Traveling the Drôme with your dog
Do you want to go to the mountains with your dog, get a change of scenery, breathe fresh air? Explore the Drôme! Do you prefer plains, picturesque villages and pretty bridges? Explore the Drôme! Would you like to try winter sports with your dog? Yes yes yes, Drôme again!
In this section:
You understand, the Drôme is an ultra hot destination to travel with your dog ! Located in Rhônes-Alpes, close to the Alps but in the plain, the largest city in Drôme is Valence. Rivers, countryside, mountains, forests… You will find what you need!
We have already been there a few times with Musher, we loved it and we will go back! But this time, it's not me who's going to introduce you to this destination... I actually interviewed Robin, who has always been traveling the Drôme with her dog. And I can assure you that he knows it like the back of his hand!
As a photographer and lover of the great outdoors, Robin very often walks the paths of the Drôme with his dog.
Let's go and discover the Drôme Provençale, the Drôme Valley, the Vercors, the Diois... Robin, it's your turn, make us dream!
Drôme in a few words
Okay, let's get started...
Drôme is a beautiful department nestled between the Alps and Provence. A mix of breathtaking panoramas. From lavender fields to vineyards, from picturesque villages steeped in history to the majestic mountains of the Vercors, via peaceful rivers... The Drôme is above all a destination with a thousand and one faces. Whether we are looking for relaxation or adventure with our dogs, everyone will be satisfied with their desires.
There are many dog-friendly sites in Drôme. If you want to visit a cave in the Vercors with your dog, there is the Cave of Choranche or Thais cave.
My favorite places are nature corners in the forest or on the plains. And of course the banks of rivers like the Drôme and the Roubion. Our dogs can cool off there and let off steam!
The best memory I have with my dog in Drôme are the sunrises and sunsets that we share during our many hikes. For sunrises, we go up to the headlamp to enjoy the first colors of the morning even more. And when the sun sets, it's back down with headlamps! No matter the weather, it's also a burst of energy for our four-legged pets!
Musher and Sophie : – “With Musher too, we love the sunsets in the scrubland around Montpellier! We take advantage of it as much as possible when night falls during our walks. For the return, I might as well tell you that with a black dog, I have to take precautions not to lose sight of her! If you also go for walks after dark with your dog, here are our 5 tips for walking your dog at night in winter 🌙. You will also find here our advice on equipment for hiking at night with your dog. "
Walks and hikes in the Drôme with your dog
To explore the Drôme with a dog, the walks and hikes that I recommend to Wouafer's depend a lot on the season.
In spring and summer, the herds move up to the high altitude pastures, accompanied by herding dogs. That is why many places in the countryside in Drôme are forbidden to dogs. But in any case, it is preferable for our dogs to walk along the banks of the rivers during hot weather, to enjoy the freshness.
During autumn and winter, you have the choice to explore the Drôme with your dog! I recommend hiking on the peaks of the Saou Forest, The Three Beaks, Roche Colombe. Then above all to go for a walk in the Diois massif ! You can also go to the Vercors, and this go snowshoeing on the Ambel plateau where dogs are allowed on a leash.
In spring and summer, stroll along the river Drome or on the banks of the Roubion is a time very appreciated by dogs who like to swim or play in the water! The river of theft is great too!
A beautiful walk to take which leads to the edge of the Roubion is located in the town of Francillon-sur-Roubion. There is a superb path that runs along the river.
For the banks of the Drôme, many trails are located upstream of the town of Crest to Diois. Below the town of Crest we find ourselves in the Ramières Nature Reserve. Dogs are allowed there but only on a leash as it is a protected area. Indeed, you can see many beavers and multiple migratory birds there, a magnificent place!
As a measure to protect the fauna and flora, a large part of the Vercors is closed to dogs all year round. This is the case, for example, of the Hauts Plateaux reserve. But that doesn't matter, there are plenty of equally magical places to explore the Drôme with your dog!
Musher and Sophie :-” Indeed, parks and nature reserves can be magnificent to discover with your dog. However, find out about the restrictions that apply to dogs. In fact, these can be prohibited, tolerated on a leash, everywhere or only in part... To help you find your way, our team has listed these restrictions in quite a few natural reserves and parks in France in our article: Where to hike with your dog?
And if you're hiking for a long time, don't hesitate to equip your dog well for walking. A pack bag so that he carries some of his things, and a fresh vest in summer for example! ”
The towns and villages of Drôme not to be missed with your dog
The Drôme is a department full of history!
Unfortunately, not all of the monuments can be visited with a dog, but they are among the places to absolutely visit. For example, the Crest Tower or Grignan castle definitely worth it.
However, the towns and villages of Drôme are all very welcoming to our dogs. This is why I first recommend the city of Valencia. Dogs on a leash can walk around the Jouvet Park. I also recommend the walk along the city's canals! And to finish, the Épervière Park offers access to the banks of the Rhône and the marina.
