Dog-Friendly Beaches near Rouen

Étretat's pebble beach, framed by the iconic chalk arch cliffs of the Amont and Aval, is one of the most photographed coastal settings in France. Dogs are banned from the main beach from June 15 to September 15 but are freely welcome outside those dates. The cliff path (chemin des douaniers) above the beach is open to dogs year-round and offers the famous views that inspired Monet, Maupassant and Courbet. The village itself is charming for dog-friendly walks.

Deauville's legendary boardwalk, the Promenade des Planches, runs for 2 km along the sandy beach and is one of the most glamorous seaside walks in France. Dogs are banned from the sandy beach between May 15 and September 15, but the boardwalk itself remains open to dogs year-round. In the off-season, dogs can also access the sand directly from the promenade. The town's chic centre with its boutiques and brasseries is also very dog-friendly.

The riverside village of Duclair, 30 km northwest of Rouen on the D982, has a lovely grassy river bank alongside the Seine with sandy and gravelly shores where dogs can wade and swim freely. There are no seasonal restrictions here - it is a local favourite for dog owners seeking a quick river swim without driving to the coast. The ferry (bac) across the Seine at Duclair is a fun outing in itself and takes dogs without extra charge.

Veules-les-Roses is one of the most charming villages on the Côte d'Albâtre, with a small pebble beach flanked by white chalk cliffs. Dogs are welcome on the beach outside the summer restriction period (approximately July-August). The village itself - voted one of the most beautiful villages in France - has a remarkable short river (the Veules, France's shortest) flowing through watercress beds. Dogs are welcome in the village lanes and on the cliff walks in both directions.