Sponsored Editorial

Whether it’s a day trip, mini-break or holiday, venturing abroad is great fun. If you’re a dog owner, however, it can be upsetting having to leave your four-legged friend at home. They are a member of the family after all.

Thanks to the brand-new, exclusive Pet Lounge, the next time you travel to France on the Dover to Calais route with P&O Ferries, you can bring your pup with you and create special memories overseas.

The luxurious P&O Ferries Pet Lounge lets you and your pet relax and enjoy all the comfort, space and complimentary refreshments on board together.

There are large booths with spacious areas in between seats for your pet to play and move around, with a dedicated space for their own bed, as well as an exercise area on the outside deck for some fresh air and stretching.

For human passengers, the Pet Lounge features comfy leather sofas and seats, charging points and plugs, a vending machine, and complimentary hot and cold beverages.

Just remember, when you travel overseas with your dog, you need to ensure they have all the correct documentation, including a pet passport, and fully are up to date with their vaccinations.

So, once you get to France, what are some of the best destinations and sights to visit with your four-legged friend? Let’s take a look…

Stroll along the Somme river

Northern France is teeming with picturesque trails and hike routes. The banks of the Somme river are well laid out with paths for walking with your dog along the water. It’s a great way to relax and connect with nature. On a warm day, your pooch can take a dip in the river to cool off!

Check out the dog-friendly beaches

You can’t beat a walk on the beach. Take in the sea air and pretty sights as your dog runs around on the soft sand and splashes in the sea. Wissant, a small town just a 25-minute drive from Calais, boasts three lovely beaches. The one worth sniffing out is Plage Dune d’Aval, as the local government permits dogs all year round.

Just an hour’s drive away from Calais is a town known as ‘Paris-on-Sea’, Le Touquet. This charming seaside town has two dog-friendly beaches, Plage Nord and Plage des Dunes.

There are also various coastal paths to enjoy. The paths between Cap Blanc Nez and Cap Gris Nez welcome dogs but they must be kept on a lead.

See the sights

There are lots of dog-friendly attractions to discover in northern France. You can explore Fort D'Ambleteuse, a historic sea fort by the commune of Ambleteuse in the Pas-de-Calais, or pay a visit to Château d'Olhain, a stunning 15th-century castle located in the middle of a lake in Fresnicourt-le-Dolmen.

Other fantastic experiences include Château fort de Rambures, with its spectacular military architecture, Belle Dune golf course, which welcomes dogs on a leash, and Les Grottes de Presque, a group of caves in Saint-Médard-de-Presque.

Take a trip on the train

If you fancy a scenic tour by train, the Compagnie du Petit train de la côted'opale (little opal coast train) is accessible to dogs, with the circuit lasting 30 minutes – as is P'tit train de la Haute Somme, which travels 14 km through history, past fields with fantastic views of the Somme valley.

Cycle with your dog

Northern France boasts excellent coastal and inland cycle routes. You can share your passion for cycling with your pooch. A great option is the footpath along the Somme river between Ham and Saint-Valery-sur-Somme, which has been converted into a 160km cycle path. Sporty dogs who need to exercise will love running alongside you!

What are you waiting for! Book you next trip with P&O Ferries and start your adventure with all the family. Enjoy a short break from just £99 or if you fancy getting away for a little longer, then book a long break.

If you book by 30 September, you will get a FREE £50 World Duty Free voucher to spend in the onboard shop so you can stock up on all your favourite brands! Plus, you can enjoy the Pet Lounge from just £27 each way.

To find out more and book your next trip, visit www.poferries.com.

Terms and conditions - £99 offer

Offer applies to Dover to Calais service only. Book by 30th September 2022 for travel by 20th October 2022. Offer subject to restricted space and availability, applies to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Valid for travel for all vehicles and up to nine passengers or a motorcycle and up to two passengers. Excludes foot passengers and bookings made at port. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries' Terms of Business, both available online at poferries.com.

Terms and conditions - free £50 World Duty Free voucher

Offer valid on Dover to Calais bookings only. Book by 30th of September 2022 for travel up to October 31st 2022 only. Available for travel with any motorised vehicle for a long stay duration i.e. greater than five days. Offer subject to restricted space and availability, applies to new bookings only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excludes daytrips, short breaks and foot passengers. P&O Ferries reserve the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. £50 voucher is valid for use on Dover-Calais and must be used on your outward journey from Dover. It may be used as full or part payment towards purchased goods in World Duty Free shop on board P&O Ferries. One voucher per booking and transaction. Voucher will be printed at port. No change given. Voucher is not transferable and may not be redeemed for cash. Excludes all tobacco products. Alcohol for 18+ only. Offer cannot be used in combination with any other offer. Offer is subject to limited availability. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries' Terms of Business, both available online at poferries.com.