If you’re planning on visiting Normandy on your family holiday with your pooch, then you’ve come to the right place. We found that France in general is so welcoming to dogs, and we were shocked to be told that dogs were allowed in some of the fanciest restaurants! This guide lists all the dog-friendly attractions that you can find along Normandy’s coast, so you can make sure that your pet has a great time as well! From visits to historic sites and museums to relaxing at the beach, there are plenty of dog-friendly activities for both you and your pet to enjoy your family travel!
Dog Friendly Beaches in Normandy
There are a variety of dog friendly beaches in Normandy for you to visit. Many of these beaches historical dating back to the Normandy Landings. These beaches, like most beaches in France and Europe, have a wide variety of dogs on them so don’t expect to be by yourself or without any pooches around! Your best bet is taking your dog to one of these five great spots: Plage de Bénouville, Cap d’Antifer, Les Sept Îles, Saint Adresse, and Cabourg. A personal favourite of our dog Kingsley had to be the long beach at Houlgate, with plenty of sea and sand for him to run and splash around to his heart's content. Plenty of cafes and bars for the humans to refresh too!
Bayeux
Bayeux is a great stop for history lovers and dog owners alike. Walking the streets with Kingsley was great to take in a part of history with my little friend. The medieval town of Bayeux was immortalized by one of the most famous scenes from World War II: The Miracle at Utah Beach – General Dwight D. Eisenhower’s troops storming the coastline of Normandy in World War II. Today, you can see where it all began on Omaha Beach, just a short walk away from Bayeux’s historic center. If you want to learn more about WWII, head over to Musée de la Seconde Guerre Mondiale (The Museum of WWII). Here you will find an impressive collection of military equipment as well as original letters and photographs that document life during wartime.
Etretat
The photo opportunities here are amazing. The charming port town of Etretat is located on a narrow strip of land surrounded by steep cliffs on both sides. This means that you’ll find plenty of opportunities for walking and hiking! So, for those looking for dog friendly activities in Etretat, France, we recommend visiting one of several nearby towns from the coastal walks that offer plenty of fun things to see and do with dogs.
Le Havre
Located in Northern France, Le Havre is a medium-sized city that has become a favorite among dog owners. There are numerous pet stores, veterinarians, and grooming services in town, making it easy for you to take care of all of your pooch’s needs. If you enjoy visiting cafes and restaurants but still want to be able to bring along fur friends, consider heading to The Beach on Quai de Caligny or Bella Vita on Rue Surcouf.
Ouistreham Coastal Walk
Ouistreham is a picturesque port town in northwest France. It’s also known as one of Europe’s best spots for dogs; Ouistreham welcomes dog owners to its waterfront area, which is dotted with cafes and hotels that offer a friendly welcome for four-legged travelers. You can walk along Ouistreham’s coastal path, which stretches nearly five miles from La Madeleine Beach to Arromanches-les-Bains. Along the way, you’ll pass by some of Omaha Beach’s most iconic landmarks: The Colleville American Cemetery, where 9,387 U.S. soldiers are buried; and Pointe du Hoc—the site where 150 U.S.
Mont Saint Michel Cathedral (Abbey of St. Michael the Archangel)
A must-see for both humans and pups alike! Located on a rocky island off France’s north coast, Mont Saint Michel is one of Europe’s most iconic landmarks. First and foremost, Mont Saint Michel has been a religious pilgrimage site for centuries: According to legend, in 708 St. Aubert, bishop of Avranches, saw an archangel standing atop Mount Tomelus (the original name for Mont Saint Michel). Aubert built a chapel there to honor his vision and dedicated it to St. Michael—hence its modern name—but it wasn’t until 1066 that Benedictine monks established a monastery there.
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