Great places to stay with your dog in the South of France

dog friendly hotels south of france

When I vacation down in the South of France, I always stayed in a Gite right in the middle of vineyards! I was able to run out in the morning and take myself for a stroll around the property, while my owner made some coffee for herself. It is a wonderful way to enjoy the region and just relax. There are villas for all budget, some located in the countryside and if your more of a city dog, there are some village apartments to rent too.

A gîte (French pronunciation: [ʒit]) is a specific type of holiday accommodation. A gîte is a holiday home which is available for rent. Gîtes are usually fully furnished and equipped for self-catering. Many owners choose to handle their own rentals, and one can find these by searching online on the multitude of listing sites or by checking with the local tourist information office.

Technically, to be called a gîte, the owner must live close by in order to provide help, assistance, and a warm welcome to guests. Gîtes are generally old farmworkers’ cottages or converted outbuildings and barns within proximity of the owners’ principal residence. This type of holiday accommodation is sometimes regarded as ‘basic’ in terms of facilities; however, most gîtes are generally very well kept, and a growing number will have excellent facilities such as fully fitted kitchens, en-suite bathrooms, TV, DVD and access to a swimming pool or other sporting activities. The term gîte nowadays encompasses most forms of holiday cottage and even holiday flats or apartments. Many gîtes will also accept pets.

South Of France has a great selection of quality dog friendly self-catering houses, hotels and B & B’s. Here are some that I would recommend.

Great places to stay with your dog in the south of France!

Love to Escape

Paws Abroad

Pet friendly hotels and B&B

Bring Fido

Dining

The french love their dogs and you will find dogs everywhere, some even at your local wine bar, just hanging out and enjoying their time. I have never missed an oppertunity to join my owner for lunch or dinner. Especially at the local cafes. In fact you can have a real good time meeting other dining dogs and a friendly waiter that will give you a pet and a cool bowl of water.

Beware of the Tick

Ticks on Finger © by fairfaxcounty

The main tick borne disease of south west France is known by several names – Babesiosis, Piroplasmosis, Tick Fever. It is a life threatening disease, which can lead to complications such as kidney failure.

The ticks are most active when it is warm and wet especially in the spring and autumn. It is worth noting that the change in the climate giving us warmth up to December means that the dogs are at risk for a longer period of time than previously.

Signs to look out for –Early signs are trembling and shivering. Depending on the severity of infection the dog will refuse food and is reluctant to leave his bed.  Walks as if it is drugged. This can happen very suddenly.

If you suspect this disease, you must arrange for a vet to see your dog as soon as possible.

Treatment – The basis of treatment is an injection which kills the parasite, and this can be repeated after several days.

Occasionally antibiotics are also given, and supportive therapy such as a drip or anti vomiting drugs can be useful. Other than that, lots of tender loving care, to persuade your pet to recover is the most valuable tool.

Prevention of the disease

  • Firstly using anti tick treatments, such as Frontline, Advantix or Promeris is very useful. These are easy to apply. They must be applied to the skin and not on the hair.
  • If using the Frontline pump spray, it is important to know your dog’s weight so the number of pumps can be calculated. For example a  30 kg Labrador needs 60 pumps of the 250 or 500ml pump bottle!
  • There is an anti tick collar available called Scalibor, however as it does not treat for fleas, frontline or advantix ought to be used every month in conjunction to prevent flea infestations.
  • Check your dog over daily for ticks, especially around the neck, ears, armpits, groin, and between toes. Ticks can be easily removed using specially developed tools, available from pet shops and vets.
  • Vaccination can help, they are 80-90% effective but are expensive. Treat your dog with a proven anti-tick treatment prior to your visit.

My vet while I was in the South of France

 The Clinic of Veterinary Voconces: Dr. Girard located in Vaison la Romaine

  • Monday to Friday: 9am – 12:30 pm and 15h – 19H
  • Saturday (9am 12h and 15h-18h)
  •   in an emergency  call at 04 90 36 26 26.
The Roman Bridge at Vaison-la-Romaine, Vauclus...

The Roman Bridge at Vaison-la-Romaine, Vaucluse department, Provence, France (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Speaking of Vaison La Romaine is a wonderful market town, great shopping especially on market day that are held every Tuesday from 8 AM to around 1 PM. It is one of the best weekly markets in Provence and has been happening since 1483.  You can shop for local food, shoes, clothing, earthenware and practically anything else you could imagine.

One of the most interesting aspects of the town is its geography, and its Roman ruins. The Roman ruins and the modern town are in the valley on the banks of the river Ouvèze which is crossed by an ancient bridge from the 1st century AD.

Vaison-la-Romaine is in the region of the Rhône Valley Côtes de Rhône wines, with some good

Vaison-la-Romaine Roman Ruins

Vaison-la-Romaine Roman Ruins (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

vineyards in the commune so take your owners out for a walk and a glass of wine.

Head into the village and enjoy a great meal:

Auberge de la Bartavelle – Location: 12 place sous Auze Centre ville; theme of Marcel Pagnol, and decorated with photos of his work. Good Provencale cuisine. Terrace.

 

 

Recommended reading:

Check out my other blog: South of France

 

By on July 31, 2012   /   France