When and where are dogs banned at beaches in France?
Communes are able to set own rules – those who do not comply face fines
Many - but not all - beaches ban dogs during the summer
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Dog-owners wanting to take their pets for a walk along the beach in France this summer must check beforehand if they are allowed.
While there is no national ban on dogs at beaches – unlike with smoking – local authorities can prohibit them from public areas such as beaches via a local decree.
If in place, taking your dog to the beach is forbidden and those breaking the rules risk a fine which varies, usually between €11 and €68.
In most cases, the bans apply to dogs off or on-lead, although the latter are permitted in some cases.
Guide dogs are always permitted at beaches.
Rules vary between communes
The rules vary as they are set by local authorities, but they do follow a general pattern.
Bans are usually in place between June 1 and September 30, although they can start as early as April, and end slightly earlier, particularly in the north where beaches get cooler faster.
In some cases, dogs are allowed on the beach early in the morning and at night, giving owners the time to walk them when the beaches are not busy.
Again, this varies from commune to commune, but is usually before 09:00 or 10:00 and after 19:00.
In some areas, only parts of the beach may be off-limits, allowing dogs and owners partial access. These areas will be clearly signed at the beach or stated in the decree.
How to know the rules?
The best course of action – and the way to find out the specific regulations – is to check the mairie’s website or local tourism board office or website.
The plages.tv website offers a list of beaches where there are no restrictions in place and dogs are fully permitted, although the site may not be up to date.
Keep your dog – and others – safe
Some general rules should be followed on beaches where dogs are permitted.
Dogs should wear a collar with your contact information in case they get lost. You should also keep an eye on your animal at all times, both for its safety and not to annoy other people.
If your dog goes into the water, make sure to rinse and dry it thoroughly to prevent infection.
Finally, make sure your dog has access to water and stays out of the sun for parts of the day – they can also suffer from heatstroke.
Further tips can be seen on the SPA (French animal protection charity) website.
Read more: How to register your dog in France
