Paris is a city that is difficult to summarize. It contains so many layers and nuances that it feels like it can never be fully comprehended. Paris means something different to everyone.
For some, it's coffee and croissants, evening bistros and bustling cafes. For others, it's the smell of roasted chestnuts in the street. Some like Saint-Louis island with its mysterious mansions, while others prefer the Eiffel Tower, which attracts tourists from all over the world. There are also travelers who come to admire the architecture. After all, what would Paris be without the avant-garde lines of La Defense or the Montparnasse tower? Without Notre Dame bathed in twilight, or the seemingly endless Louvre?
To understand what Paris really is, you need to visit it. Wander through its quiet streets at night, try the local food, and walk along the Saint-Martin canal. If you are thinking of visiting the French capital with your pet - don’t hesitate to do so. Your trip will be better than you could’ve imagined!
What to Do in Paris: Places You Should Absolutely Visit with Your Pet
Paris has an enormous number of sights - and you need a lot of time to get around to all of them. We recommend starting with the Eiffel Tower. It has enough space to walk your dog and get a feel for the scale of the building. If you come here after dark, you will see the city’s iconic symbol wonderfully illuminated.
Another important symbol of the French capital is the Seine River. Walk along the embankment, see the ships and river buses, and turn onto quiet side streets. This is an especially amazing place when it gets dark; the muffled light of the streetlights creates a romantic and inspiring atmosphere.
By the way, there are 37 bridges in Paris spanning the Seine. How many of them are you ready to cross with your furry friend?
There is also a lovely island on the Seine known as “City Island”. It is considered the historical center of Paris and is connected to it by nine bridges. If you choose to visit, you will see famous sights, amazing architectural monuments, local cafes, and beautiful parks. This is where you can find France’s first cathedral, the Gothic-style Cathedral of Notre Dame de Paris.
The Champs Elysees, considered to be the most beautiful street in France, can serve as the next milestone on your walk. The name “Champs-Elysees” comes from Elysium - the ancient island reserved for heroes and the righteous, whom the gods awarded with immortality. The street stretches from Concorde Square to the Arc de Triomphe. You will especially like the Champs-Elysees in wintertime. That’s when the trees along the road are all decorated with Christmas lights.
The main stretch of the Champs-Elysees is about a mile long, but if you are interested in walking along this avenue with your pet, it’s best to set aside at least a couple of hours. It's so wonderful to enjoy the atmosphere and take your time. If you want to see the local parks and monuments along the way, well, you could easily spend all day here and not even notice.
The Tuileries Garden is located in the very center of Paris. You will be amazed at how French elegance seems to permeate everything: the strict geometry of the alleyways, the rows of trees, and the antique sculptures. Also within the park is the Orangerie Museum, exhibiting works by famous impressionist and post-impressionist artists. This is a special place where time seems to slow down, everything gets quieter, and the atmosphere relaxes. Head here to get away from the bustle of the city. There are many secluded places where you can walk, drink coffee, and just read a book while your pet basks in the sun.
We are of the opinion that you can’t get fully acquainted with the capital of France without visiting the Montmartre district, where Picasso, Van Gogh, Renoir, and many other master artists lived and worked.
Everything here is filled with the spirit of art. Famous sights that you can visit with your dog include: the Wall of Love, where the cherished phrase is written in several languages, the “Man Passing Through the Wall” monument, and Pigalle Square, which is similar to the “red light district” of Amsterdam. You can also see the Moulin Rouge cabaret, the largest Catholic cathedral in France, the Sacré-Coeur, and the Pink House cafe.
Well, if you’ve had enough fancy buildings, but still want to take some cool photos, head on over to one of the most beautiful corners of Paris - the Rue Cremieux. This is a very old street paved with stone, bounded on both sides by colorful British-style houses and living plants. It’s almost 500 feet long and a little over 20 feet wide. Some houses have cafes, shops, and souvenir stands on the ground floor, some of which you can visit with your dog. When going for a walk along this street, don’t forget to bring a good camera to take a photo with your pet.
