Traveling with Your Dog: Hotels That Pamper Our Four-Legged Friends

In the United States, treating your dog to an embroidered bathrobe or a chef-prepared meal has almost become the norm at some hotels. In France, however, the welcome extended to our four-legged companions remains more limited. Tired of places where they smile at the owners while Max is left to wait in the parking lot? Rest assured, with 7.6 million dogs in France, a few establishments have caught on to the trend and are rolling out the red carpet for our noble four-legged friends. Led by managers who love their dogs just as much as their guests, these five dog-friendly havens go out of their way to turn your stay into a true VIP (Very Important Pet) experience.

La Sivolière Hotel and Residence in Courchevel: When Dogs Experience Luxury

In Courchevel 1850, La Sivolière could pass for just another mountain hotel—one of those 5-star chalets where wood and stone blend seamlessly in a flawless setting. But that would be to overlook Florence Carcassonne, its director for the past 20 years, and especially Google, her poodle with an almost executive-like presence. Together, they decided that vacations would no longer be a privilege strictly reserved for humans.

The Dog Sivo program is something of a canine revolution in alpine luxury. Upon arrival, Max receives a welcome fit for the greatest of guests: a gift, treats, and in the room (35 in total), a bed so chic you’d almost hesitate to let him use it. Add to that room service specially designed for dogs, featuring balanced meals and even a vegetable-based cocktail to improve digestion or boost the immune system!

And because life at La Sivolière isn’t just about a well-filled food bowl, the hotel takes the concept even further. Want to throw a birthday party for your furry friend? No problem: a custom-made cake, apple juice “champagne,” and furry friends will be there to celebrate. For those who feel the cold, the hotel’s concept store offers cashmere sweaters and slippers to trek through the snow in style. Where other hotels in the resort merely tolerate dogs, La Sivolière treats them as full-fledged guests. A slightly crazy idea, perhaps, but one that really makes a difference!

• Starting at €650/night + €35/day for dogs.
• I want to stay at La Sivolière Hotel

Mama Shelter in Nice: The Sunniest Getaway for the Dog Clan

If you thought Mama Shelter was just a well-established urban concept, think again! It’s in Nice, in the bustling Riquier neighborhood, just a stone’s throw from the Old Port, that the Trigano family’s brand (now under the Accor banner) has set up its latest gem. With its 102 rooms featuring an instantly recognizable design, its rooftop with panoramic views, and its Côte d’Azur-style pool, Mama Shelter Nice cultivates a festive and carefree lifestyle—for humans and their four-legged companions alike. Here, say goodbye to hidden fees and weight restrictions: your noble four-legged friend is welcomed as a full-fledged member of the family, with treats upon arrival, a special kit for traveling light, and even the option to organize Max’s birthday party—complete with cake and “candles” made of dog treats. Need to slip away to the Promenade des Anglais without feeling guilty? A dog sitter will be happy to pamper Max while you sip a cocktail. The result: a stay under the Mediterranean sun, where cuddles and sunbathing go hand in hand in a relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere. Nothing more and nothing less than a hedonistic getaway, where you feel free to lift a paw—or a glass—as you please. And so no one feels left out, cats are welcome, too! In fact, all Mama Shelter locations across France and Navarre follow the same policy when it comes to our four-legged friends.

• Starting at €89/night; dogs stay free.
• I want to stay at the Mama Shelter hotel

Relais & Châteaux La Signoria & Spa, Calvi: a dog’s paradise in the heart of the maquis

Nestled between Calvi’s turquoise waters and the Corsican mountains, this former 18th-century Genoese mansion has been transformed into a five-star hotel that embodies the spirit of a family home. At the end of the cypress-lined driveway, Marie and Jean-Baptiste Ceccaldi welcome their guests like family, and this sense of hospitality naturally extends to Max, your faithful companion. As soon as your dog arrives, he’ll receive special treatment: gluten-free treats with natural flavors and, for sensitive stomachs (or special diets), a menu custom-prepared by the chef. Here, the island way of life is enjoyed by humans and dogs alike. While you stroll among orange trees and fountains, nose in the air, your dog explores the scents of the maquis. And while you treat yourself to a moment of relaxation at the Casanera spa or enjoy a glass of local wine by the pool, your dog can freely explore the estate’s vast grounds. Here, traveling with your dog is no compromise at all: it’s a pure moment of shared happiness, as if you were visiting old friends to treat yourselves to a slice of Corsican eternity.

