Do you want to go hiking with your dog? Where to hike with your dog? What are the most beautiful places to hike with your dog? All our advice and addresses in this article!

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Do you feel the call of the mountain? Have you spotted a nice hike to try out with your dog on a forum or in a topoguide? In short, you and your dog are ready for new adventures in the mountains! Day hikes, cani-randos, bivouacs, treks, roaming… all formulas are good if your dog is allowed on the route you have identified. Before you start, you will have to take stock of the areas and territories that you will cross. Some natural areas are not allowed to dogs in the Pyrenees, the Alps or other mountain ranges; even on a leash.

Here are some explanations that should help you take stock and validate your itinerary to go hiking with your dog. It is not possible to hike anywhere with your dog! You have to ask yourself a few questions and not neglect the regulatory aspects or risk taking a nasty fine that can reach 350 euros! In this article, you will also find advice on the hiking equipment to provide for you and your dog.

 

Sandaya 54 high-end and dog-friendly campsites

Preparing for your hike with your dog

Equipment, food, clothing… and itinerary: that's all you need to prepare before setting off on a hike with your dog.

On the dog side, here is the equipment to provide:

My dog ​​wears Ruffwear Approach dog bag : a perfect bag for its morphology and which follows us on all our hikes. I put his things in it: croquettes, bowl, mat... everything except the water otherwise the bag is unbalanced at each break. To find out more about packsacks, you can find our comparison of dog hiking bags here.

To complete this list you can read or reread the article: hiking with your dog cannot be improvised...

Hiking in the Pyrenees with a dog

In Pyrenees as elsewhere, it is quite easy to identify where you can hike with your dog or not.

In general, dogs are strictly prohibited in national nature reserves. On the other hand, as far as the regional nature reserves are concerned, each one has its own regulations, to tell the truth. As a general rule, dogs are accepted on a leash in the regional nature reserves, but you will need to check on a case-by-case basis before planning your hike with your dog.

Hiking in the reserves of Atlantic Pyrenees with his dog :

  • Errota Handia Regional Nature Reserve: Dogs tolerated

  • Ossau Valley National Nature Reserve, Important nesting site for Griffon Vultures: Dogs prohibited

Hiking in the reserves of Hautes Pyrenees with his dog :

  • Aulon Regional Nature Reserve: dogs tolerated on a leash

  • Regional Nature Reserve of the Pibeste-Aoulhet massif: dogs tolerated on a leash

  • Néouvielle National Nature Reserve: dogs prohibited

Hiking in the reserves in the Eastern Pyrenees with his dog :

  • National Nature Reserve of the Eyne valley: dogs prohibited

  • Prats de Mollo National Nature Reserve: dogs prohibited

  • Py National Nature Reserve: dogs prohibited

  • National Nature Reserve of Conat: dogs tolerated with hikers

  • Jujols National Nature Reserve: dogs tolerated with hikers

  • Mantet National Nature Reserve: dogs prohibited

  • Massane National Nature Reserve: dogs tolerated on a leash

  • National Nature Reserve of Nohèdes: dogs tolerated on a leash

  • Nyer Regional Nature Reserve: dogs tolerated on a leash

Dogs are often prohibited in national parks and the Pyrenees National Park is no exception to the rule except on the way to the Cirque de Gavarnie up to the Hôtellerie where dogs are tolerated on a leash. The Parc des Pyrénées is made up of two areas: the membership area where dogs are allowed and the core area where they are strictly prohibited. This map of the Pyrenees National Parks provides you with precise details of the two zones. It is possible to hike with your dog in the Regional Natural Parks such as the Ariège Pyrenees PNR and  PNR of the Catalan Pyrenees. It is recommended to keep your dog on a leash while hiking in these areas. Finally, be aware that some municipalities whose mayor has issued an order to this effect may also prohibit them on their territory. It's up to you to do your research before putting on your backpack! These restrictions apply all year round. Information panels are displayed at the entrance to the protected areas to remind you of the rules to follow when hiking in these areas. Why ban dogs? To avoid disturbance and predation of local wildlife. It is not always easy for some of our dogs to resist the call of the marmot, except that it can jeopardize its survival or that of its offspring. Rather than risk such a catastrophe, ALL dogs are prohibited. 

Trekking outing for Musher and his packsack in the Pyrenees!

Hiking in the Alps with a dog

Hiking in the Alps with your dog:

  • Le Vercors massif : Dogs are allowed in the Vercors Regional Nature Park but prohibited in the Hauts Plateaux du Vercors Nature Reserve.

  • Le Chartreuse massif : The Chartreuse regional park authorizes the presence of dogs but the Hauts de Chartreuse nature reserve prohibits their presence. An idea for a walk: the Belvedere of Nonne (1198m) or the Prairie de Girieux (1280m).

