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.

Prepare 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 the Ruffwear Approach dog pack : a perfect pack for his build that goes with us on all our hikes. I pack his things in it: kibble, bowl, mat... everything except water, otherwise the pack gets unbalanced every time we stop. To learn more about packs, you can find our comparison of hiking packs for dogs here.

To complete this list, you can read or reread the article: Hiking with your dog is not something you can just wing …

:maple_leaf: Musher's seasonal advice
After a scorching summer, it's time for autumn walks 🍂 But it's also the return of hunting and nighttime outings… To keep an eye on your dog, A GPS tracker for dogs is the tool you need! Explore our comparison of GPS devices for dogs :left_magnifying_eye:

Hiking in the Pyrenees with a dog

In the 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 Pyrenees Atlantiques nature reserves with your dog:

  • Errota Handia Regional Nature Reserve: Dogs tolerated

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

Hiking in the nature reserves of the High Pyrenees with your 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 nature reserves of the Pyrénées-Orientales with your 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, except on the trail from the Cirque de Gavarnie to the Hôtellerie, where dogs are permitted on a leash. The Pyrenees National Park is divided into two zones: the buffer zone, where dogs are allowed, and the core zone, where they are strictly prohibited. This map of the Pyrenees National Park details these two zones. It is possible to hike with your dog in Regional Natural Parks such as the Ariège Pyrenees Regional Natural Park and the Catalan Pyrenees Regional Natural Park . It is recommended to keep your dog on a leash when hiking in these areas. Finally, be aware that some municipalities, whose mayors have issued a local ordinance, may also prohibit dogs within their territory. Be sure to check the regulations before packing your backpack! These restrictions are in effect year-round. Information signs are posted at the entrance to protected areas to remind you of the rules to follow when hiking in these zones. Why are dogs prohibited? To avoid disturbing and preying on local wildlife. It's not always easy for some of our dogs to resist the lure of the marmot, and doing so can jeopardize their survival or that of their 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:

  • The Vercors massif : Dogs are allowed in the Vercors Regional Natural Park but prohibited in the Haut Plateaux du Vercors Nature Reserve.

  • The Chartreuse Mountains : Dogs are allowed in the Chartreuse Regional Park, but they are prohibited in the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve. Suggested hikes include the Nonne viewpoint (1198m) or the Girieux meadow (1280m).

  • The Vanoise massif : Dogs are prohibited in the core area of ​​the Vanoise National Park but are allowed in the buffer zone, i.e., the surrounding area. A suggested hike: Pointe Rousse (2806m).

  • The Ecrins massif : Dogs are prohibited in the heart of the Écrins National Park but are allowed to circulate, on a leash, in certain places such as the Gioberney and Fouronnière car parks in La Chapelle-en-Valgaudemar, Pré de Mme Carle in Pelvoux, the Dormillouse car park in Freissinières, the Confolens-le-Bas car park in Le 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.

  • The Oisans massif is largely located within the Écrins National Park, where dogs are prohibited. However, the park's layout is rather complex, and it's best to carry a map clearly indicating the boundaries to know where you can and cannot go.

For example, you can hike between Besse-en-Oisans and La Grave . Dogs are allowed in this area. You can discover Lac Noir, Lac Lérié, or the Emparis plateau.

  • The Belledonne mountain range is magnificent to see with your dog; there is no prohibition, dogs are allowed throughout the entire range.

Please note that following the new regulations of the Bauges National Reserve, dogs are no longer allowed 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 Alps :

  • 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, you absolutely must hike with your dog in the village of Sixt-fer-à-cheval!

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, please visit the Sixt Fer à Cheval tourist office website.

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.

Are you familiar with the TMB? It's a very popular hike among long-distance hiking enthusiasts: the Tour du Mont Blanc. As the name suggests, it involves hiking around Mont Blanc over several days. Is it possible with a dog? I recommend following Hina and Maryon's route. Maryon hiked the Tour du Mont Blanc with her dog two years ago. They both had a fantastic time. Learn more about their route by reading the article about their experience and then set off on your own hike with your dog.

Hiking in the Jura with a dog

Nature reserves and parks: what about hiking with my dog? Is it possible to hike in the Jura Mountains with your dog? Less well-known than the Alps, you can easily walk for several kilometers without seeing a soul. Which is very pleasant! Renowned for its lakes and waterfalls, it's a corner of France well worth a visit. Nestled between Switzerland and France, the Jura spans four departments: Territoire de Belfort , Doubs , Jura , and 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 lakes, the rule is simple: when beaches are equipped and supervised, dogs are prohibited. When beaches are closed to swimming for humans, the same applies to dogs. However, they are allowed on the unsupervised beaches of the lakes. See the map of 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 Hérisson waterfalls , 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 recommended to enjoy a wonderful sunset at the 4 Lakes viewpoint , it's breathtaking!

Find QUALIDOG accommodation in the Jura
hiking with a dog - canirando - dog holidays - EmmeneTonChien

Hiking in the Vosges with a dog

Throughout the Vosges Mountains , the rules are very simple: dogs are completely prohibited in Natura 2000 protected areas to ensure the protection of species. They are also prohibited in grazing areas, as Pyrenean Mountain Dogs (Patous) are always present to guard the flocks.

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?  

  • Cévennes National Park : dogs are allowed in the heart of the park but must always be kept on a leash

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

  • Chaudefour Valley Nature Reserve : dogs are strictly prohibited.

  • Chastreix nature reserve : dogs are strictly prohibited.

  • Cézallier Massif , a volcanic plateau accessible to dogs

  • Dogs are allowed to climb the Sancy Massif by following the GR 4 trail.

  • 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

  • The Combrailles region is also dog-friendly.

  • 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.

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

I hope this article has given you some great ideas for hikes and getaways in our French mountains! You'll 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 has shared their best dog hikes.

As soon as you try a hike with your dog, remember to share it with other Wouafer's by submitting your "Too Woof" address online! Planning a hike with your dog soon? Don't forget to share your best photos of the two of you with #emmenetonchien (bringyourdog). We'd love to share them on our Instagram account 🙂

 

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