Everything you need to know to visit Paris with a dog!
Do you want to visit Paris with your dog? In this article, I tell you about the monuments, activities, walks and Parisian palaces to visit with your dog in Paris.
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Hello Wouafer's!
Today I suggest you discover the French capital with your dog. Paris, the city of romanticism, love, monuments, legendary museums, yes... for humans! But for dogs it's another matter… I'll be honest with you, Paris is not the most dog-friendly city to go on vacation with your dog. However, this article is full of information to know about Paris to organize your future holidays or a next weekend in Paris with your dog. Some Wouafer's also shared their good Parisian addresses ofhotels to book in Paris with your dog for one night or more.
I have prepared a list of the different parks where your dog is accepted for beautiful walks in the countryside, some activities to do with your dog in Paris, dog-friendly restaurants... And because Paris is huge, I have also prepared a small instructions for how to move with your dog in Paris or its surroundings!
In this article, once is not custom, I also indicated to you all the places where your dog will not have the right to put a paw. I rarely highlight places that do not accept dogs but this time, I thought it was smart to dispel all doubts and clearly list the places to avoid! … well, at least with your dog!
Where to stay in Paris with your dog?
Are you planning a stay, a weekend, or even a vacation in Paris with your dog? Here are some addresses of QUALIDOG-labeled accommodation that accept and welcome animals with kindness in Paris or the surrounding area….
- The Marcel Aymé Literary Hotel in Paris in the heart of the magnificent Montmartre district. A hotel that loves doggies. And little surprises will await your dog when he arrives in the room. This hotel is QUALIDOG certified.
- The Villages Nature Paris Center Parcs area, an area that accepts animals and therefore dogs in Paris, more precisely in Bailly-Romainvilliers. You can enjoy this area with 1 dog, category 1 and 2 dogs are also accepted! In addition, there are often offers and discounts on your stays if you book in advance or last minute !
- The Camping Sandaya Paris-Maisons-Lafitte, a luxury campsite where dogs are welcome, you can even come with 2 dogs. Waste bags are provided for them at the campsite.
- Camping la Rivière Dorée, a campsite very close to Fontainebleau and its forest where it is good to live with the doggies. It accommodates up to 3 dogs, or more on request... Ideal for great walks with your doggie!
- The Ibis Budget Pontault Combault RN4 Marne La Vallée Hotel, located in Pontault Combault. A great hotel for doggies, you can come with more than 3 dogs, categorized dogs are allowed, and doggies are welcomed with a doggie bar and even a welcome kit 😉
- The cottage La Maison Gabriac, located in Seine et Marne. (not labeled). It can accommodate a maximum of 10 people and has a 700m2 enclosed garden for dogs. 2 dogs are accepted of all sizes and categorized dogs are also admitted! The dogs are really pampered!
Getting around Paris with your dog
Public transport is convenient for visiting Paris. RER, metro, bus, taxi, scooter, bicycle, this city is full of means of transport to get from point A to point B. But with a dog, how is it? Let's review together!
If you would like to learn more about the Paris metro with your dog, do not hesitate to read the article “Metro in Paris: how does it work with a dog?"
Take the bus with your dog in Paris
In Paris, dogs are accepted on buses as long as they are under 45 cm. In other words, if you have a small dog that can fit in a transport box, a basket, a bag, he can travel by bus to Paris with you. On the other hand, if your dog is large, it will not be tolerated on the bus. He will have to make do with the metro.
Take the RER and the metro with your dog in Paris
The RATP authorizes all dogs to take the metro or RER. Traveling with your dog in the Paris metro and the RER is possible but under certain conditions. Indeed, small dogs are accepted in these transports as long as they are in a transport box of maximum 45 cm, a basket or a suitable bag. Small dogs can travel for free, so you won't have to pay for a transport ticket for your dog.
On the other hand, for larger dogs, the conditions differ. If your dog cannot fit in a transport crate of 45 cm maximum then it must be kept on a leash and muzzled in the Paris metro and RER. But, good news, he too can travel for free!
For dogs who are not used to living in the city and taking public transport, just like for their masters, taking the metro or the RER can be a real adventure, a bit trying and stressful. A lot of people, a lot of noise, a lot of smells,... floors covered with steel plate, doors that open and close quickly, escalators, elevators... If your dog is not used to from that, aim for a “quiet” hour to accompany it gently. Musher hates jumping from the platform to the subway because there is “emptiness” and she is terrified so I have to use all my goodwill to get her on board safely and without risking her bumping into someone. It's quite an adventure for my dog who usually lives in the countryside and who travels quietly in my car.
