Saint Malo - sailing to France with a dog

jenwhelan234
Sep 20
3 min read

Updated: Oct 1

Saint-Malo is somewhere Pete and I have sailed to independently several times. Full disclosure - we did not sail across the channel this time, but took Brittany Ferries, as the aim of the visit was to help my Father pack up a house in Brittany ready to sell. The visit however was still as magical as ever.

The walled corsair city rises dramatically from the sea, with granite ramparts, church spires, and cobbled streets full of history. For sailors, it’s both a practical and unforgettable landfall on the Brittany coast. For Svea, it was an adventure of new smells, long sandy beaches, and plenty of dog fusses from locals and tourists alike.

Dog Travel Checklist: UK ↔ France

If your dog has a European Pet Passport, travel is relatively simple. If not, you’ll need a valid European Animal Health Certificate (EAHC). Either way, your dog must meet these requirements:

✅ Step 1: Microchip

Your dog must be microchipped (this is UK law so should already be done).
Both the vet and the ferry company on departure will scan and check the chip.

✅ Step 2: Rabies Vaccination

Required if your dog doesn’t have a European Pet Passport.
Must be done by a vet and must be administered 21 days before travel.

✅ Step 3: Tapeworm Treatment

Must be given 1 - 4 days before returning to the UK.
Treatment must be recorded and stamped by a vet. Pete booked this in advance before leaving for France to make things stress-free on the return trip.

🧳 Pro Tip:

Keep all paperwork (passport or health certificate, vaccination record, and tapeworm certificate) together in a folder – it saves a lot of hassle when boarding.

⚓ Approaching Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo sits at the mouth of the Rance River and is very much a tidal port. The main marina, Bassin Vauban, is accessed through a lock, and timing your arrival is essential. The tidal streams in this area can run strongly, not unlike the Bristol Channel, so careful planning is needed.

🐾 Dog Walks

Saint-Malo is heaven for dogs who love sand and space:

Plage du Sillon – one of France’s most beautiful beaches, stretching for miles. Outside of peak summer restrictions, it’s dog-friendly and perfect for chasing balls. Svea adored galloping along the tide line here. Pete and I watched the sun go down whilst enjoying local oysters.
The Ramparts Walk – circling the walled city, this easy stroll gives panoramic sea views. Dogs must be on leads, but it’s a must-do for any visitor.
Rance Estuary Paths – if you fancy something quieter, head inland along the estuary for wooded trails and riverside walks.

🍷 Dog-Friendly Pubs & Cafés

The French aren’t just tolerant of dogs — they often treat them as honoured guests. In Saint-Malo, Svea was welcomed everywhere, even indoors:

La Java Café – a cosy spot near the marina, perfect for coffee and croissants with a dog snoozing under the table.
La Belle Époque – a lively brasserie with classic Breton fare (try the moules-frites). Dogs welcome inside.
Crêperies of the Intra-Muros – Saint-Malo is full of crêperies, and almost all will happily let you bring your dog along.

Svea was fussed over so much we almost forgot who the real star of Dogsail was supposed to be!

🐕 Saint-Malo in a Nutshell

Historic, dramatic, and thoroughly dog-friendly, Saint-Malo is a port of call that stays with you long after you sail away. From the sweep of its golden beaches to the bustle of its cafés and the romance of its ramparts, it’s as rewarding for dogs as it is for sailors. Svea gave it a full tail-wag rating of 8 paws 🐾🐾🐾🐾 - especially for the endless sandy runs at Plage du Sillon.