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Pet-Friendly Weekend EV Travel in France

Published: Friday 4th April 2025
9 minutes read

Planning an electric vehicle adventure with your four-legged friend? France offers the perfect blend of extensive charging infrastructure, pet-welcoming culture, and breathtaking scenic routes. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to navigate France's diverse regions by EV while ensuring your pet enjoys the journey just as much as you do.

France offers an exceptional combination of extensive EV infrastructure and welcoming pet policies, making it the ideal destination for electric vehicle owners travelling with their four-legged companions:

  • Extensive Charging Network: France hosts one of Europe’s largest networks with over 100,000 charging points accessible through services like easyCharging, with particularly good coverage along motorways and in major tourist areas
  • Dog-Friendly Culture: The French have a longstanding tradition of welcoming dogs in restaurants, cafés, and many tourist attractions, particularly in rural regions
  • Diverse Landscapes: From the lavender fields of Provence to the rugged Atlantic coast of Brittany, France offers varied terrain all accessible by electric vehicles
  • Rural Accommodation: France’s countryside is dotted with pet-friendly accommodation from châteaux to farm stays, with a growing number equipped with Type 2 chargers

Planning Your Route: Essential Considerations for EV Drivers with Pets

Regional Charging Infrastructure

When planning your pet-friendly EV journey through France, it’s important to understand the regional variations in charging infrastructure:

  • Northern France: Dense network around Paris, Lille, and along the Normandy coast
  • Loire Valley: Good coverage along the A10 motorway and in major towns like Tours and Orléans
  • Southern France: Extensive network in Provence and along the Mediterranean coast, though more sparse in remote areas of Occitanie
  • Alpine Regions: Increasing number of stations in ski resorts and major towns, but plan carefully for mountain driving

Regional Driving Considerations Affecting Range

France’s diverse geography presents unique challenges for EV range management:

  • Alps and Pyrenees: Mountainous driving can reduce range by 25-40% due to elevation gains. The descent, however, often recovers energy through regenerative braking.
  • Mistral Wind in Provence: Strong northerly winds in the Rhône Valley can significantly impact efficiency, especially when driving north-south routes
  • Loire Valley: Generally flat terrain results in consistent range performance
  • Brittany: Coastal winds can affect consumption; the peninsula’s compact size makes it ideal for shorter-range EVs

Pet-Friendly EV Route: Paris to Loire Valley Weekend Escape

Jardin du Luxembourg Jardin du Luxembourg

Day 1: Paris to Tours (230km)

Morning: Begin in Paris, where numerous fast-charging stations are available throughout the city. The Belib’ network offers over 2,000 charging points in the capital alone. Take your pet for a morning walk in the dog-friendly Jardin du Luxembourg, where leashed dogs are welcome in designated areas.

EV Tip: Use the easyCharging app to locate one of the many 50kW+ DC fast chargers around central Paris. The app’s real-time availability feature is particularly useful in busy urban areas. Public charging stations at Place de la Concorde and near Bois de Boulogne provide convenient options while you give your pet a morning walk.

Mid-Journey Stop: The Chartres service area on the A10 motorway features multiple fast-charging options, including Ionity 350kW chargers. The service area has a designated pet relief area, making it perfect for a combined charging and pet break.

Range Management: The drive from Paris to the Loire Valley is predominantly flat, though you’ll encounter gentle rolling hills as you approach Tours. Your vehicle’s range should remain relatively consistent, with perhaps a 5-10% reduction from the estimated range in ideal conditions.

Evening: Check in at one of the Loire Valley’s pet-friendly accommodations, such as Château des Arpentis or Domaine de la Tortinière, both of which have installed 22kW Type 2 charging points. Many wine-region accommodations now offer overnight charging as part of their sustainability initiatives.

Château de Chenonceau Château de Chenonceau

Day 2: Exploring the Loire Châteaux (120km circuit)

Morning: Take your pet on a scenic walk around the grounds of Château de Chenonceau, where dogs on leashes are permitted in the extensive gardens (though not inside the château itself). The surrounding woods offer plenty of space for your dog to explore.

EV Tip: While charging at the official Amboise tourism office (equipped with 22kW AC chargers), explore the charming town with your pet. The central location means you’re within walking distance of the Château d’Amboise and numerous pet-friendly cafés.

Charging Etiquette: In popular tourist spots like Amboise, it’s considered good practice to move your vehicle once charged to allow other EV drivers access. The easyCharging app sends notifications when your charging session is complete.

Afternoon: Visit the dog-friendly vineyards of Vouvray, where several wineries allow pets on their grounds during tours. The AC charging points at Château de Villandry allow you to recharge while exploring the spectacular gardens, which welcome leashed pets.

Special April 2025 Events: If visiting in early-to-mid April 2025, don’t miss the annual Loire Valley Wine Spring Festival taking place across multiple locations including Tours, Vouvray, and Chinon from April 5-13, 2025. Many participating vineyards welcome well-behaved pets on leads, and several festival locations have installed temporary charging facilities to accommodate the growing number of EV visitors. The festival features over 150 local winemakers offering tastings, vineyard tours, and special gastronomic events in historic settings. Several guided walking tours are specifically designed to be pet-friendly, allowing your four-legged companion to join you on the vineyard explorations.

Evening: Enjoy dinner at one of the many pet-friendly restaurants in Tours. The pedestrianized old town (Vieux Tours) features several establishments with outdoor seating that welcome dogs. Throughout April 2025, many restaurants offer special spring menus featuring seasonal Loire Valley produce. The city’s main public car parks feature multiple charging options for overnight top-ups.

