Visiting the Loire Valley castles with a dog is absolutely possible, but not every castle has the same rules. Some only allow dogs in the gardens, while others allow small dogs inside under certain conditions.
During our stay, we selected several dog-friendly castles, while keeping a relaxed pace so we could enjoy the visits as well as plenty of walks with Kitsune.
Day 1: Château de Craon
To start our itinerary, we chose Château de Craon, located in Mayenne. Unlike many tourist castles, this one is still lived in by its owners, and dogs are genuinely welcome.
This beautifully preserved family château feels more like stepping into a private home than visiting a traditional tourist attraction. If you choose to stay overnight, the experience feels even more special: once the visitors have left for the day, you can enjoy this unique setting with your dog and feel like a privileged guest.
Visiting Château de Craon with a dog
Dogs are allowed inside the castle, as well as in the gardens and throughout the estate. With 46 hectares and nearly 6 km of paths, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the grounds with your dog.
You can also stay overnight at the château, in the guest rooms located upstairs. This is a particularly lovely option if you are travelling with your dog and want to enjoy the estate outside visiting hours.
We decided to stay for one night in the Louis-Philippe room.
Kitsune was allowed throughout the entire château. The only thing to keep in mind is that there are other dogs roaming freely around the estate.
Good to know:
- Inside: dogs allowed
- Gardens & estate: dogs allowed
- Walks: 46 hectares
- Overnight stay: yes
- Dog fee: €10 / night
Day 2: Château de Rochecotte
On our way to Château de Rochecotte, we made a short stop in Angers before continuing our journey.
Château de Rochecotte is now a hotel housed in a historic estate. Unlike Château de Craon, the interior is not open to visitors as it is now mostly made up of guest rooms. However, the gardens and grounds are accessible and offer a beautiful setting for a stay with your dog. There is also a walking route through the forest and around a pond at the back of the estate.
The château also has a restaurant where dogs are welcome, so you can enjoy dinner on site without having to leave your companion alone in the room.
Good to know:
- Gardens & estate: dogs allowed; the swimming pool is the only restricted area
- Walks: yes
- Overnight stay: yes
- Restaurant: dogs allowed
- Dog fee: €15 / night
Day 3: Château de Chenonceau
A magical castle straight out of a Disney movie and one you can visit with your dog! This was the grand château we visited during our stay.
Dogs are allowed in the gardens regardless of their size. Small dogs can also visit the inside of the château, provided they are carried or transported in a bag.
The interior visit takes around one hour and includes several floors and staircases. If your dog needs to be carried throughout the visit, make sure to bring a comfortable carrier. With a 12 kg dog, we found it quite physically demanding, especially on the stairs.
Outside, both small and large dogs can enjoy the gardens and the extensive grounds, which include several gardens, vegetable gardens and a maze.
Good to know:
- Inside: small dogs only, carried or in a carrier
- Gardens & estate: dogs allowed
- Walks: yes
- Overnight stay: no
- Dog fee: none
Our tips for visiting Loire Valley castles with a dog
Before booking your visits, always check the rules regarding dogs, as they can vary depending on the castle and the size of your dog.
If your dog is only allowed inside when carried or transported in a bag, make sure to bring a comfortable carrier for both you and your dog.
To keep the trip enjoyable for your dog, we recommend choosing only a few castles and taking your time. An itinerary with just a few stops allows you to fully enjoy the visits while still leaving enough time for walks and breaks.
Castles can get very busy and can be full of new smells, people, other dogs and plenty of stimulation for your dog. Try to alternate visits with quieter moments when your dog can simply walk, sniff and rest.
The essentials for visiting Loire Valley castles with your dog
For a day of sightseeing and walking, a few accessories can make travelling with your dog much easier: a comfortable carrier, a hands-free leash, treats for breaks and something to keep your dog hydrated.
Quelques produits utiles pour votre voyage 🤍
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