What activities to do in Bordeaux with your dog? Is Bordeaux a dog friendly city? Discover the city of Bordeaux with a dog thanks to the testimony of May and her dog Malcom!

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Today, direction Bordeaux! Located in the south-west of France, Bordeaux is all about wine, the water mirror, the Quai des Chartrons, the public garden and unforgettable restaurants. I spent a few months in Bordeaux (intermittently), I loved this city. I have lots of beautiful memories there but at the time I didn't yet have Musher; I was not yet watching dog-friendly places the corner of the eye. So I chose to interview two purebred Bordeaux residents to find out about their good plans in this city Wouafement Bien! Let me introduce you to Malcolm, young American akita, dog model who is all the rage on Instagram, and May his mistress from Bordeaux. Let's follow them for the visit. Something to spend a holiday Wouafe Of course Garonne with your dog !

May and her dog Malcom

It all started with a photo on the Internet. We were in the perspective ofadopt a dog, so we went to see photos on the site of the breeding that we had been recommended. My partner and I already knew that we wanted to name our future furball Malcolm. THUNDERBOLT ! We came across a photo of an akita and guess what? His name was Malcolm. Neither one nor two, we went to look for him in Lille. When we arrived, he literally tumbled down on us, a real arrow. It's as if he already knew that we were coming for him… The love at first sight was all the stronger.

His race, it was all thought out. I was aware that there were as many advantages as disadvantages to having an Akita. It is a very primitive breed but so interesting. It's intriguing as a dog. It's really the exciting side of this breed that made me want to take one!

Holidays in Bordeaux with your dog

The first few days went PERFECTLY well. Really I have nothing to say, a love from the first days! It was very easy from the start with him, he didn't do anything stupid, even in the car from Lille to Bordeaux, not a pee. He was an awesome pup. The first few nights, he didn't even cry. Really, this dog is a pearl. To tell you, I had left a piece of chicken once on the table, he didn't even touch it! He also assimilated very quickly that he shouldn't pee in the apartment, even when he really wants to, he holds back… Until in front of the elevator of course, but he holds back haha ​​:))

What to do in Bordeaux with a dog?

Holidays in Bordeaux with your dog

There are really plenty of things to do in Bordeaux with a dog. I recommend this city, if it's a nice stopover to make during your vacation in the south-west of France with your doggie, you won't be disappointed.

Your Dogs are welcome on Bordeaux's public transport: tram, bus, BatCub boatOne important point to note, however: only non-categorized dogs are accepted. The ButCub is a wonderful outing to take with your faithful companion on the Garonne River. The boat passes by typical Bordeaux landmarks such as the wine cityYou can't bring your dog inside, but you can walk around the surrounding gardens. I went there with Malcolm; it's very flowery and really lovely—I recommend it.

Musher and Sophie : “You can continue the journey on the Garonne to the last stop north of the city and reach the Parc de l'Ermitage in Lormont. A superb park with a turquoise lake, large grassy areas to lie down and play and miles of trails for a nice walk with doggies. I haven't tested it with Musher personally but I've always seen lots of dogs having fun with their masters there.”

vacation in Bordeaux with your dog

🐕 For walks, you're spoiled for choice. Generally speaking, parks and Bordeaux gardens accept dogs (which is far from being the case in all cities in France).

  • Personally, I prefer the floral park (north of Bordeaux): it's very large and you see quite a few dogs there. There's a stream where dogs can cool off.
  • Also try the public garden in the heart of Bordeaux.
  • The riverbanks are also a walk I recommend. It's very pleasant, but be sure to keep your dog on a leash because, between rollerbladers and joggers of all kinds, the riverbanks are a real hub of activity. It's the perfect place to work on your dog's socialization because there's noise, bicycles, music, and lots of other dogs. It's also an opportunity to admire the Garonne River, the Monument aux Girondins, the Place de la Bourse…
  • Furthermore, all parks in Bordeaux allow dogs on leashes!

One good point for my city: there are free dog waste bag dispensers all over the place.

