Pets
Pets and your French gites
Spending your holiday together with your dog in France can be made a reality with NOVASOL. In many villas, apartments and gites in France you can happily bring your pet along for no additional fee. Your four-legged friend is a welcome guest in our especially selected holiday homes and apartments. Simply make sure you set the pet field to YES and you will be displayed the holiday cottages in France suitable for your pet. The following information has been compiled to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing, but it is always advised to check the French Embassy for updated rules.
Beach walks near your gites in France
Although dogs are generally not allowed on the beaches, there are few issues with this. Even the French take their dogs to the beaches. Enjoy holiday homes in France near the Aquitaine region, with its many long and fine sandy beaches along the Atlantic coast towards Spain. Or rent Corsica villas for beautiful bays. Alternatively, you can rent gites in Normandy or Brittany, where the beaches are less frequented and there may be opportunities to let your dog off the leash. Be sure to inquire locally at the respective tourist office, if and where there are dog beaches and which rules apply.
Entry requirements for your dog-friendly holidays
In addition to the Europe-prescribed entry requirements for pets like having a chip, the animal needs a pet passport and proof of a valid rabies vaccination before you book holiday homes in France. With entry of more than 5 animals and of animals younger than 3 months, a special permit from the Ministère de l'Agriculture is required. 1st category ‘attack dogs’ are not prohibited. 2nd category dogs (including Rottweilers) are allowed if the dog is registered and approved. On public roads, public places and in public transport the dogs in the second category must be led by an adult with a leash and muzzle.
Important times when renting dog-friendly cottages
Remember that the easiest time to book holiday cottages in France with your dog is during spring or late summer, when there may be an official release of beaches for dogs specifically for low season. This is the best time to enjoy the outdoor space without overcrowding and also to get the best pick of pet friendly cottages before the summer rush. Officially dogs in France from April to October are not be locked in parked cars - not even if you leave it open a crack the window and if your car is in the shade.
Service - Why NOVASOL?
At NOVASOL, we take service very seriously. It is very important for our guests to feel at home and comfortable throughout their French self-catering holidays, and our local staff in each destination are there to make sure that there is no wish left unanswered. Especially when travelling with young family members and pets, we want to be there for you before, during and after your self-catering trip! With over 40,000 holiday homes in 29 destinations across Europe and over 4,000 of these in France, our general experience coupled with local know-how is a winning combination to make your self-catering holiday in France relaxing, exciting and memorable for all the right reasons.