Lyon with a dog

Do you never travel without your dog?

Parks and area

The City of Lyon has put a lot of effort into making dog owners feel welcome in recent years. Recently, two new agility areas have been inaugurated where our furry friends can let off some steam: one at Tête d’Or park (near the velodrome), one at Blandan park (behind the sports fields), and one near Clos Layat (800 m²), in the 8^th district. These areas are being added to the 70 existing ones.

In fact, most of Lyon’s municipal parks allow dogs on a leash and have a special area for them. For example, there is Georges Bazin park and Alban Vistel square (3^rd district), Le Jardin des Plantes in the Croix-Rousse, Parc de la Garde (5^th district), Petit Serin park (6^th district), au Antoine Perrin park (8^th district) and Parc des Hautefeuilles (9^thdistrict).

How about around Lyon?

Grand Parc de Miribel Jonage (Vaulx-en-Milieu), and urban nature park of La Feyssine in Villeurbanne, welcomes our four-legged friends, as long as they are kept on a leash of course.

In Bron, the Parc de Parilly proposes an agiility area (near Berliet entrance), as well as Domaine de Lacroix-Laval, in Marcy-l'Etoile (near Varenne entrance). 

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Camille Didierlaurent

What to do with poops?

Be sure to bring bags, as only some of the public parks (where dogs are allowed, but only if kept on a leash) have dog poop bag distributors. Owners who fail to do their duty face the risk of being landed with a hefty €68 fine.

Pet-friendly accomodation

There are plenty of hotels in and around Lyon that cater for dogs, offering a range of special services. These include food bowls and beds, as well as dog-friendly menus. Here are some places that will give your furry best friend a warm welcome. 

• La Villa Maïa, an intimate hotel situated on Fourvière Hill, where every room or suite has its own private terrace. The staff welcome your pooch with royal treatment: a bowl, treats, a cosy rug and a personalised welcome note. For those with a sweet tooth, the hotel also offers a brand-new Dog Menu: a balanced meal tailored to your pet’s size. Your dog can also enjoy access to the enclosed garden in front of the hotel to stretch their legs off-lead. The rate for your pet is €30 per night.
• Hôtel Fort Saint-Laurent, nestled on the hill of Croix-Rousse and overlooking the rooftops of Lyon, has reinvented itself over the centuries and welcomes your four-legged friend for €22 per night. Your pet will receive special attention, as the staff will provide a bowl, a cushion and biscuits, and they can run around freely in a specially designated area at the rear of the building. They are also welcome in the bar to enjoy a drink with you. 
• The Fourvière Hotel, a former convent converted into a 4-star hotel. This exceptional establishment offers a personalised welcome to its four-legged guests. For €25 per night, your dog will enjoy a thick, soft bed, bowls and delicious treats. They can accompany you in the hotel’s communal areas and meet other guests in the Jardin de la Visitation. Situated around the hotel, this garden is very popular with dogs and their owners in the neighbourhood.  
• At the Radisson Blu Hotel Lyon, situated at the top of the Tour Crayon and offering breathtaking views of Lyon, your dog will be treated like royalty for a memorable experience: a special bed, and bowls for water and food in your room. The staff can also provide useful recommendations for pet-friendly activities nearby. 

What about public transport?

The TCL public transport network confirms that it is possible to take public transport with your dog, as long as it is an assistance dog or if your dog travels in a basket. This is good news for little doggies, even those that think they are much bigger than they really are!

For bigger dogs, TCL has introduced the ‘Waf’ ticket. This is reserved for pet dogs weighing more than 6 kg and enables you to travel with your faithful friend for a day, a week, a month or even a whole year. The owner must also hold a valid ticket. Further information is available on the TCL website.
Read the guide "Bienvenue aux chiens sur le réseau TCL" (pdf, only in French)

A few tips for their well-being

Don’t forget to keep your dog hydrated during your walks in the city.
Most parks have drinking fountains. You can also get your water bottle and your dog’s filled up at our "WaterFriendly" partners.

Is your dog unwell?
Here is the number for the Veterinary Emergency Service in the Lyon metropolitan area: +33 (0)4 72 30 40 40 or 3115.
The service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  

Shops for stylish pooches

In Lyon’s 2th district, Brigand is a concept store dedicated to dogs. More than just a pet shop, Brigrand is also a dog-friendly café, where humans and dogs can enjoy a cosy get-together over drinks and treats suited to everyone.
6th district, at 19 Rue Bugeaud, the shop Un chien, un chat stocks some lovely items for doggies. There is also Canaldog, which has shops in the 3th, 4th and 9th districts, and Médor et Compagnie, in Caluire, Décines, Givors and Pierre-Bénite.