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Looking for a dog-friendly holiday destination? The Jura Mountains promise to make you and your dog feel welcome. You can take your dog hiking along the GTJ or one of the many other waymarked routes, swimming in the lakes and rivers and a host of other activities. We have accommodation, restaurants and museums where dogs are welcome, which means you can bring your four-legged friend on holiday without wondering what you'll do once you're here. Check out our tips and suggestions for a totally dog-friendly experience.
1 - Haut-Bugey: THE dog-friendly destination
With the very first tourist office boasting the "Qualidog" seal of approval, the Haut-Bugey region promises lakes where dogs are allowed, nature-walk recommendations, a whole list of dog-friendly establishments, including "toutoubars" (bars for dogs), and a holiday-guide booklet designed specially for pet owners…
2 - Land of lakes, doggy heaven
Imagine emerald-green lakes, amazing waterfalls and more than 1,000 km of waymarked trails... Welcome to the Terre d'Émeraude in South Jura, a place your dog will love! For a fabulous holiday, this "land of emerald" welcomes your 4-legged friend with open arms.
3 - In the vineyards with your dog
So you like beautiful, historic villages, vineyard walks, visiting wine cellars and learning about local expertise... but not without your dog? Then you'll love the Coeur du Jura region and its 3 picturesque towns oozing with charm: Arbois, Poligny and Salins-les-Bains.
4 - In the mountains with your dog
Just a stone's throw from the Swiss border, the Pays de Gex and the resort of Monts Jura offer their spectacular mountain landscapes and views of the Alps. The Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve is out of bounds to dogs but, no worries, because there's no shortage of beautiful walks to enjoy with your dog in the Pays de Gex region.
To ensure your holiday with your dog goes as smoothly as possible, it is important to observe these few simple rules:
The Jura Mountains have other occupants too, such as Pyrenean mountain dogs. With the return of large predators like the wolf and the lynx, these guardian dogs have become commonplace in the Jura Mountains.
If you see one near the pastures or guarding a herd, keep your dog on a lead and keep your distance. If you have to get close, use your bag to keep the dogs apart.
As you will have realised, it is essential to check rules and regulations and find out whether or not dogs are allowed in the area you're visiting. In the absence of specific regulations, as a general rule dogs should be kept on a lead. Why? Because hiking with your dog on a lead means that you:
Your dog is deemed a stray when it escapes your effective supervision (except for hunting and guardian dogs). A stray dog is more than 100 metres from its owner and cannot hear you calling it.
It is forbidden to let your dog go astray on farmland or non-cultivated land, in meadows, vineyards, orchards, woodlands or marshlands and on the banks of rivers, ponds or lakes. The purpose of such bans is to protect birds and game animals to allow their numbers to increase.
All year round in the Haute Chaîne du Jura National Nature Reserve.
Rules and regulations in this reserve
Only, in "APPB" zones (covered by Prefectoral Biotope Protection Decrees) in the five "Haut-Jura" mountain forests: Massacre, Ban-Arobiers, Risoux, Haute-Joux and Combe Noire.
--- the Remoray Lake National Nature Reserve
--- the Bief du Nanchez Peatlands Regional Nature Reserve, on authorised paths only
The Haut-Jura Regional Nature Park (other than the exceptions indicated opposite).
Off the forest paths, dogs must be kept on a lead from 15 April to 30 June. It is preferable, however, to keep your dog on a lead as much as possible.
Good practices in this regional nature parkTake to the Grande Traversée du Jura with your 4-legged friend! But beware, certain sectors are covered by regulations, are out of bounds or present difficulties for hikers with dogs:
When it's hot, who can resist a little fun in the water? Certainly not your dog! Your luck's in because the Jura Mountains are packed with lakes, rivers and waterfalls that you and your dog can explore together. To guarantee you a pleasant experience, we've identified the best spots where you can both splash about to your heart's content!
Our four-legged friends love playing in the water! But which are the bathing spots where dogs are allowed? Here's a quick guide to make life easy for you:
1 - Swimming with your dog
Good news: your dog is allowed in the vast majority of lakes and rivers of the Jura Mountains, including the lakes of Chalain, Vouglans, Saint-Point, Les Rousses, Nantua, Genin and many more. Do, however, avoid the lifeguarded lake beaches which are generally forbidden to dogs. Instead, look for a quiet spot. You'll have no trouble finding one if you walk a little further.
2 - Dogs only!
If you want to stay dry while your dog takes a dip, head for one of these two lakes, where dogs are allowed to bathe, but not their owners: Bonlieu and Étival.
3 - Walking with your dog
Remoray lake in the heart of the nature reserve is out of bounds to all (except the Labergement-Sainte-Marie outdoor activities centre, open to human visitors in summer). You may only walk your dog around the lake, on a lead.
