We picture long walks, green spaces, and tranquil trails, but one factor often proves decisive: finding lodging that welcomes an animal without constraint. To shed light on these choices, a study published on September 15, 2026 analyzed more than 80,000 listings spread across 50 municipalities throughout France. It crafts a precise portrait of how dogs are welcomed in vacation rentals and challenges some assumptions that were previously taken for granted. In a ranking by Gîtes.fr, a site specialized in vacation rentals, the national average sits at 25.1% of accommodations that accept dogs — roughly one in four; this overall figure masks substantial disparities from one region to another and reveals a geography of hospitality that diverges from what many people imagine.
Leading the way: cities where space and nature are the main draw
These are precisely the mid-sized cities that top the standings, far ahead of the big metropoles. Thionville takes first place with an impressive rate of 53.8%, more than double the national average; here, nature is part of daily life: nearby forests and the banks of the Moselle offer a wealth of walking routes, where you can stroll for miles without encountering heavy traffic or needing to search for designated areas. Vichy sits in second place at 45.5%, propelled by an exceptional green setting — well-kept parks, a renowned arboretum, and lakefronts that delight both dogs and their owners. Getting around is easy, grassy pockets are plentiful, and it feels natural for animals to have their place in the landscape. Chalon-sur-Saône rounds out the podium at 44.7%, with broad shaded quays and green spaces embedded right in the heart of the town — no need to travel far to breathe together; everything is accessible just outside your lodging.
Other destinations just as welcoming further down the rankings…
Just behind these top three, another cluster of cities reinforces this very positive dynamic: Metz at 44.3%, Clermont-Ferrand at 40.9%, Grenoble at 40.2%, Arles at 39.9%, Bayonne at 36.5%, Chambéry at 35.3%, and Valence at 34.5%. All of them clearly exceed the national average and offer a setting where the pet is not tolerated as a passerby guest, but welcomed as a full companion. Many benefit from nearby natural surroundings — mountain foothills, rivers, or verdant plains — which make daily outings easier and make the stay more flexible and enjoyable for everyone. [To discover exceptional walking spots during your stay, check out our picks of France’s most beautiful lakes accessible with your dog.]
The striking contrast with the metropolises
At the opposite end, the very large cities show results well below the average. Paris ranks 49th out of 50, with only 20.1% of accommodations that accept dogs — the high urban density, smaller housing units, and different building practices largely explain why supply is scarcer here. While mid-sized cities have managed to preserve spaces and an open culture, the metropolises see the available options shrink, making the search more challenging for dog owners.
