Going to the Atlantic Coast with your dog
Fancy a holiday with your dog on the Atlantic Coast for a stay combining beaches, hikes and dog-friendly activities? I'll take you to discover the most beautiful destinations on the Atlantic coast, from the Pyrenees to Loire-Atlantique.
Going on holiday with your dog to the Atlantic Coast is just what you need if you're looking for a stay combining ocean, nature, and dog-friendly activities. But how do you choose between the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, the Landes, the Gironde, the Vendée, or the Loire-Atlantique?
Personally, I've always loved these coastal areas for their diversity: you can go from a walk in the forest to a wild beach or a lively village in the same day, which makes every trip with my dog truly dynamic. And if you venture inland, the landscapes are different again.
I remember a sunrise outing on a Landes beach with Musher, where she was able to run freely on the wet sand without encountering anyone, one of those simple moments that perfectly sums up what I love about holidays with your dog on the Atlantic Coast.
In this article, I share with you the most beautiful hikes, activities to do with your dog and beaches to discover on the Atlantic Coast to fully enjoy your stay together.
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Practical Memo
Where to stay on the Atlantic Coast with my dog? Here are 6 of the best QUALIDOG-certified accommodations for your holiday with your dog!
Camping Yelloh! Village Ilbarritz ****
🌊 Near the ocean, with a dog park 🐶
Camping Le Vieux Port
The beach is dog-friendly 💦🏖
Sozo Hotel 4*
Unique stay in a chapel ✨
Relais Thalasso Château des Tourelles 4*
Beachfront & Dog Sitting Service!
Haven't found what you're looking for in our selection? Here are some sites where you can find dog-friendly accommodations (not QUALIDOG certified).
- 🚗 Rent a car
- 🚐 Rent a campervan
- (I.e. Find a train ticket Arrival at the TGV stations of Bordeaux, Angoulême, Poitiers, Nantes, Angers, Rennes, then TER regional train.
- Restaurant l'AiguillonArcachon
- Gali counter restaurantPornic
- Bar-Restaurant of the FrontonBidart
- Because a getaway to the Atlantic Coast can't be completely spontaneous, anticipate tide times is the first reflex to adopt: this will prevent you from seeing your playground (or your towel) disappear under the foam in the middle of the afternoon.
- Between the currents and the ingestion of salt water, the coastline presents specific risks for your dog. Remember to rinse him thoroughly after each outing and consult the local health authorities. Dangers to avoid on the beach with your dog for maximum security.
- If you're planning a water activity in the waves or marshes, wearing a life jacket is essential. This accessory protects your pet from the current, and you can choose the perfect model thanks to our comparison of life jackets for dogs.
- Going hiking with your dog isn't something you can just wing! Before heading out on coastal paths or through pine forests, consult our ultimate guide to hiking with your dog.
🥾 Hikes and walks to do on the Atlantic Coast with your dog
Explore the Atlantic Coast with your dog along the beaches, but also the dunes, cliffs, and forests. Here are some recommendations for walking your dog near the ocean.
- Arcachon Bay (Gironde) I recommend the walk between the Dune of Pilat and the Corniche beachThe walk, 3 to 4 km round trip, takes 1 to 1.5 hours and has a unique feature: you walk at the foot of the highest dune in Europe, creating a spectacular landscape between sand and forest. 👉 To find out about other activities to do in the Arcachon Basin with your dog, see our article Visit the Bassin d'Arcachon with your dog.
- Île d'Yeu (Vendée) : you can follow a section of the GR80 between Port-Joinville and the Pointe des Corbeaux The trail covers approximately 8 km and takes 2.5 to 3 hours to walk, with a constant alternation between rocky coves and sandy beaches. Other viewpoints worth visiting include the Dolmens, the Southern Menhir, and the Gouffre d'Enfer (Hell's Abyss).
- La forest of La Coubre (Charente-Maritime) This is the largest state-owned forest in the department, stretching from Les Mathes-La Palmyre to La Tremblade. You can walk your dog on a leash. Keep your ears open: many bird species nest here, as the forest is protected and classified for its significant biodiversity. There are numerous shaded forest paths, perfect for a cool stroll in the summer.
- Jade Coast via the coastal path (Loire-Atlantique) You can follow the loop of Pornic, Sainte Marie et Port of La Noëveillard The 8,8 km walk takes approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and has little elevation gain. You start in the narrow streets and heritage sites of Pornic before returning via the coastal path, with the possibility of passing by the beaches depending on the tide, making the walk varied and never monotonous.
