🐾Travelling with Dogs in Normandy – Pet-Friendly Tips & Places
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First published: November 2025
If you’re planning a getaway where your four-legged friend is not just tolerated but truly welcome, then Normandy – and especially La Manche – should be top of your list. With wide open spaces, coastal walks, green countryside and genuinely dog-friendly accommodation, this part of France is perfect for a relaxing escape with your pet. And if you’re searching for a dog-friendly gîte in Normandy, our Ursula Gîte near Coutances makes an ideal base for exploring the region’s beaches, countryside and welcoming villages together.
Normandy has long been known for its natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle, and those qualities make it perfect for travelling with pets in France. From pet-friendly beaches in La Manche to local restaurants that will happily offer your dog a bowl of water while you enjoy a seafood platter, it’s a region where tails wag from morning to night.
🐾 Why Normandy Works So Well for Dogs
Normandy’s charm lies in its open landscapes, mild climate and rural rhythm. Here, walks aren’t limited to narrow pavements – they stretch across dunes, through forests, along clifftops and into quiet villages. There’s a refreshing sense of space everywhere you go. And unlike more urban destinations, you’ll find that locals genuinely welcome pets – in cafés, on walking trails, and even in some attractions.
Our own dog-friendly Ursula Gîte near Coutances is designed with four-legged guests in mind: enclosed outdoor space, easy access to fields and paths, and a short drive to several pet-friendly beaches in La Manche. We know how important it is for your dog to feel at home too – so bowls, outdoor rinsing area, and plenty of walking options are all part of the setup.
🏖️ Dog-Friendly Beaches in La Manche
One of the biggest draws of bringing your dog to Normandy is the coast. The Manche coastline stretches for over 350 km, with dozens of beaches welcoming dogs either year-round or outside the summer bathing season. Here’s your guide to the most dog-friendly beaches in La Manche – all within easy reach of Ursula Gîte near Coutances.
🐶 All Year Round Beaches
- Tourneville-sur-Mer / Dunes d’Annoville: Explore this exceptional dune area along its discovery trail, where you’re guaranteed a breath of fresh air! Dogs are welcome all year round – perfect for long walks surrounded by sea air and wild dunes.
- Blainville-sur-Mer: Dogs are allowed on the beaches all year round but must be kept on a lead. It’s a calm, scenic stretch of sand where you’ll often meet friendly locals walking their own dogs.
- Gouville-sur-Mer: Dogs on leads are allowed on the beaches all year round (except in front of the bathing area in July and August). Look out for the colourful beach huts – they make for fantastic photos.
- Tourneville-sur-Mer / Lingreville: Walking with pets is permitted all year round, but they must be kept on a leash. These quieter beaches are great for dogs that prefer fewer distractions.
- Montmartin-sur-Mer: Walking with pets is permitted all year round, but they must be kept on a leash. Just 15 minutes’ drive from Ursula Gîte, this is one of our personal favourites for evening strolls and sea views.
- Agon-Coutainville: A walk along the seafront on the sea wall lets you admire the typical houses and modern villas lining the beach and the Pointe d’Agon (except for the grazing area). Dogs must be kept on a lead.
🐾 Out-of-Season Beaches
- Agon-Coutainville: Dogs are permitted on beaches on a lead from 1 September to 30 June – a wonderful time to enjoy peaceful winter and spring walks.
- Anneville-sur-Mer: Dogs on a leash are allowed on beaches except between 15 June and 15 September. Outside this period, you can roam freely along the sand.
- Tourneville-sur-Mer / Annoville: Dogs are not allowed on the beach from 15 June to 15 September by municipal decree. Outside this time, they are welcome but must stay on a lead.
- Hauteville-sur-Mer: Dogs on a leash are allowed on the seawall and beach from 16 September to 14 June. (They are not permitted from 15 June to 15 September.) Hauteville-sur-Mer sits right next to Montmartin-sur-Mer – both just 15 minutes from Ursula Gîte.
Most local beaches have bins and easy parking, and many welcome dogs at nearby cafés or on outdoor terraces. As always in France, keep your dog on a lead where required and remember to bring a bag and water bowl.
🌳 Dog-Friendly Walks & Activities Near Coutances
Staying at Ursula Gîte means you’re perfectly positioned to explore the pet-friendly side of Normandy without long drives. Here are some top local walks and attractions where dogs are welcome:
- The Sports Park (Parc des Sports, Coutances): A large open-air space where your dog can stretch its legs. You’ll also find a small animal area with goats, ducks and geese – a fun surprise on your stroll.
