Where to walk your dog in Paris: routes and useful tips

Paris is considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in Europe and is great for traveling with your pet. Find out where to walk your dog in Paris, which parks and cafes accept animals, what the rules are in force in the city, what you need to enter France with a dog, and how to comfortably organize a trip with your four-legged friend

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Paris is one of the most dog-friendly cities in Europe: more than 100,000 dog owners live here, and four-legged guests are welcomed by cafes, restaurants and even some boutique hotels. However, not all Parisian parks are open to dogs, and to ensure that your walk goes without unpleasant surprises, it is worth knowing the rules and the best routes in advance.

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Where can you walk your dog in Paris?

You can walk your dog in large forest parks in Paris (Bois de Boulogne and Vincennes), on the banks of the Seine, in the Champs-de-Mars near the Eiffel Tower, in the Parc Buttes-Chaumont and several other green areas. In most places, a leash is mandatory; special canidromes (walking areas) allow you to let your dog go without supervision.

What are the rules in Paris parks for dogs?

Until 2019, dogs were only allowed in 77 of the 490 green spaces in Paris. After the change in the rules, access has expanded significantly, but three basic conditions apply:

- A leash is mandatory on the paths of the vast majority of parks.

- Lawns and flower beds are a no-go zone for dogs.

- Parks with playgrounds are usually completely closed to animals - with the exception of very large ones (Butte-Chaumont, Montsouri).

For free walking without a leash in Paris, there are 13 official canidromes - fenced areas specifically for dogs.

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Top 6 places to walk your dog in Paris

Bois de Boulogne - 16th arrondissement

One of the largest parks in the city: over 846 hectares of forest paths, ponds and meadows. Dogs are allowed to walk without a leash in specially designated areas. This is an ideal place for long walks: you can walk for hours without repeating the routes. It is easy to get there - metro to Porte Dauphine station (line 2).

Tip: There are significantly fewer people here in the morning, especially on weekends - the best time for an active walk.

Bois de Vincennes - 12th arrondissement

Technically a little larger than Boulogne, located in the east of Paris. There are forests, lakes, cascades and separate areas for free walking of dogs. Nearby is the majestic Chateau de Vincennes, so combining a walk with a visit to the monument is quite possible. Metro: Château de Vincennes (line 1).

Tip: Lac Dumesnil is a great place to stop: the dog can drink water, and the owner can enjoy the view.

Parc des Buttes-Chaumont – 19th arrondissement

One of the most scenic parks in Paris: rolling hills, waterfalls, a lake and the view of the city from the top is a real reward after the climb. Dogs are allowed to walk on the paths (on a leash), and in some areas off-leash. It is here, not far from the entrance, that the dog-friendly CAYU Canidés Club shop and café has opened.

Tip: Avoid walking here on weekend afternoons – the park is very popular with locals and can get quite crowded.

Champ de Mars – 7th arrondissement

A wide lawn just opposite the Eiffel Tower is one of those places where dogs are allowed to do virtually anything: run, play with a ball, just lie on the grass. Hundreds of locals come here with their dogs every day, and the atmosphere is very relaxed. Metro: Bir-Hakeim or RER Champ de Mars.

Tip: A picnic on the Champ de Mars with your dog is a Parisian classic. Grab some cheese, a baguette and enjoy the view.

Parc Montsouris – 14th arrondissement

A peaceful and slightly underrated park in the south of the city with a large pond and open paths. Dogs are allowed on all paths (on a leash); the park’s less touristy nature makes it a pleasant place to walk any day. Metro: RER B, Cité Universitaire stop.

Seine Embankment and Playground in the 5th arrondissement

In May 2022, the first outdoor dog playground in Paris opened in the 5th arrondissement, next to the Tino Rossi Garden on the banks of the Seine. It features obstacles, tunnels and a space to run around freely. An added bonus is the scenic view of Notre Dame.

Morning Route: Stroll along the Petite Ceinture

For something a little different, head to the Petite Ceinture in the 17th arrondissement (Quay Pereire). This is an abandoned railway line that has been transformed into a quiet green path among rose bushes and wild plants. There are almost no tourists, and dogs feel surprisingly free here.

- Start of the route: Porte Maillot (metro line 1).

- Duration: 45–60 minutes on foot.

- Level: easy, flat surface.

We told you about the cities in Europe where dog and cat owners will be most comfortable when traveling or moving here.