• Starting at €261 per night + €40 per day for dogs.
• I want to stay at the La Signoria Hotel

The Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra: an urban stroll through the capital

A witness to the Lumière brothers’ first film screenings and Josephine Baker’s favorite place to stay during each of her visits, Le Scribe has always pulsed to the rhythm of the arts. After two years of renovations, the hotel has sported a new look since 2021, designed by Tristan Auer (Le Crillon, Le Sinner, Les Bains): 201 guest rooms, including 39 suites reminiscent of Parisian duplexes, featuring fireplaces, moldings, and wood paneling, not to mention tweed carpeting and multicolored ceilings in the bathrooms—a nod to Chagall’s fresco at the Palais Garnier.

This extraordinary heritage is now combined with hospitality designed to welcome your four-legged companions as true guests. A cozy basket, a ball, a few chicken treats, and a Le Scribe-branded bandana make up the essential “welcome kit.” While you enjoy Chef Florian Ollivier’s bistronomic cuisine at Rivages restaurant, Max—kept on a leash—is always welcome. Need to take a walk around the neighborhood? The concierge is happy to share his best routes for walks with your pet in the surrounding area.

• Rooms starting at €582 per night + €50 per day for dogs.
• I want to stay at the Sofitel Le Scribe Paris Opéra

The Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose in St. Tropez: a St. Tropez getaway that pampers your dog

The welcome is warm and family-friendly, even for those on four legs: upon arrival, a comfortable bed, carefully selected food bowls, and a few toys are set up in the room, while a thoughtfully prepared dog menu—including a vegan option—awaits furry foodies. The five-star Villa Belrose spans 9,000 m² of pine forest and meticulously maintained gardens, just ten minutes from the hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez. Tranquility reigns among the flower-filled terraces and the expansive pool, offering a striking contrast to the nearby hustle and bustle of Saint-Tropez. Behind its elegant façade, the property features forty rooms and suites freshly renovated in 2024, each with a private terrace; some overlook the bay, while others open onto umbrella pines—a view straight out of a postcard. Between strolls along tree-lined paths, naps in the shade, and personalized attention, dogs here enjoy the same dolce vita as their owners.

Château La Chenevière in Calvados: truffle hunts and gourmet menus

Combining the elegance of an 18th-century château with the serenity of a meticulously landscaped garden, this five-star hotel embodies a lifestyle that evokes both the English countryside and French classicism. Named “Country Hotel of the Year” in 2020 by the SLH Awards, La Chenevière stands out for its pastel-colored rooms, offering splendid views of the 12-hectare park. You can enjoy peaceful walks with your faithful companion: let them roam freely within the secure grounds or place them in a bike basket provided by the hotel for a trip to the beaches of Omaha or the historic town of Bayeux. Upon arrival, every dog receives a welcome fit for a special guest: a cozy bed (a comfortable basket) and a bowl filled with chicken treats. For meals, the chef even offers a gourmet dog menu, featuring homemade, balanced, and easily digestible dishes. Whether you choose turkey with carrots and polenta or a cod fillet served with rice and spinach, no effort is spared to satisfy your companion’s taste buds (€25).

• Starting at €368/night + €35/day for dogs
• I want to go to the Château de la Chenevière

Fairmont Monte Carlo in Monaco / the Riviera on a smaller scale

On this rocky outcrop where real estate commands astronomical prices and the density of luxury cars per square meter is nearly overwhelming, the Fairmont Monte Carlo offers canine guests a measured yet impeccably refined hospitality. Here, you can explore the principality on a leash from Port Hercule to the medieval alleyways of the Rock, not to mention the unmissable bucolic escape along the customs officers’ trail toward Cap d’Ail. But be warned: glamour comes with its own set of rules. If your companion doesn’t exceed the very exclusive 10-kilogram limit, they’ll be granted access to the room, complete with food bowls provided by the hotel. For everyone else, the protocol remains strict: it’s strictly forbidden to walk on restaurant carpets, act as an extra at the spa, or lounge by the pool. Monegasque elegance demands perfect restraint, where the dog is shown off with distinction during outdoor walks rather than at the American bar.