As the conditions for transporting animals in the Parisian buses, metro and RER may change, I advise you to check the website of the RATP before you go to Paris with your dog; This will avoid unpleasant surprises.
Take the batobus with your dog in Paris
If you want to travel on the Seine with your dog on board the batobus company, it's possible ! However, a few points must be observed. Large dogs are allowed on the batobus as long as they are kept on a leash and with a muzzle. For small dogs, they must be kept in a bag. If the crew of the batobus feels a danger or an embarrassment for the other passengers, they can however refuse the access of the dog in question. I therefore advise you to call before committing to a batobus to have confirmation that your dog will be able to board the batobus. The batobus serves 9 stops on the Seine. Please note, this is not a guided tour but a means of transport 🙂
Take a taxi with your dog in Paris
To get around Paris, you can also use a taxi! However, I advise you to ask the driver directly by telephone if he accepts dogs in his vehicle and under what conditions… this will avoid unpleasant surprises. The conditions could be that your small-sized dog is transported in a carrier, carrier bag, or the like. For larger dogs, the driver may ask you to muzzle them. It is therefore up to the opinion of the driver himself who can decide whether or not to drive your dog. So be honest with him when you call about your dog's weight, for example, he will be warned and can tell you what's going on. If the driver agrees to race with your dog, he is free to ask you for a supplement for it, you can also ask him for this information when you call.
Take a Vélib with your dog in Paris
In Paris, one of the most used means of transport is undoubtedly the bicycle! There are several Vélibs available in different places in the city that will allow you to use them to get around. Often, Vélibs have a small basket at the front of it, if your dog is small, you can therefore install it so that it can travel with you in complete safety if it usually. I advise you to take with you a blanket or a carpet to cover the bottom of the basket either in plastic or mesh because it may not appreciate traveling if it slips for example.
Walking with your dog in Paris
The city of Paris is constantly in motion between bicycles, cars, people running so as not to miss the metro, buses, horns... In short, you will have understood that the city can be a stressful place for your dog.
If you walk with your dog in Paris and your dog is not used to the urban bustle, I advise you to keep your dog on a short leash to walk around. An accident happened so quickly...
My dog, for example, is afraid of manhole covers. She is dizzy and walking near these “holes” gives her the crumbs… She is able to tear off my arm so as not to pass close and therefore to swerve by going on the road or by jostling someone or Me. Can you imagine the danger if she does this to me in an alley with a bus coming full throttle behind us??…. So caution Wouafer's! Especially for those who are less used to city walks with a dog.
I give you some practical advice on walking on a leash with your dog in this article: Why should you keep your dog on a leash?
Monuments in Paris not allowed to dogs
When we think of Paris, many monuments come to mind. But when is it when you visit Paris with your dog? Are the main Parisian monuments accessible with a dog? Can we visit the Eiffel Tower with a dog? Does the Louvre Museum accept dogs? What must-see monuments will I be able to do with my dog? To answer your questions, I have compiled a list of emblematic monuments of Paris PROHIBITED to dogs, unfortunately. There she is :
The Louvre museum
Eiffel Tower
Arc de Triomphe
The Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris
The Basilica of the Sacred Heart
The pantheon
The Sainte-Chapelle
Père Lachaise Cemetery
The Grand Palais
The Orsay museum
The Louis Vuitton Foundation
But what is not forbidden is to take a photo in front of the monument and post your photo with #emmenetonchien! and it's free! So go, enjoy!
Activities to do in Paris with your dog
Even though there are a lot of forbidden activities for your dog in Paris, I still managed to find you some activities to enjoy your stay in Paris with your dog!
