The Ultimate Guide For Solo Travel With Your Dog To Paris

ByMelissa Byron

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Have you ever thought about taking a solo trip to Paris with your dog? Sounds a little crazy, right? Well, I thought so too—until I did it!

After a lot of research, I discovered that France, like many European countries, is known for being quite dog-friendly. 

From hotels to cafés to beautiful parks, everything I read suggested that Paris makes it relatively easy to bring along a well-behaved pup. So, I decided to give it a try!

With my dog, Teddy, by my side, we headed to Paris—just in time for the magical Christmas Markets! As a solo traveler, I’ve experienced my fair share of lonely moments, but bringing Teddy along? Total game changer. 

Instant companionship, endless fun, and a fresh way to experience one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

But here’s the thing: it’s not all dog biscuits and belly rubs. There are a lot of things to think about before you head to Paris. 

That’s why I put together this guide to help you navigate the whole “traveling alone with your dog” thing.

The One Thing I Wish I Knew Before Traveling Solo With My Dog

When you’re prepared, traveling with your dog is amazing. Seriously, there’s nothing like it. But if something goes wrong, it can get really scary really fast. Trust me, I’ve been there.

My first solo trip with my dog was to Valencia, Spain. I thought I had everything figured out—snacks, toys, cozy blankets, you name it. But there was one major thing I totally overlooked: what to do in an emergency.

If you’re in a country where you don’t speak the language—and for me, that was Spanish—you need to know where to go if your dog needs help.

And not just “a vet,” but one who speaks your language. Because let me tell you, in an emergency, trying to stay calm and figure out how to explain what’s wrong is not the vibe.

In my case, my dog needed care, and I had to call five different vets before I found one who could help. FIVE. It was super stressful, but luckily, we found someone, and my pup was okay.

Looking back, that experience taught me a huge lesson: always research emergency vets before you go. 

Find ones near where you’re staying, and make sure they can communicate in your language. It’s such a small thing that makes a huge difference.

Honestly, I probably wouldn’t have thought to write this post if it weren’t for that whole ordeal. But here we are. Hopefully, you can learn from my mistakes and feel more confident about taking your dog along on your next trip—whether it’s to Paris, Valencia, or anywhere else.

PRO TIP: Check out this Televet Services open 24 hours in Paris

Getting Your Dog Into Paris, France

If you follow the steps, you can take your dog to Paris from the U.S. or another EU country. France allows dogs to enter with proper documentation, including a microchip, an up-to-date rabies vaccination, and an EU health certificate endorsed by the USDA. 

However, it’s important to research the specific requirements, as rules can vary by country and change over time.

Additionally, each airline has its own policies regarding pet travel, including size restrictions, carrier guidelines, and fees. 

To ensure a smooth trip, check both the destination’s regulations and your airline’s policies well in advance.

Melissa standing in a Parisian square holding a small fluffy dog, with festive Christmas trees, historic architecture, and holiday decorations in the background.
Teddy, peeking out of a black pet carrier on a Paris metro, with bright interior lighting and passengers in the background.

How Easy is it to Travel with Your Dog Alone in Paris? 

Paris is a dog-friendly place, but the ease of travel with your dog largely depends on your dog. You need to be honest with yourself about how well-behaved your dog is normally. 

Do you struggle with your dog on a leash? Is your dog quiet and well-behaved in social settings like restaurants? Can you count on your dog to be relaxed and friendly on public transport? 

If you can’t answer yes to every question, should you really be traveling alone with your dog for fun? 

Being in a foreign country alone can pose challenges; you don’t want to add to your stress with a dog who is misbehaving. 

So, while I loved my solo trip to Paris with my dog Teddy, the experience may differ depending on your dog.

Quick List of Places You CAN’T Visit With Your Dog

  1. The Louvre Museum – Only service animals are permitted.
  2. Orsay Museum – Pets are not allowed inside.
  3. Palace of Versailles – Dogs are not permitted in the palace or gardens.
  4. Notre-Dame Cathedral – Only service dogs are allowed inside.
  5. Sainte-Chapelle – No pets allowed.
  6. The Pantheon – Only service animals can enter.
  7. Montparnasse Tower – Pets are not allowed to enter.
  8. Paris Catacombs – Dogs are strictly prohibited.
  9. Sacré-Cœur – Pets are not allowed, including on the stairs leading up to the church.
  10. Eiffel Tower – Only service animals are allowed within the Eiffel Tower.

Do ALL Restaurants and Cafes in Paris Accept Dogs?