• Starting at €298/night + €40/day for dogs
• I want to stay at the Fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel

Barrière Le Normandy Hotel in Deauville: the five-star haven for canines

In Deauville, the “Côte Fleurie” often takes on the air of a fashion show for well-groomed poodles and dapper mutts. The iconic Normandy has got it right: to avoid upsetting its Parisian clientele—who are used to treating their poodles like heirs—the half-timbered luxury hotel offers a range of amenities tailored down to the last detail. As soon as you step into the room with its famous Toiles de Jouy fabric, your faithful companion will discover a cozy bed tailored to their body type, flanked by a pair of bowls bearing the hotel’s logo. And if you feel like placing a bet at the casino or strolling without the hassle of a leash, the concierge service will send a dedicated dog sitter upon request to take your dog for a walk along the Planches in the best of company.

• Starting at €365/night + €50/day for dogs
• I want to go to Hôtel Barrière Le Normandy

Domaine Les Crayères in Reims: a golden retreat for our furry friends

In Reims, on Saint-Nicaise Hill, this venerable bourgeois institution, nestled amid seven hectares of greenery, readily sees itself as a temple of French good taste. But don’t expect to show up with an unruly mastiff: here, the reception of our noble canine companions follows a protocol as strict as the etiquette surrounding a fine vintage. Reserved for small dogs weighing less than ten kilos (and limited to one per room), life in this “château” is best enjoyed in small groups. From the moment you check in, your faithful furry friend receives the welcome attention they deserve, while the hotel provides cozy beds and the necessary food bowls. While the doors to Christophe Moret’s Michelin-starred dining rooms and the spa remain closed to them, your four-legged companion will quickly find consolation. The century-old park offers a perfectly idyllic setting for a stroll, ideal for letting them roam off-leash with distinction after a stop in the vineyards.

• Starting at €567/night + €50/day for dogs
• I want to stay at the Domaine Les Crayères hotel in Reims

Auberge des Templiers in Boismorand: a Sologne haven for epicurean four-legged friends

Eighty minutes from the capital’s traffic jams, this Relais & Châteaux manor house swaps stuffy formality for the understated charm of a family home. Set amid six hectares of grounds where centuries-old oaks and rhododendron groves coexist, the twenty rooms—resembling thatched cottages or period cottages—stand out as the ideal playground for an uncompromising getaway in the countryside. Here, there’s no condescension toward our furry friends: the estate is entirely designed for canine escapism. While you savor a hot chocolate by the fireplace or relax in an Art Deco suite, your faithful dog can make right at home on the expansive lawns. A Sologne getaway where our noble canine companions enjoy the same rural leisure as their owners, between runs in the fresh air and long naps at the foot of the bed.

• Starting at €200/night + €35/day for dogs
• I want to stay at theAuberge des Templiers hotel

Domaine de Primard in the Eure Valley: a Norman paradise where dogs rub shoulders with alpacas

Formerly Catherine Deneuve’s country retreat, taken over by the founders of the Domaines de Fontenille (Frédéric Biousse and Guillaume Foucher, who are themselves crazy about their golden retrievers), this 40-hectare Relais & Châteaux property showcases its 18th-century classicism along the banks of the Eure River. Just an hour and a half from the capital, the setting designed by landscape architect Jacques Wirtz is enough to dazzle even the most jaded of furry friends: woodlands, rose gardens, and meadows where Highland cows, Ouessant sheep, geese, and wild ducks roam semi-freely. Amid this bucolic menagerie, our faithful pooches aren’t merely tolerated out of hotel courtesy: they’re welcomed as equals, and the hotel takes its hospitality to the next level by charging no extra fee for their stay. This means your pooch can sniff out the scents of the woods in complete peace of mind, while you savor the serene tranquility of an estate where canine nobility has clearly found its favorite haunt.