In Paris in the Rivoli Street, you will be able to discover an arts workshop which will offer you an exhibition at theafter squat. This building has been a squat for 20 years which has 6 floors and offers different workshops. For art lovers, you will be delighted and your dog will be able to take an interest in modern art! These free exhibitions will make you discover and exchange with the artists who live directly where they work. Your dog can therefore participate in exhibitions with you as long as he is on a leash and if he knows how to remain calm. Moreover, to better prepare for your visit, I suggest you read or reread this article: Visiting a tourist site with your dog. This article will allow you to better understand tourism with your dog, especially in a city like Paris. Advice, practical information, education will be there! 😉
If you want to walk quietly with your dog and enjoy the charm of the Parisian galleries, I have an activity that will please you! The Vivienne Gallery, near the Palais Royal will amaze you with your dog! The mosaics, the pretty glass roof, the shops, the tea rooms, the bookstores will seduce you. It's a nice outing to discover a pretty architecture with its charm of yesteryear that will make you appreciate this Parisian trip with your dog! You will be amazed by this magnificence and your dog too!
If your dog weighs less than 10 kilos, I suggest you visit the Musee Grevin. A nice museum, Boulevard Montmartre, exhibiting beautiful wax statues of famous characters and personalities. Your dog will need to be carried in a bag to be able to visit this museum with you. It's a great activity to do in Paris with your dog, if it's small!
Do you want to enjoy an electric boat ride on the Seine with your dog? I recommend it to you Freshwater Marine Boat ! You are going to have a great time and discover Paris on the water with your dog! If you are tempted by this activity in Paris with your dog, I advise you to bring a life jacket for your dog to enjoy your walk in complete safety! To help you in your selection, I share with you my comparison of the 5 best life jackets for dogs !
Would you like to take a cruise in Paris with your dog? No problem, The Stars of the Pont Neuf welcomes you and your dog with pleasure, and without size limit! You can take advantage of guided tours to discover the history of Paris while sailing on the Seine! You have different cruises with several time slots, all you have to do is choose! You are going to have a great time with your family and your dog 🙂
Walk with your dog in Paris
If you want to walk with your dog in Paris, I suggest you discover Les bords du La Villette basin located in the 19th arrondissement from Paris. You will be able to see barges along the banks, enjoy the terraces almost with your feet in the water, enough to spend a good evening with your dog!
Discover the Bois de Vincennes ! Located in the 12th arrondissement from Paris, your dog will be able to enjoy a real natural space in total freedom! Your dog will be able to cool off if he wishes thanks to the few streams that flow through the woods. Toutou will be able to stretch his legs and make lots of Parisian friends! You will have understood that your dog will enjoy it but you too will be able to enjoy a nice walk for the greatest pleasure of your dog 🙂
You've probably heard of the Tuileries Gardens in Paris. You want to go there but is it possible with a dog? Well yes, it is possible but you have to respect some conditions! First of all, you can only access one part of the Tuileries gardens with your dog. You can access it from its entrance which is near the Orangerie Museum. This park is located between the Louvre Museum and Place de la Concorde. Even if doggie can't enter the Louvre Museum, you can watch it from outside by going to the Tuileries Gardens!
Le Parc des Buttes Chaumont is located in the 19th arrondissement of Paris and is accessible to dogs! You will be surrounded by green spaces which is very pleasant in the heart of Paris. Your dog will still have to be kept on a leash to be admitted to this Parisian park. You will enjoy a pleasant walk in the Buttes Chaumont park and it will be an opportunity for your dog to meet 4-legged friends!
If you want your dog to exercise freely in Paris, I invite you to discover the Bois de Boulogne. This wood is located in the 16th arrondissement from Paris and accepts your dogs with pleasure! Your dog will be able to enjoy a large lawn where he can romp without a leash with other friends! In addition, your dog will be able to cool off with a small lake and other water points. A very pleasant walk in the heart of Paris that will charm you and make your dog happy! Bois le Boulogne is quite well known for hosting parallel activities that we do not offer at Emmènetonchien.com. 😂 So find out beforehand to find the best places in this wood where you can walk with your dog.
Montsouris Park 14th arrondissement de Paris, allows you to walk with your dog as long as he is on a leash! It will not be difficult for you to get to this park since it is served by several metro and RER lines. The Parc Montsouris will allow you to enjoy a large setting surrounded by greenery in the heart of Paris that will seduce you! Unfortunately, doggie will not be able to be completely free but the size of the park will do him good for a good walk to share with you!