  • Le Vanoise massif : Dogs are prohibited in the heart of the Vanoise National Park but are authorized in the membership area, ie on the outskirts. An idea for a walk: Pointe Rousse (2806m).

  • Le Ecrins massif : Dogs are prohibited in the heart of the Écrins National Park but authorized to circulate, kept on a leash, in certain places such as in the Gioberney and Fouronnière car parks at Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, at the Pré de Mme Carle in Pelvoux, at the Dormillouse car park in Freissinières, in the Confolens-le-Bas car park in Périer, on the Enver road in La Grave, on the Vieux Chaillol track in Villar Loubière and on the access path to the Selle refuge in Saint-Christophe-en-Oisans.

  • Le Oisans massif is located largely in the Ecrins National Park which is forbidden to dogs. However, the configuration of the park is rather complicated and it is better to carry a map clearly indicating the boundaries to know where you can go or not.

For example, you can hike between Besse-en-Oisans et severe. Dogs are accepted in this area. You can discover the Black Lake, Lake Lérié or the Emparis plateau.

  • Le Belledonne massif is wonderful to see with your dog, there is no ban, dogs are allowed throughout the massif.

Please note that following the new regulations of the Bauges National Reserve, dogs are no longer accepted in the Bauges massif even on a leash.

Hiking with your dog in the Parks:

  • Regional Natural Park of Queyras : dogs on a leash are accepted
  • National Natural Park of Mercantour : dogs are forbidden

Here is a list that will give you ideas for hiking with your dog in the Alpes : 

  • The village of Monal from where you can reach the black lake.

  • The station seizures

  • Peisey-Nancroix station

  • The area of ​​Arêche-Beaufort which offers 12 km of track in total with the possibility of making smaller loops.

  • The Iron Cross hike in Savoie is also not to be missed.

In Haute-Savoie, it is absolutely necessary to hike with your dog in the village of Sixt-horse-shoe !

Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is three-quarters of the town in a nature reserve, which means that it is subject to certain regulations. As for our companion dogs, they are not allowed everywhere in this reserve.

Hiking with your dog in the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval:

  • The Grenairon refuge

  • The refuge of the fonts

  • The cottage at Lake Gers

  • The Rouget waterfall

  • The Lignon

  • The gorges of the tines

  • The horseshoe circus

For detailed information on these 7 hikes, I invite you to consult the site of theSixt Fer à Cheval tourist office.

In the Alps as elsewhere, when you hike with your dog, beware of patous. These magnificent dogs are excellent herdsmen. And they don't mess with the safety of their sheep, cows or whatever. Accustomed to repelling the attacks of predators like the wolf, they will not give you a gift. In case of meeting, do not approach especially. Keep your dog on a leash and take a wide detour to keep a safe distance, especially if your dog is aggressive. If you can't do that, it's better to wait for the herd to pass and move away to continue your hike.

Do you know TMB? It is a very well-known hike for aficionados of long-distance hikes: the Tour du Mont-Blanc. This involves doing, as its name suggests, the Tour du Mont Blanc over several days. Is it possible with dog? I advise you to follow the route of Hina and Maryon. Maryon did the Tour of Mont Blanc with your dog 2 years ago. They both enjoyed themselves. Locate their circuit more closely by reading the article dedicated to their experience and go hiking with your dog. 

Hiking in the Jura with a dog

Reserves and natural parks, what about going hiking with my dog? Is it possible to hike in the Jura with your dog? Massif less known than the Alps, you can easily cover several kilometers without meeting anyone. Which is very nice! Renowned for its lakes and waterfalls, it is a corner of France that is worth the detour. Nestled between Switzerland and France more exactly, the Jura extends over 4 departments: the Belfort,  Doubs, ,  Jura and l'Ain.

Where to hike with your dog in the Jura massif? : 

  • National nature reserve of the Haute Chaîne du Jura: forbidden to dogs because there are nesting birds on the ground.

  • Haut-Jura Regional Natural Park: it is accessible to dogs throughout the park but must be kept on a leash.

  • For the lakes, the rule is simple: when the beaches are equipped and supervised, dogs are prohibited. When the beaches are forbidden for humans to swim, the same goes for our doggies. On the other hand, they are authorized on the unsupervised beaches of the lakes. See the map of the Jura lakes: https://www.juralacs.com/fr/les-lacs

To see: Lake Vouglan, it is very large and magnificent, you should however avoid all supervised beaches with your dog. The lakes of Ilay, Etival and Narlay are also small restful and welcoming places where our dog friends are accepted. Finally, you can discover the place called “le gringalet” where the regulars of the area are used to walking their dogs.