Then, le small village of Saou, nestled at the foot of its forest, is not to be missed with a dog ! The site is recognized for being the highest syncline in Europe, where specific fauna and flora of the Alps and Provence come together. All year round, you can go hiking with your dog, horse riding, cani-MTB or even climbing. In the heart of the Saou Forest, dogs must be kept on a leash. However, in the surrounding area, they will certainly be able to let off steam!
Finally, I advise continuing the visit the typical villages of Drôme with that of Mirmande. You also have the village of Soyans and the magnificent ruin of its castlethen Dieulefit or further south the town of Nyons. These are great towns and villages to visit with a dog!
Winter activities to do in Drôme with your dog
In winter, you can find many activities to do with your dog in the Drôme.
The Vercors Drôme resorts like The Col de Rousset ou Background of Urle offer hiking and snowshoeing routes with dogs.
For people who want to go further, many structures in the Drôme offer activities in winter. For example, you have the cani-racket, cani-sledge or cani-scooter or sled with your dog.
Musher and Sophie : – “As Robin explains, you can practice lots ofwinter activities with your dog in the Drôme! Moreover, between the Col de Rousset and the Fond d'Urle that Robin talks about, you can also try skijoring. We tell you about it in our article on ski resorts where you can go skijoring with your dog. A Too W'ouf experience not to be missed! "
Also be sure to protect your dog against the cold! At the level of the pads, you can put slippers for snow. It is also important to hydrate it well. Additionally, a coat can be useful if your dog needs it!
For hikes in winter, many are accessible to dogs. I recommend the summits of the Forêt de Saou where dogs must be kept on a leash. You can also get closer to Vercors in authorized areas.
Tips and tricks for discovering the Drôme with a dog
I'm going to give some perhaps basic advice to the Wouafer's. However, they are essential to the smooth running of a stay in Drôme with your dog.
When hiking with your dog, it is also essential to provide a large quantity of water or have a river or other water source at hand. And of course, always carry a leash/lanyard. If you hike for several hours/days, remember to bring something to feed your dog. A dog who feels good will enjoy his stay in Drôme even more!
My first tip, so that our dogs feel good and stay safe while discovering the Drôme with you, is also very important. It is always well find out before going to a place. For that, I use blogs and websites like EmmèneTonChien.com. I can also contact tourist offices. They generally know how to provide the necessary information regarding the authorized or unauthorized presence of dogs on the premises.
Musher and Sophie :-” Robin is right to prepare your hikes in advance, especially with a dog! There are indeed several things to anticipate, as I explain to you in the article “Hiking with your dog can't be improvised!".
Otherwise, having already been to the Drôme with Musher, I confirm that it is worth a thousand times over! On the other hand, one thing that bothered us was the hunting everywhere... The shooting scared Musher – and me! But even if this were not the case, you still need to take precautions. Don't worry, we've prepared a great one for you instructions for walking your dog during hunting season 😉 "
My second tip, if your dog likes the company of other dogs, is to contact other Wouafer's via social networks for a possible meeting between them. It's always fun to see your dog playing with others, especially when hiking!
Where to sleep in Drôme with your dog?
Re, it's me, Sophie 😉 If you weren't already, I'm sure that Robin has convinced you to discover the Drôme with your dog! You now know what a Trop W'ouf destination it is! But to have an incredible stay with your dog, you need accommodation that meets the standards! This is why, with the team, we have selected the best of the best campsites and rentals that accept dogs in the Drôme. And they are all QUALIDOG certified! I'll let you choose, and I'll hand it over to Robin. You will get to know him and his adorable dog better 😀
Robin and her dog Tika, lovers of Drôme
My name is Robin Lescroart, I am a photographer in Drôme, passionate about beautiful landscapes and outdoor sports. I was born here, and I have always walked the slightest path that leads me to a beautiful view or a beautiful place.
My adventure sidekick is called Tika, a young 1 year old dog full of life and kindness. We adopted her with my partner.
She comes from a cross between a Border Collie and a Labrador. At the same time sporty and calm, kind and faithful, she overflows with a thirst for adventure, whether in the water or in the mountains. But above all, she loves humans and playing with her peers!
Thank you Robin for taking us on a journey to this beautiful region of Drôme 😍 I invite you to follow her adventures with her dog Tika on her Instagram @rbnlsk ! Inspirations and breaths of oxygen guaranteed! You will be amazed!
organize your holidays
Ready for Drôme? Has this article made you want to organize a stay in Drôme with your dog? Prepare your vacation with peace of mind by clicking on the following links:
Read also
- I take my dog to the mountains
- Should you dress your dog in winter?
- The checklist for going on vacation with your dog
How to get to Drôme?
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