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Travelling with Pets in Cap Ferret
🇫🇷Cap Ferret, France·Updated 21 June 2026
Cap Ferret is a narrow peninsula reached by car from Bordeaux, by the seasonal passenger ferry across the Bassin from Arcachon, or on the small tourist train that crosses the spit in summer. For dog owners the good news is simple: the Arcachon ferry takes leashed dogs for a small fee, and the whole peninsula is walkable and cyclable. The main summer headache is the car, as ocean-beach car parks like Grand Crohot saturate by early afternoon in July and August.
| Mode | Policy | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Passenger ferry (UBA, Arcachon to Cap Ferret) | Dogs and cats travel for 2 EUR on the Arcachon to Cap Ferret (Jetée Bélisaire) crossing, which takes about 30 minutes. Dogs must be kept on a lead and under control. Cats must travel in a closed carrier. Pets are not allowed on the meal, fishing or fireworks cruises. | 💡 The Arcachon shuttle runs year-round, the summer-only village routes (Le Canon, Le Moulleau) operate in season. Check the live timetable by date. |
| Petit Train du Cap-Ferret (tourist train) | The little tourist train links Jetée Bélisaire on the Bassin side to Plage de l'Horizon on the ocean side (about 2 km, 12 minutes), running daily from 15 June to 30 September. Only small dogs that can be held on your lap are accepted, and you should tell the operator at booking. Round trip about 7.50 EUR adult. | 💡 Confirm the small-dog policy directly when you book, as it is set at the operator's discretion and may change. |
| Car & parking | Most visitors arrive by car from Bordeaux (about 1 hour 15). In July and August the peninsula is heavily congested and ocean-beach car parks such as Grand Crohot and Le Truc Vert saturate by early afternoon. The commune runs a real-time parking-occupancy tracker for Grand Crohot. | 💡 Park before 11:00 or after 17:00 in peak season, and never leave a dog in a parked car in summer heat. |
| On foot & by bike | The peninsula is flat and compact, with shaded cycle paths linking the villages and beaches. Leashed dogs are welcome on all paths, and bikes with dog baskets or trailers are easy to rent in Claouey, Le Canon and Cap-Ferret town. This is the most practical and dog-friendly way to get around in summer. | 💡 Rent a bike for the week. It beats fighting for a parking space and keeps your dog active and cool in the shade. |
Useful transport links
Passenger ferry (UBA): bateliers-arcachon.com. Book the Arcachon to Cap Ferret crossing and check live timetables and the 2 EUR pet fare. Tourist office: lege-capferret.com lists the Petit Train du Cap-Ferret season and fares. Real-time Grand Crohot parking occupancy is published on the commune site ville-lege-capferret.fr. Bordeaux Airport (BOD) is about 70 km away and is the main arrival point for travellers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take my dog on the Arcachon to Cap Ferret ferry?
Yes. The UBA passenger ferry carries dogs and cats for 2 EUR on the roughly 30-minute crossing. Dogs must be leashed and under control, and cats must travel in a closed carrier. Pets are not allowed on the meal, fishing or fireworks cruises.
Are dogs allowed on the Petit Train du Cap-Ferret?
Only small dogs that can be held on your lap are accepted, and you should tell the operator when booking. The train runs daily from 15 June to 30 September between Jetée Bélisaire and Plage de l'Horizon. Confirm the policy directly when you reserve.
Is it easy to get around Cap Ferret with a dog without a car?
Yes. The peninsula is flat and compact, and the shaded cycle paths and village trails are all open to leashed dogs. Renting a bike with a dog basket or trailer is the easiest way to get around in summer and avoids the parking crush.
Pet-Friendly Hotels in Cap Ferret
Our top-rated pet-friendly hotels, handpicked and verified.
Domaine du Ferret Restaurant & Spa
★★★★ · 8.8/10
€110/night
Hôtel La Frégate
★★★ · 8.8/10
€114/night
Camping Sandaya Le Truc Vert
★★★★ · 8/10
€70/night
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