La Rochelle

The Vieux-Port, guarded by the Saint-Nicolas and Chaîne towers, is the beating heart of the city: lively quays, terraces, a night market in summer. The on-lead stroll here is superb at any hour, with the arcaded streets of the centre steps away.

The tallest of the three medieval towers, a former lighthouse and prison whose walls keep the inmates' graffiti, can be visited but not with a dog. The rampart walk linking it to the other two towers, however, offers a fine on-lead stroll facing the ocean.

This 2 km green corridor, laid out on the old fortifications, crosses the city amid streams, tall trees and lawns. It is the favourite daily walk of La Rochelle's dogs, easily linked to the Mail and the avenue running down to Concurrence beach.

The largest marina on France's Atlantic coast lines up thousands of masts along sea walls and promenades. The on-lead walk from the Vieux-Port to Les Minimes along the coastal path, with views of the towers and sailboats, is a La Rochelle classic.

One of Europe's largest private aquariums, facing the Vieux-Port, displays 12,000 marine animals from sharks to jellyfish. Dogs are not admitted: take turns visiting while the other walks the dog along the Bassin des Chalutiers.

West of the city, this family beach backed by low cliffs is quieter than La Concurrence. Off season dogs romp freely; in summer, respect the municipal bylaw limiting them to morning and evening hours.