or if we are on the edge of cliffs.
Not all trails are suitable for dogs. You have to look carefully at the topos and details beforehand. There are quite a few cable passages, chains and ladders in the creeks which are not dog friendly.
The beaches of Marseille authorized for dogs
Honestly, almost no beaches are dog-friendly in Marseille. But there is a great tolerance because green spaces are reduced in the city. We will say that the security guards close their eyes a little, tolerate dogs and rely on the common sense of the masters to avoid busy hours 😉
The exception is the beaches of theFriuli Island where no sign specifies prohibition. To go to the islands you will have to take the shuttle boat from the old port and in 20 minutes, you are on the island of Frioul. The crossing costs 10 euros return per person and is free for dogs. Once you have arrived in Frioul, I strongly advise you to go left, walk along the small restaurants, cross the dyke and go around thePomegues Island. The majority of tourists stay on the right side of Friuli, which is less beautiful and wild but more accessible. In summer, there are absolutely no shady spots. That's why we go there in April-May-June or September-October. I advise you to walk to the Calanque de la Crine, believe me, it's worth the detour!
There is also a great beach reserved for dogs and their owners in La Ciotat, but it is small, so we never went there. It's'canine area of the beach of La Ciotat.
QUALIDOG-certified accommodation in Marseille
Are you looking for QUALIDOG-certified accommodation for a top vacation in Marseille with your dog? Do you want to find accommodation where your dog is welcome? Here is a list of QUALIDOG-certified accommodation in Marseille!
Where to hike with your dog around Marseille?
My favorite hikes are all in the creeks and at the Sainte Victoire. There are a multitude of possibilities.
For the creeks, I really like to walk to theErevine Island on the blue coast, it's a real little paradise, especially in the morning.
I also really like to go from Cassis and follow the blue route, the coastal path, to go to the cove of En Vau. This path is much less used than the red path which is very direct, shorter, but much less pretty than this one which offers truly spectacular views.
Otherwise, we also like to go from Callelongue to take advantage of Massif of Marseilleveyre, or go to Mount Puget for Luminy, but also by taking the car in the direction ofIn prison, to go around the Mount Capriagne and Mont Saint-Cyr over there " Great Wall of China ».
At Sainte Victoire, there is the classic departure from the Bimont dam (blue trail) but I prefer to start from Map of Enchois (red trail) or Two Aiguilles car park, (green path) but beware of the latter, the drop is significant in the Pas du Clapier. Also be careful to take enough water because there is only one fresh water point in the creeks and you really have to know the place well!
Finally, you must always check the weather conditions because access to the creeks is highly regulated, especially in summer. As for the Sainte Victoire, there is often a "micro-climate" and storms can happen quickly.
Otherwise, if you want to hike in Marseille with your dog, there is the classic Corniche, very pleasant or the climb to the basilica Our Lady of the Guard by the gardens, where dogs on a leash are accepted.
Tips from Musher and Sophie: – “The packsack is an essential element for your hikes with your dog! Discover our comparison of the best pack bags and make your choice!”
The best season to visit Marseille with your dog
I would say all year except high summer which is really to be avoided because Marseille is overcrowded with tourists and it is difficult to enjoy walks with your dog, especially in the creeks.
I recommend the months of December and January which offer me the most beautiful lights, tranquility and the usual 15 degrees in Marseille 😉 Then the months of May and June, and finally from mid-September to the end of October, after the tourists have left . But overall, it's very pleasant all year round, except on days with a strong mistral or storm.
Marseille, a dog-friendly city?
Marseille is unfortunately not a “very dog-friendly” city. On the other hand, the people are very nice and I have never been refused entry to a restaurant or a café with my dog.
Be careful, most places are in fact forbidden to dogs, even at the entrance to Valmer Park, a sign specifies this. But with a smile, in general everything is negotiated, that's also life in Marseille!
Some dog-friendly addresses in Marseille
The restaurant: Les Akolytes at the Catalans beach,
The restaurant: Cacio e Pepe, September 4 square,
The restaurant: La Taqueria Loca, rue Sainte
The restaurant: Grumpy Cakes, near the Opera
The bar/restaurant: Le Poulpe & Le Café de l'Abbaye, Saint Victor district.
All the bars in Cours Julien or Place aux Huiles.
The AC Hotel Marriott du Vélodrome accepts dogs
The Adonis Hotel at the Old Port accept dogs for free
I advise you to ask before entering but in general, they all say yes and often bring themselves a bowl of water! How welcoming these people from Marseille are!
One last tip for visiting Marseille with your dog
Enjoy your trip ! Marseille is a beautiful area that offers a whole host of possibilities for you and your dogs!
As in any city, take care to clean up after your dog. Avoid peak hours if you go to the beach and be generous with the amount of water you take on a walk in the summer!
Tips from Musher and Sophie: –“Heatstroke in dogs is really a scourge in the summer, and Ana is absolutely right, the first prevention is hydration of your dog. You can also equip it with a cooling jacket or even a cooling vest to relieve him from the heat. For more precise information, I advise you to take a look at our comparison of the best freshness accessories for dogs ! "
Could we dream of a more detailed article than this? A huge thank you to Anaïs and her faithful Bowie for all this precious information! I can't wait for one thing, to book a dog-friendly accommodation in Marseille and discover all these little wonders!
To end on a high note, I invite you to discover the portrait of Ana and Bowie, a retrospective of their fusional relationship, very touching and full of sincerity, like these two inseparable.
Do you also want to thank your 2 guides for this overview of Marseille? Follow their instagram account outsidewithana and send them a little message, I'm sure it will make them happy!
organize your holidays
Ready for Marseille? Did this article make you want to organize a stay in the Bouches-du-Rhône with your dog? Prepare your holidays serenely by clicking on the following links:
Read also
- Traveling in the Bouches-du-Rhône with your dog
- Protect your dog from heatstroke
- Top 5 dog-friendly beaches in the Bouches-du-Rhône
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