If in doubt, don't hesitate to enquire at the tourist offices.
Pick your lake
What are your best options for enjoying the water without leaving your dog on the bank? Here's our list of favourite "dog-friendly activities on the water":
Standing on your board, paddle in hand, take your dog gliding across one of the lakes of the Jura Mountains. Installed at the front, he'll quietly enjoy the views!
Canoeing is easier than paddleboarding and safer for your dog.
Too windy? No sense of balance? Want to take the whole family? Then rent out a pedalo and your dog can come too. Available at the many lakeside activities centres.
Rent out a paddleboard, canoe or pedalo!
Provide your dog with a life vest, to keep him safe from the lake and river currents.
Canine snowshoeing, canine skiing, canine snowblading, sledging and more! Summer isn't the only time of year to enjoy the Jura Mountains in the company of your four-legged companion! Make the most of the joys of the snow together, your dog will love it! To share the best wintersports experiences in the company of your dog, check out our special practical guide to your winter holiday!
In the Jura Mountains, we love dogs and are ready to prove it! Head for the Haut-Jura Saint-Claude-Hautes-Combes ski area where dogs on a lead are allowed on the snowshoe trails of all 4 resorts.
At the Nordic site of La Praille, you'll now find 3 circuits ranging from 3 to 6 km, where dogs are allowed: Mazières chapel, Curnillon pass and the Haut-Bugey ridges.
Head for La Praille
If you like speed, thrilling sensations and sharing experiences with your dog, then try taking him ski-joëring!
Equipped with mini-skis (or a snowscoot or even a sledge!), a harness, a lead rein and a dog harness, off you go to explore La Pesse. Take him skiing at this 100% dog-friendly resort where there are 4 trails suitable for dog-sledding and ski-joëring.
Go for it!
Take your dog exploring the beautiful winter landscapes of the Jura Mountains.
Equip your dog with a tow harness, connected to your own harness or belt by an elastic lead rope.
A word of advice: Start with a short distance as you may be surprised by the intense pace and the power exerted on your dog.
Best winter hiking trails
Do you have your own sled dogs and are looking for the perfect trail?
Head for Les Rousses or Bellegarde, in the Hautes-Combes region, where you and your team will find a mushers' area on the edge of the village. From there, you can follow one of the maintained, waymarked trails of 5 km, 8 km, 10 km and 15 km.
Passes available from the tourist office.
Bad weather offers the ideal opportunity for a cultural outing! But leaving your dog alone indoors is out of the question. So, to help you decide what to do, here's a non-exhaustive list of dog-friendly sites and museums.
To avoid an unpleasant surprise, phone ahead before visiting the sites.
Looking for the ideal holiday accommodation for you and your dog in the Jura Mountains? Check out our 4 favourite establishments with a commitment to making your dog feel at home (additional charges apply). No more unpleasant surprises and, into the bargain, doggy bars, dog carriers on request, enclosed private outdoor area, dog towels, dog bowls and much more!
Located between Salins-les-Bains and Champagnole, the Gîte du Cabrol welcomes your four-legged friends (2 dogs maximum). This vast farmhouse conversion, near the Hérisson waterfalls and many other picturesque sites, features an enclosed courtyard where doggy can let off steam to his heart's content!
Book this gîte
Beautifully fitted out, the Abricosy gîte welcomes your pets (2 dogs maximum). Located in the small winegrowing village of Aiglepierre, between Arbois and Salins-les-Bains, this lovely holiday house is equipped to make the whole family feel at home.
Book this gîte
Prefer the comfort of a hotel room to rented accommodation? At an ideal location in the Bugey mountains, the Auberge d’Aranc hotel and restaurant invites you and your furry friend to enjoy a holiday without compromise!
Book a room
This 4-star campsite keeps everyone happy with its pool complex, multiple pitches, chalets, mobile homes, a lake and a dog-friendly welcome!
Book your stay
What equipment do you need to travel with your dog in the Jura Mountains? What rules must be observed to take your dog on a train? What precautions should be taken for winter activities with your dog? Check out our practical guide for a successful holiday with your four-legged friend.
Help your dog feel at home during his new adventure in the Jura Mountains, by packing his favourite items:
Also, don't forget to bring:
Practical guide to travelling by train with your pet:
For both you and your dog, the snow and cold weather can cause problems if you are not properly prepared. Here's a handy reminder before your wintersports holiday:
- Don't let your dog eat snow, as this could cause digestion problems.... Especially if it contains snow-clearance salt.
- Protect his paw pads with vaseline, booties, massages and regular inspections, and avoid prolonged contact with the snow.
- In the event of extremely cold weather, young, old and short-haired pets should be protected with a dog coat to avoid falling ill.
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