The short answer is “it depends”. Is your dog in a carrier? If so, you will have a much easier time eating wherever you please. 

But if you are traveling with a medium to large dog you do want to check ahead and look for signs that say ‘chiens interdits’ (dogs forbidden), ‘pas de chien’. 

In my experience, I have been welcomed with my dog at every bistro and cafe I visited on my trip. I will go into detail about where those dogs are shortly. 

Melissa, a fluffy Pomeranian stands on a Parisian café chair, paws resting on the table, curiously watching a waiter serving nearby. The cozy street scene is visible through the window.
Melissa wearing a black beret and striped sweater holds a fluffy Pomeranian dog in a cozy Parisian café. A cup of coffee and a biscuit sit on the table in front of her, with a decorated window and city street in the background.

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Where to Stay in Paris With Your Dog

When picking the perfect place to stay in Paris with your pup, the neighborhood vibe totally matters. 

Some areas are energized, while others are more relaxed and park-filled—perfect for leisurely dog walks.

When it comes to choosing a hotel, you should double-check on whether the rooms have carpet or hardwood floors. I stupidly assumed all pet-friendly hotels would have hardwood floors.

Here are four of my favorite neighborhoods for a dog-friendly Parisian adventure:

Reception desk of a dog-friendly hotel in Paris, featuring a welcoming environment with a minimalist design and warm lighting.
A cozy lobby in a dog-friendly Paris hotel decorated with a Christmas tree, offering a relaxing atmosphere for guests and their pets.

1. Le Marais

This trendy and historic neighborhood is full of charm. Think cobblestone streets, cute little shops, and café terraces perfect for people-watching (or dog-watching, honestly). 

The only downside is that the neighborhood has no official off-leash dog parks. But you can walk about 20 minutes or so to one. 

It’s a great neighborhood to walk your dog in; just not let it run free. 

A Parisian building with ornate balconies, featuring a café adorned with pink flowers and striped awnings at the corner of a busy street.
A grand church with a clock on its facade and red doors, surrounded by cobblestone streets and neighboring buildings.

Pet-Friendly Hotels  in Le Marais:

*With all hotels, be sure to indicate when booking that you will be bringing a pet

Dog-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants in Le Marais:

A dog-friendly café storefront in Paris named "Le Bone Appart," featuring colorful leashes, a festive garland, and a special dog menu displayed outside.
A cozy Parisian shop with stone walls, displaying shelves of colorful clothing, toys, and baked goods. A dog illustration and other artistic sketches are pinned to the counter.

Nearby Parks and Green Spaces:


There is no official off-leash dog park in Le Marais. The closest park is Espace canin du Mail Pierre Desproges in the 11th arrondissement

Pet Supply and Boutiques in Le Marais:

English-Speaking Vets in Le Marais:

2. Saint-Germain-des-Prés

This area is all about classic Parisian elegance. It’s a little posh, a little artsy, and has tons of chic cafés and boutique shops. Bonus?

You’re just a short stroll away from the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, which is dog-friendly in designated areas.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Prés:

Dog-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants Saint-Germain-des-Prés:

Nearby Parks and Green Spaces Saint-Germain-des-Prés:

  • South end of Jardin du Luxembourg – 75006. Look for dog-designated areas on the east and dog-friendly paths.

Pet Boutiques Saint-Germain-des-Prés:

English-Speaking Vets in Saint-Germain-des-Prés:

3. Montmartre

Montmartre has that dreamy, artsy village-on-a-hill vibe. It’s quieter than the city center, with lots of charming streets for leisurely walks.

Plus, Sacré-Cœur and its surrounding green spaces make for a scenic spot to hang out with your pup.

But be advised that you can not specifically bring your dog to the Sacré-Cœur area. I mistakenly thought the grounds were ok to walk my dog, but they are not.

View of the Sacré-Cœur Basilica from the bottom of a staircase leading up the Montmartre hill, showcasing the lush greenery and clear skies.
A sign at the entrance to Square Louise Michel near Sacré-Cœur displaying prohibitions, including no dogs allowed on the staircase, alongside other park rules and regulations.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in Montmartre:

Dog-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants in Montmartre:

Nearby Parks and Green Spaces in Montmartre:

A woman and her dog enjoying a sandy dog park in Paris with a panoramic view of the cityscape and Eiffel Tower in the background.
Several dogs and their owners interacting at a bustling dog park in Paris, showcasing an engaging community atmosphere.