- Tuc des Neuf Églises (Landes) This loop is approximately 7 km long and takes 2 to 2.5 hours to walk. You'll be walking in a completely forested environment that protects you from the wind and heat, a complete change from walks along the seaside.
- Île d'Oléron (Charente-Maritime) I recommend you take a walk in the Saumonards forest starting from BoyardvilleOn flexible trails ranging from 3 to 8 km, taking between 1 and 2.5 hours to complete depending on your chosen route, you'll walk along sandy paths through pine forests with quick access to the beach, making it easy to adapt the outing to your dog's pace. 👉 You can read our article The island of Oléron with his dog.
After these hikes on the Atlantic Coast, I now suggest you discover other activities to do with your dog to vary your stay.
👋 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
🐾 Activities to do with your dog on the Atlantic Coast
The Atlantic Coast also offers many dog-friendly activities that allow you to vary your stay with your dog between visits, discoveries and local experiences.
- Strolling through towns and villages: Cities like Saint-Jean-de-Luz, Biarritz, Les Sables-d'Olonne, Lorient or, Pornichet These are unmissable experiences to share with your dog. You can easily move from one atmosphere to another, from charming alleyways and markets to harbors and long walks along the seafront. This allows you to adapt your outing to their pace. I particularly recommend Pornichetwhich should soon obtain its Destination QUALIDOG label, because the tourist office is putting in place concrete services to facilitate holidays with your dog.
- Discover castles Visiting castles like the Castle of Riddles or Bessay Castle This allows you to combine heritage sites with time spent with your dog, as you can access the grounds on a leash and sometimes even take guided tours, which is still rare. I particularly appreciate the Château des Énigmes (Castle of Riddles) for its playful trail that makes the visit more dynamic with a dog.
- Visit must-see cultural sites Approaching Fort Boyard by boat is a memorable experience to share with your dog. Companies like the Interiles company Dogs are allowed for an additional fee. You will discover this iconic monument in the open sea, with no possibility of landing. Puy du Fou It requires a bit of planning if you're traveling with your dog, but the on-site dog boarding allows you to enjoy the shows more peacefully. I also recommend booking through the... Hossegor Market Halls to enjoy a gourmet break in a pleasant local atmosphere, accessible with your dog outdoors.
👉 If you would like to know about other activities to do on the Basque Coast with your dog, feel free to consult our article Going to the Basque Coast with your dog.
After these activities to do with your dog, I now suggest you fully enjoy the ocean with beaches and water sports to share together.
🌊 Beaches and water sports to do on the Atlantic Coast with your dog
Now let's move on to Musher's favorite part: the beach! To enjoy the ocean with your dog on the Atlantic Coast, you can alternate between water sports and relaxing moments on the beach.
Try cani-paddleboarding with your dog : It's an activity I highly recommend if you're looking for a unique experience to share with your canine companion. The Canine Center in Gironde (Bordeaux, Lacanau, Cestas) offers introductory sessions tailored for beginners. You'll learn to balance together on the board while paddling on calm waters. The activity is accessible even if your dog has never paddled before. I simply advise you to respect their pace and build their confidence from the start. 👉 To learn everything about cani-paddleboarding, feel free to consult our article " Paddleboarding with Your Dog".
- Learning to surf with your dog Surfing with your dog in the Landes region, for example with Cloarec Surf Institute, is a unique experience if your dog is comfortable in the water. You can enjoy the waves while being supervised, allowing you to discover the sport safely. I recommend choosing calmer sessions and dogs already accustomed to the ocean to ensure a positive experience. 👉 If you'd like to try surfing with your dog, check out our article Surfing with your dog.
Enjoying the beaches with your dog : Going to the beach with your dog on the Atlantic Coast is one of the simple pleasures of a holiday, but I advise you to carefully choose your spots and times. Beaches like the Grande Plage in Biarritz or the Bonne Anse beach in Charente-Maritime offer access under certain conditions depending on the season. The rules vary considerably from one town to another, so I always prefer early morning or late afternoon to give Musher more freedom and avoid the heat and crowds.
The Atlantic Coast is an ideal destination for a holiday with your dog, offering beaches, hiking trails, and dog-friendly activities to suit all abilities. Whether you choose a stay in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, Landes, Gironde, or Vendée, you'll always find walks and experiences to share with your canine companion.
For a successful stay on the Atlantic Coast, don't forget the QUALIDOG accommodations mentioned at the beginning of the article , specially adapted to welcome your dog in the best conditions.
And you, what are your holiday experiences with your dog on the Atlantic Coast? Feel free to share them in the comments!
