Aix-les-Bains

An 18-hectare municipal woodland of forest and meadow just above the thermal quarter, free and open daily from 8:00 to 17:00. Dogs of all sizes are welcome on its wide pedestrian paths and sports trails.

A listed historic garden around the Thermes Nationaux, with five kiosks, wide gravel paths and the shaded Rotonde bar terrace. Leashed dogs are welcome throughout this 19th-century landscaped garden in the town center.

The lakefront esplanade running to the Petit Port is Aix-les-Bains' default dog walk, a level path with lake views, beach bars and restaurant terraces the whole way along. It links directly to the boat departure point for Hautecombe Abbey.

A green cycling and walking path runs along the shore between Plage du Rowing and Plage des Mottets, past Cap des Séselets, where dogs can wade and swim freely from the bank year-round. It is the reliable alternative to the town's supervised beaches, which ban dogs outright each summer.

A cruise across Lac du Bourget from the Grand Port reaches the Cistercian Abbaye de Hautecombe, burial site of the House of Savoy on the lake's far shore. Dogs are accepted on board leashed for a small supplement, though they must wait outside during the church visit.

The town's modern thermal spa, rebuilt in 2000 within the historic Chevalley villa park, is the reason Aix-les-Bains exists but is strictly off-limits to pets, like every French thermal establishment. Plan a Bois Vidal walk or a sitter for the hours you spend inside.