Pet Boutiques in Montmartre:

English-Speaking Vets in Montmartre:

4. 9th Arrondissement

The 9th arrondissement is a mix of elegance and local charm. Its tree-lined streets, cozy cafés, and historic architecture make it a lovely area to explore with your dog.

It’s central, less touristy, and perfect for relaxed walks or finding dog-friendly spots nearby.

A food market in the 9th district in Paris.

Pet-Friendly Hotels in the 9th Arrondissement:

Dog-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants in the 9th Arrondissement:

Nearby Parks and Green Spaces in the 9th Arrondissement:

  • Square Montholon (not an official dog park, but a green space to walk your dog.

Pet Boutiques  in the 9th Arrondissement:

English-Speaking Vets  in the 9th Arrondissement:

Taking Your Dog On Public Transit in Paris

You can absolutely take your dog on all the trains in France. The only exception is the Eurostar, which connects France to the UK. 

Otherwise, your pup is welcome on the trains! Remember that the trains in Paris can be extremely crowded during rush hour, so if it makes your dog anxious or aggressive, that is something to be mindful of. 

Melissa rides a Paris metro, carrying Teddy in a cozy backpack carrier, blending practicality and Parisian style.
Teddy, a fluffy Pomeranian dog peeks out from a pet carrier backpack on a train, surrounded by passengers. The setting shows the interior of a modern public transit car with reflections on the windows and rows of seats.

Taxis & Uber with your Dog in Paris

Taking a taxi or Uber during your stay in Paris could challenging, it just depends on the driver. I experienced no issues because my dog was in his carrier. 

But I have read that if you are traveling with a dog outside of a carrier, it can be tough to get a ride. There are special resources such as:

Things You Can And Can Not Do With Your Dog in Paris

What You Can Do With Your Dog

  1. Walk Along the Seine
    • Dogs are welcome on the paths along the Seine River, perfect for a scenic stroll.
  2. Visit Dog-Friendly Cafés and Restaurants
    • Many cafés and restaurants, especially those with outdoor terraces, allow dogs. Always check with the staff before sitting down.
  3. Enjoy Dog-Friendly Parks
    • Designated areas in parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg (east end), Bois de Vincennes, and Bois de Boulogne allow dogs.
  4. Explore Parisian Streets and Neighborhoods
    • Stroll through dog-friendly neighborhoods like Le Marais, Canal Saint-Martin, and Montmartre.
  5. Take Public Transport (With Restrictions)
    • Small dogs in carriers are allowed on buses, metro, and RER. Larger dogs can travel on the RER with a muzzle and a ticket.
  6. Ride the Big Bus and L’Open Tour if inside a carrier. You can also take the Batobus Hop on Hop off boat. Small dog in carrier, and if no carrier, must be leashed with a muzzle. 

What You Can’t Do With Your Dog

  1. Enter Museums and Historical Sites
    • Dogs are not allowed inside museums like the Louvre, Orsay, or other major historical landmarks, even if they are in a carrier. I was turned away.
  2. Walk Your Dog Off-Leash (in Most Areas)
    • Paris has strict leash laws, and most areas require dogs to be leashed. Off-leash is allowed only in specific parks like the Bois de Vincennes or Bois de Boulogne.
  3. Access Certain Parks and Gardens
    • Some iconic spots, like the Champ de Mars (grass areas) and parts of the Tuileries Gardens, are not dog-friendly.
  4. Shop Inside Grocery Stores and Some Retail Stores
    • Dogs are not permitted in grocery stores or most non-pet retail stores.
  5. Ride Public Transport Without a Carrier or Muzzle
    • Small dogs must be in carriers, and large dogs must wear a muzzle when riding the RER.
  6. Stay in Certain Rentals or Hotels
    • Some accommodations do not allow pets, so confirm before booking.

Is It Worth Traveling to Paris With Your Dog? 

If you travel with your dog to Paris, you will have to forgo your freedom and ability to visit some major sights unless you leave your dog at the hotel alone (if allowed). 

I have been to Paris many times, so when I decided to go with my dog this time around it worked out perfectly. I didn’t need to worry about not getting into some museum or tourist attraction that he wouldn’t be allowed to visit. 

So ultimately, you have to weigh the pros and cons of traveling with your dog to see if it is a good idea for you. 

Have Questions? Just contact me! I would love to help you!

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Melissa Byron

Melissa Byron, a seasoned solo traveler since 2009, is the founder & visionary behind A Solo Woman Traveling. Drawing from her extensive personal experience globetrotting solo to over 40 countries, she has dedicated herself to a mission: crafting invaluable guides and itineraries for women who embark on solo adventures.

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