- Greenways (Voies Vertes): Around Coutances there are two beautiful greenways, former railway lines now turned into cycle and walking paths. The first, starting in Coutances and heading toward Pont de la Roque, follows the Soulles River past historic mills. The second, starting in Cambernon, winds through the Normandy bocage. Both offer long, safe walks where you and your dog can enjoy the tranquillity of nature.
- Gratot Castle and the Hermitage of Saint Gerbold: Both accept animals on leads. Wander among the ruins of this charming medieval site and imagine the stories that unfolded here.
- The Gardens and Museum of the Saussey Manor: A 17th-century manor with elegant gardens and two collections on display. Dogs on leads are welcome to join you as you explore.
🌲 Dog-Friendly Spots Near Hauteville-sur-Mer
- The Quarries: This former quarry site has been transformed into a peaceful climbing and walking area. Surrounded by nature, it’s a great place to stretch your legs with your dog and enjoy a quiet picnic.
Between these locations and the coast, you’ll find that most walking routes in La Manche are dog-friendly as long as your pet remains under control. The countryside here is as welcoming as it is beautiful – endless fields, winding lanes, and the occasional herd of curious cows watching your adventures.
🍽️ Dog-Friendly Restaurants Around Coutances
Travelling with dogs in France is much easier when you can dine comfortably together. Around Ursula Gîte, several restaurants warmly welcome dogs on their terraces (and often inside if it’s quiet). Here are some of our local favourites:
- Auberge de Brothelande, Nicorps – Our local gem and a favourite with our guests. Expect open-fire cooking, regional dishes, generous portions and a warm welcome for dogs. Only a few minutes from the gîte.
- La Pergola, Coutances – A friendly pizzeria with excellent value and quality, perfect for a relaxed evening after a day on the beach. Dogs are welcome on the terrace.
- Ô Vent du Sud, Hauteville-sur-Mer – Great for seafood lovers, with fresh local produce and dog-friendly outdoor seating.
- La Cale, Blainville-sur-Mer – Famous for its location right on the beach. Arrive early (no reservations) and enjoy a plate of mussels while your dog snoozes by your feet. A true Normandy classic.
- Le Fournil, Coutances – A popular bakery-bistro serving breakfast, light lunches and pastries – ideal for a mid-walk stop with your dog on the terrace.
- Restaurant Les Dunes, Gouville-sur-Mer – Overlooking the sea, this spot offers seafood and modern cuisine with an unbeatable view. Dogs are welcome outside.
- La Baratte, Saint-Denis-le-Vêtu – A Michelin-recognised restaurant known for elegant French dining using local produce. Booking essential; dogs are welcome on the terrace.
- Le Krill, La Baleine – A charming countryside restaurant with a relaxed vibe, serving hearty seasonal dishes. Dogs receive a warm welcome.
- La Taverne du Parvis, Coutances – Set beside the cathedral, this spot offers great views and a good selection of local dishes. The terrace is dog-friendly and a perfect place to enjoy lunch after sightseeing.
Most restaurants in the region are pet-friendly on terraces, and many will happily bring a bowl of water for your dog. It’s another reason why travelling with pets in France feels easy in Normandy.
🐕 Packing & Practical Tips
When heading to Normandy with your dog, a little preparation ensures a smooth stay:
- Bring vaccination records and identification; microchipping is required for dogs in France.
- Always carry poop bags and water – bins are common on beaches and in villages.
- Pack familiar bedding or a blanket for the car and gîte.
- Remember Normandy’s weather can shift quickly – a lightweight raincoat and towel are handy.
- Keep dogs on leads near livestock and posted nature zones.
- If travelling from abroad, confirm your pet passport and vaccinations are valid before you travel.
At Ursula Gîte, we’ve thought of the details – from the secure garden to easy access to nearby walks. It’s a dog-friendly gîte in Normandy designed for comfort and peace of mind, where dogs can explore safely while you relax.
🌿 Final Thoughts – Dog Days Done Right in Normandy
Travelling with your dog should feel simple, joyful and stress-free – and in Normandy, it truly does. With pet-friendly beaches in La Manche, countryside walks, welcoming cafés and a home-from-home at our Ursula Gîte near Coutances, you’ll find that both you and your furry companion can unwind and explore at your own pace.
Whether you’re wandering the dunes of Annoville, watching the sunset over Montmartin-sur-Mer, or enjoying dinner with your dog beside you in a local bistro, Normandy is the kind of place that proves holidays with pets can be just as relaxing – if not more so – than those without them.
Discover more local experiences in our Normandy Events Guide