Some beautiful hikes to discover in the Jura with your dog:

  • Le lac des rousses: allow 2-3 hours to go around. You will spend a wonderful day there with your dog.

  • The waterfalls of Hedgehog, a must-see and dog-friendly site for a great hike with your dog

  • The Langouette waterfalls

  • The tuff waterfalls with a bonus visit to the town of Baume-Les-Messieurs

  • Joux Lake

  • The Risoux forest

  • Hike the Bief de la Chaille

  • Rock of the Lake Hike

  • Lake Lamoura Hike

  • The Siberian chalet is a refuge where you can sleep, super dog friendly. From the chalet, it takes about 1h15 to go to the Cascade du Hérisson, 20 min to go to Les Rousses station and 5 min to go to Lac de Lamoura

At the end of your hike with your dog, it is also advisable to enjoy a wonderful sunset at the belvedere of the 4 lakes, it's amazing!

Find QUALIDOG accommodation in the Jura
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Hiking in the Vosges with a dog

For the whole mass of Vosges, the rules are very simple, dogs are totally prohibited in Natura 2000 protected areas to ensure the protection of species. They are also prohibited in pasture parks, because there are always patous to watch the herds.

Everywhere else in the Vosges, dogs are accepted off-leash if they respond easily to the reminder. Conversely, if your dog responds poorly to the reminder, he will automatically have to be kept on a leash. In the Vosges, the panels are generally very precise. Many signs indicate prohibited areas and areas where your dog must be kept on a leash. Everywhere else, no special restrictions as long as your dog is well behaved.

The most beautiful hikes to try absolutely:

  • The Martinswand Snow Trail
  • The green lake 
  • Around the lake of Gérardmer 
  • Blanchemer Lake
 
Find QUALIDOG accommodation in the Vosges

Hiking in the Massif Central with a dog

The central massif with its dog, quite a program. Forests, lakes, meadows, mountains… the landscapes are so varied that there are a total of 11 regional natural parks and a national park which covers this vast territory the size of Austria. When we think of the Massif Central, we also think of a volcano. This territory is in fact home to most of the French metropolitan volcanoes. It is besides the Puy de Sancy which is the highest summit of the volcanoes of Auvergne.

Reserves and parks, what about my dog: where can I hike with my dog ​​in the Massif Central?  

  • national park Cevennes : dogs accepted in the heart of the park but always kept on a leash

  • Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park: dogs accepted but kept on a leash

  • nature reserve of the Chaudefour Valley : strictly forbidden to dogs.

  • nature reserve of chastreix : strictly forbidden to dogs.

  • Massif of Cézallier, volcanic plateau accessible to dogs

  • Ascent of the Massif de Sancy authorized for dogs by taking the GR 4.

  • GR30 authorized for dogs on a leash. Be careful, a small part of the hike is a protected area prohibited to dogs. It will allow you to discover the most beautiful lakes of Auvergne over more than 200 kms. More than 7 lakes and massifs to discover. Lake Servières, Lake Godivelle, Lake Chauvet…

  • Plain of Limagne allowed to dogs

  • Livradois-Forez allowed to dogs

  • Region of Combrailles also accessible to dogs

  • Chaîne des Puys: is part of the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Natural Park. Your dog must therefore be kept on a leash. You can then stroll around the many volcanoes on footpaths.

Some ideas for hikes to discover absolutely with your dog if you go around Les Puys:

  • Tower of the puy de dome

  • Puy des Goules

  • Puy-de-Jussat

  • Puy de la Vache

  • Puy de Lassola

  • The Puy de Vichatel

  • Puy-de-Paugnat

  • Puy-de-Mercoeur

  • Puy-de-Jume

  • Puy des Gouttes

  • The Puy de Montenar

  • The Puy de Combegrasse

Last tips for hiking in the Massif Central with your dog:

  • Don't let your dog stray and disturb wildlife,

  • Pay attention to the herds and in particular to the cows which can be very aggressive when they have their young with them. Also watch out for patous.

  • Avoid the months of July and August so as not to fall into the months of affluence and strong heat.

These tips are valid for hiking with your dog anywhere in the mountains.

As a simple reminder, if a warden finds you in a national park or in a nature reserve where dogs are theoretically prohibited, you risk a 3rd class fine, i.e. a fine of €350… (Article R331-64 of the Environmental Code)

I hope this article has given you great ideas for hikes and getaways in our French mountains! You will also find lots of great information for hiking with your dog in the Facebook group Dog hiking, hiking with your dog and on the map created by the group where each member shared their best cani-rando.

As soon as you try out a hike with your dog, remember to share it with other Wouafer's by depositing your Address Too W'ouf on line ! Soon a hike with your dog? Don't forget to share your most beautiful duo photos with #emmenetonchien. We will be happy to share them on our Instagram account : )

 

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