Who says Paris, necessarily says Eiffel Tower ! But as you know, you cannot visit the Eiffel Tower with your dog… However, why not go for a walk in the Trocadero gardens to contemplate it from below? The Trocadero gardens are located in the 16th arrondissement of Paris and you can take advantage of the paths to walk your dog on a leash. If you like to take pictures, this walk will offer you many spots to take pictures of your dog in his new life in Paris! This garden is very busy so if your dog is not comfortable with crowds, it may not be the best place to go for a walk 😉
Le Bercy Park is located in the 12th district de Paris and it is partially authorized for dogs. Your dog is allowed in the meadows but not in the closed parts of the park. The large lawns will allow your dog to let off steam in large spaces! You will therefore benefit from green spaces for the greatest happiness of your dog and yours 😉
Another must in Paris to do with your dog is the Luxembourg Garden ! Located in the 6th arrondissement, near the Pantheon, is accessible in some parts with your dog as long as he is on a leash! You will discover the pretty Luxembourg Palace taking advantage of its garden in the heart of Paris.
If you want to walk with your dog and enjoy the view of the royal palace, I invite you to discover the Gardens of the Royal Palace located in the 1st arrondissement of Paris! These gardens are quite well laid out for the hot weather, there are many fountains available, enough to refresh your dog if necessary! What is a bit of a shame is the lack of freedom, your dog really has to be on a leash to be accepted in the gardens of the royal palace, he cannot go on the lawns.
There are many parks in Paris but not all of them are very dog-friendly. It is complicated to find a park so that your dog can stretch his paws in total freedom and exert himself as he sees fit. I have tried to list the best known and most interesting parks near cultural monuments that are not accessible to dogs so that you can still enjoy them from afar and contemplate their beauty from the outside. This list is not exhaustive, for a few years the parks in Paris have tended to become a little more dog-friendly at their own pace by accepting dogs, but often with a lot of constraints. For example, many parks allow access to dogs if they are kept on a leash and if they do not access certain areas of the space (such as lawns, children's play areas, certain walkways etc. ). Here is a small selection of parks or places in Paris with several obligations but accessible to dogs:
Halles Garden : 1st arrondissement of Paris (lawns and playgrounds prohibited)
Quai Branly promenade : 7th arrondissement (dogs allowed on the alleys)
Esplanade des Invalides : 7th arrondissement (dogs allowed on the alleys)
Gardens of the Champs-Elysées : 8th arrondissement (dogs allowed on the paths but not at the level of the children's play areas)
Parc Monceau : 8th arrondissement (dogs allowed on Allée Ferdousi and Allée Comtesse de Ségur)
Georges Brassens Park : 15th arrondissement (dogs allowed on the consecrated alley)
Promenade quay of the Seine : 15th arrondissement (dogs allowed on stabilized plateaus)
Avenue Foch Gardens : 16th arrondissement (dogs allowed on the alleys)
Ranelagh Gardens : 16th arrondissement (dogs allowed on the alleys)
Parc de la Villette : 19th arrondissement (dogs allowed on mineral surfaces and on the road)
Parisian palaces with his dog
After the presentation of these different activities to do with your dog in Paris, I invite you to end your weekend in style!
Do you want to have fun? Why not discover one of the sublime Parisian palaces with your dog! Because your dog has the right to know the luxury life and enjoy together it's Wow Good, here are two hotels that will make you dream! The Hôtel le Banke, a former bank, in the Opéra district will seduce you! You can also discover the Mandarin Oriental Paris in rue Saint-Honoré. A hotel that welcomes dogs with pleasure with a welcome card, personalized mats for your dog, cushions, bowls, toys... Something to make your dog and you dream! So ready to discover the luxury life?
I hope this article will help you to find some activities to do with your dog and will allow you to discover several walks to do with your dog. Even if the city of Paris is not the most dog-friendly destination listed on our site, it is a city full of culture and history that is worth a visit! Your dogs are not allowed to discover the historical monuments with you but contemplating them with him from the outside is already an activity shared together! If you have other dog-friendly addresses validated by you and your dog in Paris, don't forget to share them with us, I'm sure we'd all be delighted to discover them!
See you soon Wouafer's!
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April 26, 2024
Thank you for your work and helping us know how to travel with a dog in Paris – especially when visiting. Thank you on behalf of Pina and me, 🙂
May 6, 2024
Thank you very much for the report about the Metro in Paris. As a German tourist I never dared to take my dog to Paris, but now I am thinking of doing so in the near future!
May 7, 2024
I have already taken advantage of your good deals on >Paris and it was great, so thank you very much