Musher and Sophie : “When you walk with your dog it is important that you take care to respect others but also the environment around you, so think about your cani-bag. The town hall of Bordeaux has created a plan to locate poop bag distributors. Use it 🙂 “

⛪ On the cultural side, you can also enjoy several visits with your dog in Bordeaux:

  • Guided outdoor tours are organized by the tourist office (however, you will not be able to enter the buildings with your dog)
  • the historic center of Bordeaux including:
    • the Stock Exchange Square
    • the Water Mirror
    • the stone bridge
    • the Esplanade des Quinconces and its monument to the Girondins
  • the Darwin ecosystem district, with a street art space
  • The Domaines de la Parrhesia in Beautiran, with 2 castles and vineyards
  • the Museum of Technology

💬 I'll interrupt your reading for 10 seconds, but it's for a very useful piece of information, I promise!  :smile_smirk:Pet food, vet visits, holidays, equipment… The dog budget is becoming a real money pit, isn't it? It's unbelievable!
:index_to_the_right: With Musher, we've been working for you: the Wouafer's Pass gives access to Over 30 negotiated discounts, including Corsica Ferries, Campings.com, SantéVet and dozens of discounted pet food brands 🐾 Personally, I'm going to save €344 this year… and that feels good!
I'm including the link to Wouafer's Pass here… and I'll let you continue reading :index_down:

QUALIDOG-certified accommodation in Bordeaux and the surrounding area

Do you want to discover the city of Bordeaux with your dog? Would you like to find QUALIDOG-certified accommodation in Bordeaux? Here is a selection of QUALIDOG-certified accommodation!

Bordeaux: The dog friendly city

Bordeaux is THE most dog-friendly city, in my opinion. I have never encountered any problems. Same Bordeaux public transport accepts dogs. Your four-legged friend can follow you on the trams but also on the buses, on a leash of course. Plus, it's free for them.

Musher and Sophie "Small additional note concerning transport: you will be able to move in all thein Gironde with your dog on TransGironde bus and train lines. Dogs are allowed on board. Large dogs (which do not fit on the lap) must be kept on a leash and muzzled and take a €1,30 ticket for each trip. So from Bordeaux, you can visit the vineyards or discover the Atlantic coast. Practice!".

Generally speaking, restaurants accept dogs. They even take them in the city center. Some are Qualidog labeled!

  • Le Bistro Saint-Jean, a stone's throw from the train station in the city center, offers counter-style cuisine, brasserie style, based on fresh local produce.
  • Le Lago Bar Restaurant Bordeaux Lac (in Bruges) warmly welcomes you with tapas, homemade pizzas or daily specials. 

Musher and Sophie : “Musher and I did our little investigation, in Bordeaux there is even a restaurant called “le chien de Pavlov” Bordeaux bistro accepting dogs, the emblem of this restaurant is even a little bulldog! It's not Too Woof?! Want to know my favorite restaurant in Bordeaux? This is the Ragazzi da Peppone. Unforgettable Italian with delicious charcuterie and olive oil.”

May's story

Going to Bordeaux with your dog

Walking around Bordeaux with Malcolm is always just good memories. We also do a lot of walks in the vineyards, Bordeaux is at the heart of a wine-growing area, I love walking with him in this superb landscape. The walk in dog friendly boat That said, it remains a very beautiful adventure that I am delighted to have shared with him. 

My worst memory is the day I got into trouble in a park with Malcolm, that's why I recommend being careful in Mussonville Park and avoiding walking there alone...

People often ask me if I'm not carrying a bear with me :)) Malcolm is rather imposing and damn hairy, so we often call him the bear. Thank you very much May for all your Good Plans!

Like you, Musher and I often wander through the vineyards. It is also one of our favorite playgrounds. On this subject, I advise you to read or re-read our article “the dangers of the vine in all seasons”. There are a few pitfalls to avoid...

I hope this article has inspired you to going to Bordeaux with your dog. At EmmèneTonChien.Com, our priority is to make it easier for you and your dog to travel. To help you, Musher and I regularly post Good Vacation Deals on our facebook page. Follow us, like her 😉 Want to know more about our Dog Model? Quickly discover the Malcolm and May website and their Facebook !