Is Paris Dog-Friendly? My Honest Experience After 80,000 Steps
- Justine Bezzina
- Sep 14
- 4 min read
So, I was in Paris last weekend for 4 days and, let me tell you, I walked.
Like, really walked. Around 80,000 steps in total (thank you, health app).
Now, as much as I would’ve loved to bring Rodrigo (my beloved dog and life co-pilot), I left him at home because unless your dog fits in a handbag, traveling with dogs over 10kg in Europe is a pain. Most airlines force them into the cargo hold. And for a short trip like this? Not worth the stress — for either of us.
That said, since I had no fluffy companion to entertain, I went full detective-mode to answer the age-old question:
👉 Is Paris dog-friendly?
🐕 Verdict? Not Really.
Here’s the thing. I walked through multiple districts, stopped at at least 5 different parks, and only ONE of them was dog-friendly.
One !
That rare gem was Parc Monceau in the 8ᵉ arrondissement. It’s a lovely park, with wide lawns and shady benches. The best part? They had a sign saying that from 1st September to 14th October, dogs were allowed off-leash in a fenced-off "experimental zone." Rodrigo would’ve loved it. 😭
But everywhere else? No dogs allowed. Nope. Nada. Not even the classic tail wag could’ve gotten us in.
🚫 Parks I Visited That Were Not Dog-Friendly
❌ Park Name | 📍 Arrondissement |
Jardin du Luxembourg | 6ᵉ |
Jardin des Tuileries | 1ʳᵉ |
Jardin des Plantes | 5ᵉ |
Jardin Claude-Debussy | 16ᵉ |
Square d’Ajaccio | 7ᵉ |
Square du Général-Anselin | 16ᵉ |
Loads of “petits squares” | Various |
Some had fences. Others had signs. Many looked dreamy and green and inviting — but nope. Dogs are often not welcome, especially near lawns, flowerbeds, or playgrounds.
📚 The Fine Print: Paris Park Rules for Dogs
Dogs are only allowed in parks that don’t have children’s play areas
They must be on a leash and usually limited to pathways
Lawns ("pelouses") and flower beds ("massifs végétalisés") are usually off-limits
Category 1 and 2 dogs (so-called “dangerous breeds”) are not allowed at all in public parks
So... yeah. That explains the lack of happy tail wags.
💡 So What Is Dog-Friendly in Paris?
Okay — it’s not all doom and dog gloom. There are some wins:
🐾 Cafés & Restaurants
Most Parisian cafés (especially with outdoor seating) are dog-friendly, as long as your pup’s well-behaved and not climbing on the chairs. Rodrigo-approved.→ Guide to Dog-Friendly Cafés in Europe
🏨 Pet-Friendly Hotels
Lots of hotels — from boutiques to big chains — are pet-friendly, especially if you mention it ahead of time.→ Pet-Friendly Hotels in Paris on Booking.com
🚇 Public Transport
Small dogs in carriers can ride the metro, trams, buses, etc.Bigger dogs may be allowed too — with a muzzle and a ticket.→ Traveling with Pets on RATP
🌳 Dog-Friendly Parks in Paris (Yes, They Exist!)
For next time (or for you), here’s a helpful list of dog-welcoming parks:
✅ Park Name | 📍 Location | 🐶 Notes |
Parc Monceau | 8ᵉ arrondissement | Off-leash zone during autumn trial |
Parc Montsouris | 14ᵉ arrondissement | Dogs allowed on-leash on paths |
Champ de Mars | Near Eiffel Tower | Leashed dogs okay (except on grass) |
Bois de Vincennes | 12ᵉ arrondissement | Huge space, some off-leash zones |
Bois de Boulogne | 16ᵉ arrondissement | Also very dog-friendly |
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont | 19ᵉ arrondissement | On-leash on paths |
Parc de Bercy | 12ᵉ arrondissement | Leashed dogs allowed in many areas |
Parc Georges-Brassens | 15ᵉ arrondissement | Great for chill dog walks |
Palais Royal Gardens | 1ʳᵉ arrondissement | Partial access allowed |
🐾 Pro Tip: “Dog-friendly” usually still means on-leash and restricted zones. Always look for signs!
🏠 Would I Bring Rodrigo Next Time?
Maybe. But I’d plan smarter:
Stay near Bois de Vincennes or Boulogne
Save a list of cafés and parks that welcome dogs
Don’t waste time on Tuileries or Luxembourg unless you’re cool with sticking to a path
Paris is gorgeous — but for dog owners, it’s a mixed bag. 💁♀️Still, if you're prepared, there's joy to be found (and sniffs to be sniffed).
🧾 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I bring my large dog on the Paris metro?A: Yes, but they must wear a muzzle and have a paid ticket. Small dogs in carriers travel free.
Q: Are dogs allowed off-leash anywhere in Paris?A: Very few places — check for off-leash experimental zones like in Parc Monceau or go to Bois de Vincennes.
Q: Are there dog poop bag stations in parks?A: Rarely. Always carry your own waste bags and dispose of them responsibly.
Q: Is it easy to find a pet-friendly hotel in Paris?A: Yes. Use filters on booking platforms and always check the fine print.
Q: Do locals generally welcome dogs in public places?A: It depends. Some are welcoming, especially in cafés. But parks and green areas are heavily restricted.
💬 Join the Conversation
Have you taken your dog to Paris? Did you find any hidden gems or dog-friendly spots I missed? Drop your thoughts, questions, or tips in the comments below — let's help each other out! 🐶💬
Comments