7 Unexpected Dog-friendly Spots in Paris

More and more of us are travelling with our pets. As travel evolves and establishments become more dog-friendly, the concept of bringing your pup along with you becomes so much easier. And that’s not just restricted to local spots; taking your dog abroad in 2026 isn’t an unfathomable concept, and while there may be some hoops (and paperwork) to endure, it’s totally worth it when you can share those special holiday memories with your furry friend.  

Paris, however, is rarely a city that comes to mind when you think of a dog-friendly getaway. While associated with romantic streets, historic attractions and chic clothing, it’s also known for crowded pavements, long queues and green spaces that come with a long list of rules. You might not expect it, but Paris has more dog-friendly spots than you might think. I’ve taken several trips to Paris with my two border collies, and beyond the usual photoshoots outside the Eiffel Tower or Notre-Dame (which I’ve done many times), we keep finding more to do, often in the least likely places. Here’s some of the best, most surprising, dog-friendly spots in the city. 

Le Bone Appart  

Photo: Lois Mackenzie

Finding a dog-friendly café or restaurant in Paris isn’t difficult, particularly with outdoor seating available year-round. But finding one quite so enthusiastically dog-friendly as Le Bone Appart is definitely a nice surprise. And if there is any place in Paris you could say it is dog-friendly before human-friendly, it’s definitely here. Located in the Marais district, it’s a café and pet shop in one. Browse a selection of collars and leads, and to really ‘Paris up’ your pup, treat them to a set of pearls or a dog beret.  

Shakespeare and Company 

Photo: Lois Mackenzie

Paris is full of historic establishments to fill your travel bucket list, and for literature enthusiasts, no trip is complete without a visit to the Shakespeare and Company bookshop in the 5th arrondissement. While it’s famous amongst tourists, it’s even more welcoming to dogs. In fact, there’s even a resident bookshop dog, Djuna. Photography is forbidden inside the shop, however, so if you want to snap a picture of your pup, make sure to do so outside. And if you’re on a bookshop tour, it’s not the only dog-friendly spot in Paris. From my experience, many independent stores will allow your furry friend to come and browse the shelves with you. 

Métro 

I firmly believe that the best way to explore a new location is on foot. However, with a city as vast as Paris, that isn’t always possible. Thankfully, Paris’ Métro is one of the most expansive in the world, taking you from one end of the city to the other with minimal effort and, and unbeknownst to many, it’s dog-friendly! Small dogs can travel in a carrier, while larger dogs must be leashed and muzzled. That said, as one of the busiest metro systems in Europe, it’s best navigated with dogs outside peak hours. 

Batobus  

Seine tours are one of the “not to miss” experiences in Paris. They’re a great way to see the city, especially if you’re short on time. Plus, passing by the Eiffel Tower at night during its famous sparkle period is something extra special. However, few people realise that you can experience this with your dog. The Batobus, Paris’s hop-on, hop-off boat service along the Seine, welcomes dogs. Large dogs need to be leashed and muzzled and smaller dogs in a bag or appropriate carrier. 

Galeries Lafayette  

There are many viewpoints in the city to enjoy the beautiful Parisian skyline, and one of the most popular, Galeries Lafayette, lets you enjoy the view with your dog in tow. Known as a luxury shopping destination, it’s probably one of the last places you’d expect to be able to bring your dog. But thankfully, leashed pups are welcome to join you on the viewing terrace at the flagship store on Boulevard Haussmann.  

Montparnasse Tower 

Another famous viewpoint in the city is the Montparnasse Tower. The 210‑metre skyscraper was built in the 1970s, and its 56th‑floor observation deck offers one of the city’s best panoramic views. Surprisingly, small dogs are allowed to join you, as long as they’re carried in a bag. Unfortunately, larger dogs aren’t permitted, so large dog owners can head to Galeries Lafayette to take in the view. 

Jardin du Palais-Royal 

Paris is full of beautiful gardens and parks demanding your dog’s attention. However, most of them come with restrictions and no-go areas for dogs. But one of the most central and popular parks, the Jardin du Palais-Royal, is different. Dogs must stay on a leash, but aside from the lawns and flowerbeds, there are no restricted areas, making it easy to enjoy a stroll with your pup in the centre of Paris. As an added bonus, the dog-friendly section of the Jardin du Luxembourg is surprisingly large and one of the prettiest spots in the city for a picnic break. 

Paris may not have the reputation of a classic dog-friendly destination. Still, as these unexpected spots show, it’s a city that rewards curious travellers willing to look beyond the obvious. With a little planning and a flexible, well-travelled pup, you can explore bookshops, viewpoints, boats and gardens together, without missing out on the magic of the city.