Would you like to walk some more in the parks? Visit the Luxembourg Garden, adjacent to the 17th-century palace of the same name. Here you can take a break from the city noise, admire the beautiful architecture and enjoy a fresh, crispy baguette with a bottle of dry French wine as you sprawl out on the green grass.
If you are determined to take home some memorable souvenirs, then you will enjoy shopping at the flea markets. It’s always a thrilling experience. These places usually have an atmosphere all their own, and each country is different.
This is where you can find cheap, yet hard-to-find items with long histories. One of these markets, Saint-Ouen, is located in the suburbs of Saint-Ouen. It was founded in the 19th century and covers an area of seventeen acres. Here you can buy antique figurines, dishes, clothing, paintings, jewelry, furniture, and much more. You’ll be able to walk away with a souvenir that will forever remind you of Paris, or you can send it to someone as a gift.
After such a noisy bazaar, you’ll probably be looking for a more laid back atmosphere. In that case, visit the Bois de Vincennes - the largest green area in Paris. This place is perfect for long walks in nature. The locals even called it “the lungs of the city”. The park features four lakes, pedestrian eco-paths, and bicycle lanes. You can take a boat ride, have a picnic, stroll through the botanical garden, visit the zoo and arboretum, step inside a Buddhist temple, or see a beautiful medieval fortress. The Bois de Vincennes has something for everyone. You should set aside a whole day to get the most out of your time here.
Paris is a huge city, so if you want to see it in its entirety, you should certainly find somewhere to stay. We recommend choosing a hotel that allows you to check in with your pet.
Dog Friendly Hotels in Paris
This 3-star dog-friendly hotel is located in the center of Paris, a couple of minutes' walk from the Cour Saint-Emilion metro station. The historic city center can be reached in ten minutes. There are also large shops nearby.
Each room has satellite TV and a telephone, plus a bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer so you can freshen up after a walk.
Every morning, the Prince Albert Opera offers a continental buffet breakfast: croissants, rolls, cheese, yogurt, fruit, coffee, tea, juice, jam, and breakfast cereals. There is also a vending machine with drinks.
Pets are limited to 11 pounds and are assessed at an additional 5 euros per day.
This hotel (4 stars) is located in the heart of Paris on Rue Lafayette, close to the Opera Garnier, the old Drouot auction house, and the Grands Boulevards. There are many cafes and restaurants nearby.
The rooms here have a modern style of cream and chocolate tones. Each room comes with air conditioning, a private bathroom, and free Wi-Fi. The reception desk is open 24/7, seven days a week.
In the mornings, hot breakfasts, coffee, tea, and fruit are prepared for guests. There is also a bar and a restaurant on site.
To check into this hotel with a dog, please inform the administrators in advance regarding your arrival. Pet accommodation is paid separately and is 10 euros per day.
The 5-star Paris Bastille Boutet is located in the heart of Paris, half an hour's walk from the Bastille Opera. A little farther are the Place de la République and the Place des Vosges.
The rooms have cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and a kettle. Each room at this dog-friendly hotel is air conditioned and has a private bathroom. There is a communal pool and a spa center with a Turkish bath free of charge to visit.
A buffet breakfast is prepared daily in the breakfast room (room service is also available). You will be offered tea, coffee, juice, croissants, danishes, cereal, butter, nut cream, honey, jam, fruit salad, and other dishes.
When making a reservation here, you should notify the administrator that you will be arriving with a pet so that the staff have time to prepare the room. There is no additional fee. Food and water bowls are available upon request.
Well now, it will certainly take you more than a week to see all the interesting places in Paris with your pet. Moreover, one small article isn’t enough to contain all the information about this world-famous city of romantics, writers, and artists. But at least now you know about the most exciting sights that you and your dog can visit during your travels here.
Come to Paris to experience a one-of-a-kind atmosphere of antiquity, taste the best French cuisine, and enjoy numerous architectural masterpieces!
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