It is your most faithful companion, and yet it is sometimes difficult to take it with you on vacation.
Going on vacation to the Alps with your dog guarantees shared moments of connection amidst breathtaking scenery. Fresh air, crystal-clear high-altitude lakes, cool summer temperatures, or snow-capped peaks—the Alpine range offers an exceptional playground for our four-legged companions.
Pets are accepted and welcome at Le Chalet des Belges. Here are a few tips to ensure your stay goes smoothly.
Why choose the mountains for a holiday with your dog ?
The mountains offer numerous advantages for dog owners, especially in summer:
- Cooler temperatures: Unlike the stifling coast, the altitude offers milder temperatures, ideal for dogs sensitive to heat.
- Sensory stimulation: The scents of wildlife, clear streams, and wide-open spaces stimulate your pet's sense of smell and intellect.
- Strengthening the bond: Sharing the effort of a hike strengthens the bond between owner and dog.
Regulations: where can you walk your dog in the Alps ?
This is the most critical aspect of your planning. Not all mountain areas are open to pets, even when kept on a leash.
In the Alps, regulations are strict to protect wildlife (marmots, ibex, chamois):
- Vanoise National Park and Écrins National Park: Dogs are strictly prohibited, even when on a leash or carried in a bag.
- Mercantour National Park: Prohibition is also the rule, with the exception of a few rare, very specific access trails.
If you want to go hiking with your dog in the Alps, look to the Regional Nature Parks (PNR), which are much more accommodating. Dogs are generally allowed there, provided they are kept on a leash. This is particularly true of the Mont Blanc massif, where—outside of strict nature reserves (such as the Aiguilles Rouges)—many trails facing the glaciers welcome dogs.
Please note: if you visit the magnificent Cirque du Fer à Cheval, dogs are not allowed inside the nature reserve. However, they are permitted as far as the chalet/refreshment area. If you are in a group, this is a great opportunity to take turns: one group waits at the refreshment area with the dogs while the other hikes, and then you swap !
Managing "Patous" (livestock guardian dogs)
In the Alps, you will inevitably come across flocks of sheep or herds of cows guarded by Patous (mountain dogs).
- Plan ahead: Use tools to locate grazing areas before setting out.
- How to behave: If you spot a flock, give it a wide berth. Never walk through the middle of the animals. Put your dog on a leash immediately. If the Patou approaches to sniff you, stay calm, do not shout or threaten it with your poles, and let it finish its inspection before slowly continuing on your way.
The most beautiful lakes where dogs are allowed
There’s nothing like a refreshing break after a good climb. Just a heads-up: some popular lakes prohibit dogs from swimming. Here are a few must-visit spots where dogs are allowed:
- Lac Vert: Offers an exceptional panoramic view of Mont Blanc.
- Les Chalets de Miage: The small stream just past the mountain hut offers a chance to cool off, with a splendid view of the Dômes de Miage.
- Lac de Passy: Dogs are not allowed in the lake itself, but the adjacent river (La Bialle) allows them to swim.
