Dog-Friendly Paris
Paris Holds the Key!
We spent four days in Paris in August of 2022. This was my third time in Paris, but Alice’s first! Because I had been before, I didn’t feel the need to do the top touristy things. Instead, we focused on enjoying wine, cheese, and croissants with beautiful views! The French are known for treating their dogs very well, and Parisian restaurants are generally dog-friendly. Dogs are not welcome in many parks or museums, though. Dogs are allowed on the metro, and we saw several other dogs riding the train along with us!
Where to Stay
My favorite arrondissements are the 6th and the 9th. We spent the majority of our time at the darling Hôtel Perreyve, one block from Luxembourg Gardens and very close to two metro lines. We had a corner room with two tiny Parisian balconies, and it was just perfect! The staff was extremely kind too.
I did not like our hotel in the 9th (Contact Hotel Alize Montmartre) - the staff was rude, they claimed I hadn’t told them I was bringing a dog even though I absolutely had, and I didn’t love being on a busy, main street. It was also further from Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur than I wanted to be. On a previous trip, a friend and I stayed a couple blocks south of the Pigalle metro stop and I loved this location! Would definitely try to stay in this area again!
Eating & Drinking
I was surprised to find that some cocktail bars did not allow dogs. But cafés and restaurants were very welcoming to Alice. Because we visited during the summer, we were often sitting outside. But the places I’m listing also allow dogs indoors.
Angelina - A must-do in Paris, in my opinion! Is it super touristy and over-priced? Absolutely. But if you love chocolate, you must go. Prepare to wait in line on the sidewalk for a while… I arrived at about 11:00am and was seated after about 40 minutes.
L’Hypothèse - The cheese plate and wine here were incredible, and great staff!
L’Entracte in Palais-Royal - Two of my students are from Paris, and they were in Paris while I was visiting! They so kindly took us to this restaurant, which has outdoor tables inside the gorgeous Palais-Royal Garden.
Le Bonne Franquette - A cute, but busy spot in my favorite neighborhood, Montmartre, a few minutes walk from Sacré-Cœur. We had the sweetest experience here - a family seated outside at the restaurant next door was playing guitar and singing, and inviting everyone to join in. Alice also befriended a four-year-old girl next to us. And then the waiter aggressively hit on me, which was not my favorite part of the evening… but he also gave me free cheese for dessert, which was delightful.
Café Cassette - Beautiful outdoor seating on a hairpin corner, and delicious breakfast options!
Chez Vous - A cute spot for a quick lunch!
Le Bistrot du Croissant - Loved the woman who worked here, and it was a great spot to have a drink and a snack while reading and people-watching.
Mon Paris! - My students took me here for dessert, which was fantastic.
Café Madame - Another cute spot for coffee, breakfast, or lunch.
Le Bota’ - I was a little disappointed with the cheese plate, but loved the wine and vibe of their outdoor space.
In August, the height of tourist season, there were long waits for popular restaurants and I wasn’t able to get in. For example, Café de Flore and Le Maison Rose were too busy and I wasn’t able to go. So if you are hoping to hit a well-known spot like this, make a reservation well ahead of time or get there right as the restaurant opens!
What to Do/See
Unsurprisingly, dogs are not allowed inside museums or churches. However, you can still see some of Paris’s most famous monuments with your furry friend! Some of the parks and gardens in Paris are very dog friendly, some don’t allow dogs at all, and some have specific dog-friendly areas. I’ll list those here too!
The Eiffel Tower / Champ de Mars
While you can’t go up the Eiffel Tower with your dog, you can spend time in the park next to it, Champ de Mars. I recommend bring a bottle of Provénce rosé here for sunset, and enjoy the view when the lights of the tower turn on!
Dogs are only allowed in the southeastern corner of this gorgeous park, but it’s still worth seeing! We walked here a few times, since our hotel was so close.
Walk around the cathedral, then walk along the River Seine! Or walk ten minutes to the friendliest pet store, La Niche.
Arc de Triomphe & Champs-Élysées
Walk around, or under, the gigantic Arc de Triomphe! Afterward, you can stroll down the most well-known shopping street in Paris.
This is my favorite place in all of Paris! if you haven’t been before, leave your pup at home one afternoon and climb the stairs to the top of the basilica. The views are stunning!!! the views from the front of the church are also gorgeous, you can see all of Paris!
Pyramid du Louvre & Jardin du Carrousel
Your doggo may not be allowed inside the Louvre, but you can walk around the grounds outside the museum and see the pyramids? We also has a lovely afternoon lounging in the nearby garden. Tulieries Garden has signs that say no dogs allowed, but the Carousel Garden does not!
If you’re familiar with New York City, this park is a lot like the Highline. Essentially, it’s an elevated park designed over a former railroad!
Dogs are allowed on this hop-on/hop-off boat on the River Seine, but only if they are in a carrier or you hold them the whole time. It was packed and hot when we went, so I would only do this again if it was first thing in the morning, before getting too crowded.
My favorite part of this trip was simply walking along the Seine, and through neighborhoods like Montmartre and St Germain, finding cafés with nice views and reading with a glass of wine. Paris is truly beautiful - you don’t need to over-plan to enjoy it.
Things to Do without Your Dog
If you haven’t been to Paris before, you must take the stairs to the top of the Sacré-Cœur. It’s stunning! I also absolutely loved the Palace of Versailles on my second trip to Paris. Paris also has fun live music venues, like Mojito Habana, that are worth checking out sans pupper.