• Starting at €276/night + free for dogs
• I want to stay at the Domaine de Primard hotel

©Benoit Linero

Sofitel Grande Île in Strasbourg: From Cushions to Alsatian Cobblestones

A historic pioneer of the Sofitel brand, the five-star Grande Île has been given a new lease on life by the design studio Hertrich & Adnet, blending local woods and Alsatian textiles throughout its 150 rooms. While guests come here to catch a glimpse of the cathedral and dine at La Brasserie by Mathieu Klein, our furry friends find equally thoughtful comfort here. Here, up to two four-legged friends per room can rest their paws (provided they aren’t classified as “dangerous” breeds!). From the moment you arrive, the hotel pulls out all the stops: custom food bowls, kibble, and a Fatboy-branded cushion to help your furry friend recover from their travels. All that’s left to do is stroll through the UNESCO-listed cobblestone streets first thing in the morning, before returning to the hotel’s vineyard-lined gardens for a well-deserved nap.

• Starting at €175/night + €30/day for dogs
• I want to stay at the Sofitel Grande Île

Sofitel Le Miramar in Biarritz: a breath of sea air and paw prints in the Basque sand

Head to the Basque Coast to let your pup get out on the water. Perched on the cliff above the Atlantic’s rolling waves, this five-star gem offers a strategic base for four-legged friends in need of some fresh sea air. Forget about complicated logistics: here, the hotel welcomes furry friends weighing up to a very generous 25 kilos (one per room), just a stone’s throw from the lighthouse and the bustling streets of downtown.
While you’re being pampered at the thalassotherapy center, your faithful companion can enjoy the private terrace to gaze out at the horizon or wait patiently for their daily walk. Just step outside the hotel doors and your dog’s paws will be right in the sand of Miramar Beach. It’s the perfect spot to introduce your dog to the charms of the Basque Country.

• Starting at €189/night + €35/day for dogs
• I want to stay at the Sofitel Le Miramar

Beach Hotel in Finistère: Sea Spray and Off-Leash Fun

Tucked away since 1895 in a secluded cove of Douarnenez Bay, this 19-room Relais & Châteaux property, run by Charlotte and Yoann Noël, offers a family-home atmosphere with its feet firmly planted in the sand. Whether you come to breathe in the salty sea air, hike the GR34 trail, or enjoy a kouign-amann in Locronan, your four-legged friend will find a true paradise on earth here. As soon as you check in, a bowl of fresh water awaits your dog in the room. But the real luxury is the immediate access to Sainte-Anne-la-Palud Beach: no logistics involved, just the waves and kilometers of golden sand for your furry friend to stretch their paws. The inn even goes so far as to allow dogs in the panoramic restaurant, provided they behave impeccably while you enjoy the seafood.

• Starting at €240/night + €25/day for dogs
• I want to stay at Hôtel de la Plage

Hôtel le Mas de Peint in Arles: A Wild Getaway with a Herd

AOP-certified bulls, thoroughbred horses roaming in semi-freedom, and an 18th-century Provençal estate where silence is the greatest luxury: this 550-hectare Camargue retreat offers a complete change of scenery even for the most jaded city dweller. But the real surprise comes from the treatment reserved for our canine friends, who find here a playground free from any constraints of etiquette. Here, there’s no shunning: your four-legged companion enjoys total freedom and is welcome everywhere, including the dining room where Chef Dan Rodrigues presides. The hotel goes so far as to provide welcome food bowls and charges a nominal fee, especially given the establishment’s pedigree. An ideal stopover to let your companion follow the scent of the marshes beneath the plane trees while you savor the experience of slow tourism.

• Starting at €327/night + €10/day for dogs
• I want to go to Hôtel le Mas de Peint

Hôtel Le Prieuré in Villeneuve-lès-Avignon

Under the guidance of the Charial family—who also run the legendary Domaine de Baumanière—this former 14th-century ecclesiastical residence nestles its 36 rooms within a lush parish garden. Amid century-old plane trees, a centuries-old cloister, and a shaded pool, the setting soothes even the most energetic canine temperaments. In this bucolic enclave, your four-legged companion is welcomed with open arms: a blanket and food bowls await them right in the room. When it comes to getting around, the hotel takes a rather liberal approach, allowing your dog access almost everywhere—including Chef Christophe Chiavola’s kitchen during your dinner. Only the pool deck remains off-limits, as the peace and quiet of the swimmers requires a few concessions.

• Starting at €243/night + €20/day for dogs
• I want to stay at Le Prieuré Hotel