The Dog Days of Summer

Frankie’s New Life in France: A Cattle Dog’s French Adventure

When we decided to move to France, we knew it would be an exciting adventure, but we weren’t sure how our velcro-dog, Frankie, would adjust. Frankie, our sometimes reactive Cattle Dog with boundless energy and curiosity, had been our sidekick through countless day trips. As it turned out, France was the perfect place for all of us, welcoming Frankie with open arms and giving us a new reason to breathe easy. Here’s the story of how Frankie settled into our new home and explored the wonders of France.

Settling into Paris: A Cattle Dog’s Dream Home

Our journey began in Paris, a city known for its dog-friendly nature. From the moment we arrived in the city limits, we could see Frankie was excited to take in all the new sights and scents. Paris, with its beautiful parks, bustling cafes, and scenic riverbanks, quickly became our playground. We did not rent a car and walked several miles each day.

Frankie posing in front of the Eiffel Tower

Exploring the City: Paris was a wonderland for Frankie. Every morning, we’d start our day with a walk around the 16th arrondissement. The sights and sounds of the city, from the chatter of Parisians to the aroma of fresh bread, were a sensory delight for us all. Our favorite spots included Avenue Foch right outside our door, with its expansive gardens where Frankie could run, along with our city walks to major sights like the Arc de Triomphe, where Frankie loved the open space and steady stream of traffic circling the roundabout, and the Eiffel Tower, where we enjoyed an empty morning of sightseeing and picture-taking from the Trocadero.

Frankie enjoying the wildflowers at Parc de Bagatelle

One of our most cherished spots quickly became the Parc de Bagatelle. The park’s beautiful trees, paths, and vibrant native flowerbeds offered plenty of space for Frankie to roam and explore. The small cafes within the park were perfect for dog-socializing, but she was reluctant at first to make new four-legged friends. The friendly Parisians though often stopped to admire her and offer a sweet head pat, making Frankie feel right at home.

Dining Out: One of the highlights of living in Paris was the dog-friendly dining culture. Many cafes and bistros have outdoor seating areas where dogs are warmly welcomed. Le Zinc du 16 in the 16th arrondissement was the first restaurant to welcome her inside. The waitstaff greeted Frankie with a smile and a bowl of fresh water. As we enjoyed our lunch, Frankie happily watched the world go by, occasionally receiving pats from fellow diners. A few kind ladies took a special interest in Frankie and suggested several parks she could visit in the upcoming days.

Embracing Bordeaux: A New Home in Wine Country

Jon and Frankie posing in one of the many beautifully decorated streets in Old Town Bordeaux

After visiting Paris, we decided to explore other parts of France, leading us to Bordeaux. Known for its exquisite wine and laid-back charm, Bordeaux quickly became another favorite spot for us, and where we chose to settle down for the next month. Strolling through the narrow, cobbled streets of the historic Saint-Pierre district, we encountered quaint boutiques and vibrant cafes that captured the city's rich cultural heritage.

Girondins Monument

Must-See with Your Dog in Bordeaux: During our time exploring Bordeaux's Old Town, we discovered that the Monument aux Girondins at Place des Quinconces was a standout highlight. We loved how the grand statue, elevated on its column, commanded attention against the vast, open square. The impressive details of the monument and the inviting atmosphere of the square, one of the largest in Europe, made it an ideal spot for us to take in the sights while Frankie joyfully roamed around. On warmer days, the thick groves of 200-year-old sycamore trees lining both sides of the square provided much-needed shade, making Frankie's paws and tongue even more grateful.

Arcachon: A Coastal Canine Retreat

One of our most memorable excursions was to Arcachon, a beautiful coastal town just an hour’s drive from Bordeaux. Arcachon’s dog-friendly beaches and stunning natural landscapes made it an ideal spot for a day trip.

Jon and Frankie taking a momentary pause on the bay walls of Arcachon

Local Cuisine: After a walk along the bayside, we wandered into town where we found a charming seafood restaurant with outdoor seating, Restaurant Cafe de la Plage. The staff were incredibly welcoming to Frankie, offering her a bowl of water while we indulged in sushi, steak, and a crisp white wine. The laid-back atmosphere of Arcachon and the kindness of its people made it a perfect coastal retreat for all of us.

Beach Fun: Arcachon offered Frankie an array of sights, scents, and discoveries that kept her thoroughly engaged. By the time we headed back, she was delightfully worn out from her beachside adventures. A few weeks later, we set off on a day trip to the far side of the Arcachon Bay inlet, where the sweeping vistas of the Atlantic Ocean, the majestic dunes, and the lush pine forests made the journey worthwhile. Frankie thrived on the exploration, her tail wagging enthusiastically as she soaked in every new scent and sight along the way.

A Journey to Saint-Émilion: Exploring the Monolithic Church and Catacombs

One of our most exciting day trips was to the picturesque village of Saint-Émilion, renowned for its vineyards and medieval charm. The drive from Bordeaux to Saint-Émilion was a scenic treat, with rolling vineyards stretching as far as the eye could see. Frankie’s nose was twitching with excitement, eager for new scents and adventures.

Frankie following our tour to descend into the catacombs and Monolithic Church

Descending into the Catacombs: Our first stop was the Catacombs, a network of tunnels and chambers beneath the village. Guided tours are required, but thankfully dogs are permitted to join the group, and Svetlana our guide encouraged us to let her wander. Photography is forbidden inside the catacombs and the church, so this was the last snapshot we could capture before descending into the subterranean world. Frankie, ever the eager explorer, tugged at her leash with uncontainable excitement, determined to be the first to sniff out each new corner and experience the enigmatic sights and scents of the underground chambers. The cool, dimly lit passages were a stark contrast to the bright sunshine above. Frankie’s tail wagged with every step, her keen nose picking up the musty scent of the underground. We wandered through the winding tunnels, marveling at the ancient stonework and the eerie silence. Frankie’s exploration was a mix of excitement and caution, her ears perked up and her eyes wide with wonder. It was a thrilling experience, one that made us appreciate the depth of history buried beneath Saint-Émilion’s charming streets.

Jon and Frankie in front of the Monolithic Church

The Monolithic Church: After exploring the catacombs, we ventured into the Monolithic Church, a remarkable structure carved entirely out of limestone. The church's massive, dark interior was both awe-inspiring and wonderfully spooky. As we wandered through the cool, echoing chambers, Frankie’s curiosity was palpable. She trotted ahead, her paws echoing on the stone floor, occasionally pausing to sniff at the ancient walls. The church’s crypt, with its narrow passageways and hidden niches, was like a maze that Frankie explored with excitement. The impressive architecture and historical significance left us all in awe, and Frankie seemed to sense something odd in several well-sniffed corners.

Frankie’s French Adventure: A Perfect Fit

Frankie’s transition to life in France has been a smooth and blissful one. From the vibrant streets of Paris to the serene landscapes of Bordeaux and the coastal charm of Arcachon, every aspect of our new life has been filled with exciting experiences and surprising dog-friendly perks.

The overwhelmingly welcoming attitude towards dogs in France made Frankie’s move an adventure filled with joy and discovery. As she settled into her new routine, Frankie found that France was not just a new home but a place where every day was an opportunity for a new tail-wagging adventure.

For any dog and their human considering a move to France, Frankie’s story is a heartwarming reminder that with its friendly atmosphere and delightful experiences, France is a country where every furry friend can truly feel at home.