Where to pamper your dog in Paris: useful addresses

The Dogry - a leisure club for dogs (17th arrondissement)

The first full-fledged entertainment club for dogs in Paris: a play park with obstacles, a spa, a café for owners, yoga classes and a nursery. Access by subscription is ideal for those who live or often visit Paris.

Casa Del Doggo - wellness and bakery (7th and 16th arrondissements)

The first bakery for dogs in the 16th arrondissement: here they prepare treats especially for animals. And in the 7th arrondissement, the same brand has opened a dog welfare center with grooming, osteopathy and massage.

CAYU Canidés Club – coffee shop and accessories (19th arrondissement)

A concept space near Butte-Chaumont: dog accessories, coffee for owners and the pleasant company of Parisians who love their pets just as much.

Barkers+Brothers – a concept store (Montmartre)

A dog boutique in the heart of Montmartre. Here you can find collars, toys, food and everything you need for a stylish Parisian pooch.

Read the link to find out which platforms will help you find an apartment with pets, what documents are required to travel with a pet, what to look for when renting and which European cities are the most comfortable for dog and cat owners.

Cafes and restaurants where you can come with your dog

Paris is one of the few cities in the world where dogs are allowed in most cafes and restaurants. A general rule of thumb: if the establishment has an outdoor terrace, your dog is almost certainly a welcome guest there. You can often see a sign on the front door saying “Chiens bienvenus” (Dogs welcome).

- Seven Heaven (11th arrondissement) is the first officially dog-friendly café in Paris: dogs are welcome both inside and outside.

- Bercy Village (12th arrondissement) is an open-air shopping district with restaurants and cafes where dogs feel at home.

Most bistros and brasseries in any arrondissement – ​​just ask the staff and 9 times out of 10 they will accommodate you.

What do you need to know before traveling to Paris with a dog?

To enter France with a dog you need:

- EU Pet Passport (or similar veterinary passport) with a microchip.

- Up-to-date rabies vaccination (no earlier than 21 days before entry for the primary vaccination).

- For some breeds – additional documents or restrictions.

Important: Dogs of categories 1 and 2 according to the French classification (certain fighting breeds: pit bulls, tosses, boerboels) are either prohibited or require a muzzle and leash in public places.

A package of documents, requirements and rules for exporting pets abroad can be found at the link.

Rules for transporting animals in Paris transport

Metro: Dogs up to 6 kg - in a carrier, free of charge. Large dogs are not allowed in the Paris metro.

RER and suburban trains: Dogs on a leash are allowed for an additional ticket.

Taxi and Uber: At the driver's discretion - the result is unpredictable, especially with a large dog.

A complete list of airlines that allow animals to travel in the cabin is here.

General rules of conduct

Cleaning up after your dog is an obligation, for violation - a fine.

In all public places, a dog must be on a leash, unless there is a special permit for free walking.

Dogs are not allowed in the metro, supermarkets, and most museums (except for guide dogs).

Seasonal events for dogs near Paris

Canidays – May 2026, Val-de-Seine

A grand festival for dogs and their owners: agility, dog-paddle workshops, expert lectures and scenic nature trails in Yvelines. Held from May 29 to 31, 2026.

A day at Château de Dampierre – June 7, 2026

A whole day dedicated entirely to dogs, in a luxurious castle in the Yvelines department. Activities, competitions, walks in the park - all with your pet.

SPA Relay Race at the Saint-Cloud National Estate - May 31, 2026

A charity race in support of animal protection. Dogs are also invited - the program includes a canicross (running with a dog).

Walking with a dog in Paris is real and enjoyable if you know the rules. The best options for large dogs are the Bois de Boulogne and Vincennes, the Champs-de-Mars and Buttes-Chaumont; for small ones, any quarter of the city with its dog-friendly cafes and bistros. Plan your route in advance, check your documents and enjoy the city with your pet - Paris is definitely suitable for this.

Traveling with a dog to Paris is not only about the romance of walks by the Seine or a picnic under the Eiffel Tower, but also about the responsibility for safety during the trip.

Travel insurance will help you avoid unnecessary expenses in case of illness, injury, lost luggage or flight delay, which is especially important when traveling with a pet. The policy can be quickly issued online before departure and get protection in most European countries. Depending on the package, the insurance covers medical care, emergency transportation, legal support and other unforeseen situations abroad.

Take out travel insurance at Visit Ukraine in advance and travel Paris calmly and confidently with your four-legged friend.

Reminder! Traveling around Europe can be much cheaper if you avoid typical tourist mistakes. Read here how to save on food, transport, museums and excursions in the EU without losing comfort and impressions from the trip.

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