Southern France holidays with dogs by the sea: The best tips & places
South of France isn't just a paradise for sun worshippers and gourmets—dog owners will also find their dream vacation here. Along the Mediterranean coast, dog-friendly beaches, relaxed holiday homes, and plenty of space to romp around await. We'll show you where you're welcome with your four-legged friend, what you need to keep in mind—and which places you shouldn't miss.
Holidays with dogs in the South of France: sun, sand and snouts
A holiday with your dog on the Mediterranean sounds fantastic – and South of France makes it possible. From the Camargue to the Côte d’Azur to the Languedoc, there are numerous regions where dogs are not only tolerated but warmly welcomed. But which beaches are truly dog-friendly? Where are leash requirements or seasonal restrictions in place? And which accommodations offer genuine comfort for your four-legged friend?
Casapilot has done the research for you – with real experiences from local travelers.
Fresh tracks in the sand: A four-legged friend was already there – snapshot on the beach in southern France
1. The best dog-friendly beaches in the South of France
Piémanson Beach near Salin de Giraud
If you want to enjoy the sea with your dog, the Piémanson Beach](https://emmenetonchien.com/en/plage-chien-autorise/plage-de-piemanson/) near Salin de Giraud is a perfect destination. The beach is relatively quiet and uncrowded, but dogs must be kept on a leash. Dogs are welcome year-round – during the summer months (from June 26th to September 21st), however, only outside the supervised beach area.
The surrounding area is characterized by natural dune landscapes and the typical, wild vegetation of the Camargue. The access leads through impressive salt marshes, and the parking lot is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Also nearby is the approximately 10-kilometer-long Napoléon Beach near Port-Saint-Louis-du-Rhône. Dogs are welcome there, too, except in the area around the rescue station.
Sérignan Nudist Beach: Your Dog is Welcome
Dogs are welcome at the Sérignan Nudist Beach (Le Sérignan Plage Nature), located in the Hérault department. However, for most of the year (from March 15th to September 15th), your four-legged friend must be kept on a leash.
The parking lot near the beach is spacious and easily accessible, but during the summer months, it usually fills up by early afternoon.
Between September 15th and March 14th, dogs are also allowed to romp around there off-leash.
Port d'Alon Beach – Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer
The beach at the Port of Alon in Saint-Cyr-sur-Mer** (Calanque de Port d'Alon) in the Var department is generally allowed for dogs! However, there is the following restriction during the summer months: From April 1st to September 30th, the beach at the Calanque de Port d'Alon and the back beach are unfortunately off-limits to dogs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The rest of the year, there are no restrictions. Your dogs just need to be kept on a leash!
Plage de la Tamarissière (Grau d'Agde)
The only official dog beach around Cap d'Agde – open year-round! Your dog is allowed to run free daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Outside of these hours, dogs must be kept on a leash. In summer (July 5 – August 31), lifeguards are on duty from 11:00 AM to 6:30 PM. With access to the forest, parking, and restroom facilities, the approximately 650-meter-long, fine-sand beach offers optimal conditions for relaxing with your four-legged friend.
Important: Dog waste disposal is mandatory – it is monitored!
Evening mood with a faithful look: A Labradoodle enjoys the sunset in the South of France
2. What should be considered?
Leash and muzzle requirements in the South of France
Leash requirements apply in most municipalities in the South of France, especially on public beaches and in nature reserves. Local regulations such as muzzle requirements or restricted areas may also apply. Check local regulations for current regulations.
Listed Dogs: Category 1 & 2
France distinguishes between two groups for certain dog breeds:
- Category 1 (e.g., Pit Bulls without papers): Entry prohibited
- Category 2 (e.g., American Staffordshire Terriers with FCI papers): Entry permitted, but only with conditions (leash and muzzle requirements, prohibition from certain accommodations/beaches)
Before traveling, you should check whether your dog falls into one of these categories.
Entry requirements for dogs to France
The following requirements apply to allowing your dog to travel with you:
- Microchip identification (according to ISO standards, under the scruff)
- European Pet Passport with:
- Description of the dog
- Name & address of the owner
- Valid rabies vaccination (at least 21 days old; a 3-year vaccination is also accepted if entered in the passport)
- Puppies under 12 weeks old are not permitted to enter the country
- Maximum 5 dogs per person allowed
- For stays over 3 months: Registration in a French pet registry is required
- Otherwise, the general EU regulations for transporting pets apply.
Health & Safety
The Mediterranean can get very hot in summer. Make sure you have enough water, shade, and avoid the midday heat. Sea urchins and sand fleas can also be a threat – especially on rocky coastlines.
3. The most dog-friendly regions
- Camargue: Wide plains, little development, lots of nature. Ideal for long walks and days at the beach. Warning: Bring mosquito repellent – for both dogs and humans.
- Languedoc-Roussillon: Less crowded than the Côte d'Azur, but with many wild beaches and pine forests. Numerous small villages and vineyards offer a dog-friendly atmosphere.
- Côte d'Azur (away from the hotspots): Between Théoule-sur-Mer and Le Lavandou, there are hidden coves where dogs are welcome even in season.
- Tip: Choose luxury accommodations away from the big cities.
Between lavender and summer scent – a Border Collie in Provence
4. Reviews from our guests
Robin & Anja (Pomeranian)
"We booked a charming villa near Nice through Casapilot – ideal for dog owners. Casapilot is known for its high-quality, dog-friendly accommodations on the Côte d'Azur."
What we particularly liked:
- Central location: Beautiful walking paths in the immediate vicinity. Perfect for evening walks.
- Comfort: Modern furnishings with enough space for us and our four-legged friend.
Marc & Luna (Australian Shepherd)
"We spent a day at Piémanson beach. Balou was on a leash, but was still able to explore a lot. The beach was quiet and spacious. We returned to our accommodation in the evening, satisfied."
5. Our holiday homes – so your dog will feel at home
Casapilot offers a wide selection of dog-friendly holiday homes in the South of France – many of them with:
- Fenced gardens
- Close to the beach & walking paths right on your doorstep
- Plenty of space for both humans and pets
Whether rustic natural stone houses in Provence or modern villas on the Côte d'Azur – with us you'll find your perfect holiday home with your dog.
Jump into happiness – a French Bulldog romps on the French beach
Southern France is a dog paradise – if you know where!
With careful planning, your vacation with your dog on the Mediterranean will be a relaxing experience: Dog-friendly beaches, charming accommodations, and a Mediterranean atmosphere await you. With casapilot by your side, you'll find not only an exclusive vacation home, but also a home away from home – even for your four-legged friend. For anyone who loves sun and sea, a beach vacation in the South of France with your dog is just the thing.