Sologne region Sologne region

Day 3: Loire to Sologne Forest and Return (180km)

Morning: Take the scenic D951 route through the Sologne region, a landscape of forests, lakes, and ponds that’s perfect for nature-loving dogs. The area is much less touristy than the main château circuit but equally beautiful.

EV Tip: Check the easyCharging app for charging stations in smaller towns like Romorantin-Lanthenay. The municipal car park offers 22kW charging, perfect for a top-up while you and your pet explore this charming market town.

Range Consideration: The dense forests of Sologne offer good protection from winds, typically resulting in slightly better efficiency than open-road driving. However, the smaller roads tend to have higher speed variability, so using adaptive cruise control can help optimise range.

Afternoon: Before returning to Paris, stop at the picturesque town of Beaugency on the Loire River, where the riverside path makes for a perfect final walk with your pet. The town’s central car park features Type 2 chargers that allow for a top-up before the journey north.

Paris Return Route: For the return journey to Paris, consider taking the slightly longer D2020 route instead of the A10 motorway. Though it adds approximately 20 minutes to your drive time, it offers a more relaxed driving experience with several charming towns for breaks, and less speed variation helps optimise range efficiency.

Practical Information for EV Drivers with Pets in France

Charging Network Navigation with easyCharging

The easyCharging app provides comprehensive coverage across France, with features particularly useful for pet owners:

  • Access 100,000+ charging points across France and wider Europe
  • Filter by charging speed (AC 11kW/22kW or DC 50kW+) to match your vehicle and time constraints
  • Check real-time availability before deviating from your route, particularly crucial when travelling with pets
  • Free RFID card for hands-free charging when managing your pet on a lead
  • No subscription required – pay only for the electricity you use
  • Detailed charging history helping you track expenses during your journey
  • 24/7 customer support in case of charging issues

EV-Friendly Accommodation for Pet Owners in France

The following establishments specifically welcome both electric vehicles and pets:

  • Château des Briottieres (near Angers): This historic château offers Type 2 charging points and welcomes dogs in certain rooms and throughout the extensive grounds
  • La Ferme de la Serraz (Haute-Savoie): This Alpine accommodation features Tesla and universal charging points with spectacular mountain views and pet-friendly hiking trails directly from the property
  • Les Sources de Caudalie (near Bordeaux): This luxurious wine region hotel offers 22kW charging facilities and a pet-friendly policy with special amenities for dogs
  • Hameau Albert 1er (Chamonix): Pet-friendly rooms complement the 50kW charging facilities, perfect for exploring the pet-accessible trails of the Mont Blanc region

Seasonal Considerations for Pet-Friendly EV Travel in France

  • Spring 2025 (April-June): Ideal for exploring Loire Valley and Burgundy. The moderate temperatures of Spring 2025 are particularly beneficial for EV range, with most regions seeing 10-20°C daytime averages—the sweet spot for battery efficiency. This balanced climate means minimal energy consumption for cabin heating or cooling, often resulting in 5-10% improved range compared to summer or winter driving. April 2025’s increased daylight hours also mean more time to enjoy scenic drives with your pet while reducing the need for energy-consuming headlights.

  • Summer (July-August): Best for Normandy and Brittany where cooler coastal temperatures are more comfortable for pets and better for battery efficiency

  • Autumn (September-October): Perfect for Provence and Dordogne when tourist crowds diminish and temperatures moderate, reducing strain on climate control

  • Winter (November-March): Consider the Côte d’Azur where milder winter temperatures have less impact on battery performance. Many Alpine resorts now offer excellent charging infrastructure, though range may decrease by 20-30% in cold mountain conditions

Embracing France’s EV-Friendly Future With Your Four-Legged Friend

France stands at the forefront of both electric mobility and pet-friendly travel with its extensive network of charging stations accessible through services like easyCharging, combined with the country’s long-standing tradition of welcoming dogs in public spaces.

By planning your route using the easyCharging app to locate fast and reliable charging points, you can design an itinerary that balances your EV’s range capabilities with your pet’s need for regular exercise and exploration. The scenic routes of central France provide a perfect alternative to busy highways, allowing you to discover charming villages, breathtaking landscapes, and pet-friendly attractions away from the tourist crowds.

The whisper-quiet operation of your electric vehicle won’t disturb the tranquility of France’s natural beauty spots, while the absence of exhaust emissions makes your travels more pleasant for your sensitive-nosed companion. With thoughtful planning and the right apps, exploring France in your electric vehicle with your pet creates memories of smooth, sustainable adventures through one of Europe’s most diverse and welcoming countries.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, all major French motorway routes now feature fast charging infrastructure. The APRR, SANEF, and Vinci networks have installed high-power charging hubs at most service areas, typically offering 50-350kW charging. These service areas also feature designated pet relief areas, making them convenient stops for EV owners with animals.

The rolling hills of regions like Burgundy and parts of the Loire Valley typically reduce range by 10-15% compared to flat driving. However, regenerative braking often recovers significant energy on descents. The easyCharging app helps locate intermediate charging points if needed.

Rural charging infrastructure has improved dramatically in recent years. Most French towns with a population over 5,000 now have at least basic charging facilities, often located in central car parks. The Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region has been particularly proactive in installing rural chargers to support tourism.

All pets travelling to France must have an ISO microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and EU Pet Passport or equivalent third-country documentation. Certain breeds of dogs face restrictions, so check regulations if you have a larger breed.

Summer temperatures in southern regions like Provence and the Côte d’Azur can exceed 35°C, significantly affecting both your pet’s comfort and your EV’s battery temperature. Plan charging stops during the cooler morning or evening hours, and use your vehicle’s climate control while plugged in to precondition before continuing your journey.

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