Ticketing Book
Vacances avec mon chien

Holidays with my dog: an unforgettable Pyrenean adventure

What about going on holiday with your dog? The Pyrenees are the perfect destination for sharing moments of complicity with your faithful companion. Hiking trails, lakes to splash about in, dog-friendly accommodation… Everything you need to enjoy a holiday in the great outdoors with your fur ball.
Here’s an account of the holiday we shared with my husband and our dog. Walks, swimming, unexpected encounters… Every day was a new adventure. Here are our favourites and our top tips for getting away with your dog in the Pyrenees!

Follow the guide
on all fours!

If you have an energetic dog, he’ll love the wide open spaces of the Pyrenees! There are plenty of hiking trails to suit all abilities. You don’t need to be an experienced hiker to enjoy them. Walks quickly turn into adventures, especially when your dog sets off in search of new scents or embarks on a (harmless) pursuit of a butterfly.

For our first walk, we chose the Port de Balès trail. It’s an easy, accessible trail, ideal for beginners. Klipo, our dog, loved the little water holes along the way where he could cool off. The path is lined with flowery meadows and offers incredible views over the valley. Another favourite was the hike to Lac Vert. You pass through cool forests, over wooden bridges and arrive at the edge of the lake in a magical setting that lends itself perfectly to a well-deserved picnic break!

Canirando plateau d'Uls

Dog-friendly
dog-friendly

There’s no question of leaving Klipo at home! In the Pyrenees, it’s easy to find pet-friendly accommodation. Whether you’re looking for a cosy gîte, a warm chambre d’hôte or a comfortable hotel, you’ll find what you’re looking for.
We put down our suitcases (and the dog’s basket) in a super-friendly gîte in Saint-Béat-Lez. The owners love animals and made us feel at home straight away.

We loved the fenced garden where Klipo could stretch his legs in complete safety, the nearby footpaths for morning and evening walks and the warm welcome from the hosts, who shared good addresses and tips. Before booking, I advise you to check the policies of the establishment (some limit the size or number of dogs). But on the whole, the region is very dog-friendly!

Logement accueil chien Pyrénées

Swimming allowed
(and guaranteed splashes)

There’s nothing like a break by the water to cool off after a hike. The good news is that some lakes in the Pyrenees are dog-friendly!
Klipo fell in love with Lake Badech.

It’s the perfect place to give him a bit of freedom (while respecting the local rules). The water is clear, there’s plenty of shade and space to run and play.

And it works in the snow too!

Canirando neige

A few rules
to follow:

So that everyone can enjoy nature in harmony, there are a few simple rules to follow:

  • Respect local bans (some lakes do not allow dogs to swim)
  • Keep your lead close at hand, especially if there are families or other animals around. It’s best to avoid unpleasant surprises!
  • Pick up after your dog (yes, even in the great outdoors!).
  • Take water. Dogs dehydrate quickly, especially in summer.
  • Ewes and cows are sometimes watched over by guard dogs (patous).

These dogs have a very strong protective instinct and may perceive your dog as a threat to the herd. To avoid any problems, keep your dog on a lead when in the presence of a herd, do not approach or pet the animals, and go around the herd if you come across one.

A good reminder of the need for hikers, shepherds and animals to live together.

Checklist for a
stay with your dog

For a stress-free holiday, here’s my checklist of essentials not to forget:

  • First-aid kit: tick tweezers, antiseptic, bandages.
  • Hiking equipment: water bottle, collapsible bowl, treats, 10-metre lanyard.
  • Sleeping equipment: blanket or small mat for sleeping at the gîte.
  • Local vet’s number (you never know!).

The Pyrenees are paradise for holidays with a dog. We love them for their freedom, with accessible trails, dog-friendly accommodation, lakes for swimming, memorable encounters (shepherds, patous, cows, horses) and for the memories that will last a lifetime: seeing your dog run free in the wild is priceless.

Création Com Together
Pyrénées 31 | All rights reserved | Mentions légales | Politique de confidentialité