Hiking in the French Alps: Where to Go with Your Dog

The French Alps offer thousands of kilometres of hiking trails, from easy panoramic walks to multi-day alpine treks. But when hiking with a dog, several key questions become essential:

• Are dogs allowed in this mountain area?

• Does the route cross a national park or a nature reserve?

• Are there alpine pastures with livestock guardian dogs (Patous)?

• Is wild camping or bivouacking allowed?

Regulations vary significantly depending on the area: national parks, regional natural parks, nature reserves, or Natura 2000 protected zones.

This guide covers the main mountain ranges of the French Alps, including:

• dog regulations

• bivouac rules

• alpine pasture areas

• useful maps to plan your hike

• official websites to check before you go

 

General Rules in the French Alps

In the French Alps, dog regulations mainly depend on the type of protected natural area.

National parks: dogs are strictly prohibited in the park core zones, even on a leash.

Regional natural parks: dogs are generally allowed if kept on a leash.

Nature reserves: dogs are often prohibited.

The main Alpine national parks in France are:

• Vanoise National Park

• Écrins National Park

• Mercantour National Park

 

1. Mont Blanc Massif

Why This Area Is Special

The Mont Blanc massif is the most iconic mountain range in the Alps and home to the highest peak in Western Europe (4,808 m / 15,774 ft).

Here you will find:

• spectacular glaciers

• dramatic high-mountain scenery

• stunning alpine lakes

It is one of the most famous hiking and trekking destinations in Europe.

Must-See Locations

• Tour du Mont Blanc

• Lac Blanc

• Mer de Glace

• Aiguille du Midi

• Chamonix Valley

Dogs

Regulations vary depending on the area.

In several nature reserves such as:

• Aiguilles Rouges Nature Reserve

• Sixt-Passy Nature Reserve

dogs are often prohibited, even when on a leash.

Sources:

https://www.reserves-naturelles.org
https://www.chamonix.com

 

Bivouac

Wild camping is generally tolerated at higher altitude under certain conditions but is forbidden in some nature reserves.

 

Alpine Pastures and Livestock Guardian Dogs

Guardian dogs are frequently present in:

• Chamonix Valley

• Sixt Valley

• nearby Beaufortain

Pasture map:

https://www.pasto-kezako.fr/ou-sont-les-chiens-de-protection-2/

 

2. Vanoise Massif

Why This Area Is Special

The Vanoise is one of the wildest mountain areas in the Alps.

It is known for:

• glaciers

• vast high-altitude plateaus

• exceptional wildlife

It is an ideal place to observe:

• ibex

• chamois

• marmots

 

Major Locations

• Grande Casse (3,855 m)

• Vanoise Glacier

• Col de la Vanoise

• Maurienne Valley

• Lac de la Plagne

 

National Park

Dog regulations:

https://www.vanoise-parcnational.fr/fr/des-decouvertes/sejourner-dans-le-parc/venir-avec-mon-chien

Dogs are prohibited in the core area of the national park.

 

Bivouac

Allowed:

• between 7 pm and 9 am

• near mountain huts

 

Alpine Pastures

Large pastoral areas in:

• Tarentaise

• Maurienne

Map:

https://www.pasto-kezako.fr

 

3. Écrins Massif

Why This Area Is Special

The Écrins massif is one of the most rugged and untouched regions in the Alps.

It includes:

• several peaks above 4,000 m

• major glaciers

• remote valleys

 

Must-See Locations

• Barre des Écrins (4,102 m)

• La Meije

• Glacier Blanc

• Valgaudemar Valley

• Emparis Plateau

 

National Park

Official website:

https://www.ecrins-parcnational.fr

Dogs are:

• prohibited in the park core zone

• allowed in peripheral areas.

 

Bivouac

Allowed:

• more than one hour’s walk from road access

• between 7 pm and 9 am

 

Alpine Pastures

Pastoral areas include:

• Champsaur

• Oisans

• Valgaudemar

Map:

https://www.pasto-kezako.fr

 

4. Chartreuse Massif

Why This Area Is Special

The Chartreuse massif, located in the Pre-Alps, is famous for its limestone cliffs and dense forests.

It is particularly well suited for:

• day hikes

• trail running

• scenic walks

 

Major Locations

• Dent de Crolles

• Chamechaude

• Cirque de Saint-Même

• Grande Chartreuse Monastery

 

Regional Natural Park

https://www.parc-chartreuse.net

Dogs:

• allowed on a leash

• prohibited in the Hauts de Chartreuse Nature Reserve

 

Alpine Pastures

Pastures are found around:

• Charmant Som

• Col de Porte

 

Bivouac

Wild camping is tolerated in certain areas but remains regulated.

 

5. Vercors Massif

Why This Area Is Special

The Vercors is famous for its vast plateaus and spectacular limestone cliffs.

It is an excellent area for:

• hiking

• trekking

• bivouac camping

 

Major Locations

• Mont Aiguille

• Grand Veymont

• Vercors High Plateaus

• Ambel Plateau

 

Regional Natural Park

https://www.parc-du-vercors.fr

Dogs:

• allowed in most areas of the park

• prohibited in certain protected reserves

 

Bivouac

Allowed on the Vercors High Plateaus under specific conditions.

 

Alpine Pastures

Present on:

• Ambel Plateau

• Vercors High Plateaus

Map:

https://www.pasto-kezako.fr

 

6. Belledonne Massif

Why This Area Is Special

The Belledonne massif is a wild mountain range located between Grenoble and the Maurienne Valley.

It is known for:

• glacial lakes

• alpine ridgelines

• more technical hiking routes

 

Must-See Locations

• Grand Pic de Belledonne

• Lac du Crozet

• Sept Laux Lakes

• Lac Blanc de Belledonne

 

Dogs

Dogs are generally allowed outside protected areas.

 

Bivouac

Often tolerated around high-altitude lakes.

 

Alpine Pastures

Pastoral areas exist on certain slopes.

Map:

https://www.pasto-kezako.fr

 

7. Mercantour Massif

Why This Area Is Special

The Mercantour massif combines Alpine landscapes with Mediterranean influence and hosts exceptional biodiversity.

 

Must-See Locations

• Vallée des Merveilles

• Mont Bégo

• Lac d’Allos

• Roya Valley

 

National Park

https://www.mercantour-parcnational.fr/fr/des-decouvertes/ou-sinformer/la-reglementation-cest-pas-si-complique/chiens-interdits

Dogs are prohibited in the core area of the national park.

 

Bivouac

Allowed under certain conditions in some areas.

 

Alpine Pastures

Pastures are present in:

• Tinée

• Ubaye

• Roya

Map:

https://www.pasto-kezako.fr

 

Tools to Check If a Hike Is Safe with Your Dog

Before heading out, several tools can help you assess potential risks.

 

Maps Showing Alpine Pastures and Livestock Guardian Dogs

Official MapPatou map:
https://www.pasto-kezako.fr/ou-sont-les-chiens-de-protection-2/

Detailed MapPatou map:
https://www.pasto-kezako.fr/mappatou-la-carte-en-ligne-qui-informe-sur-la-presence-de-patous/

These maps show:

• alpine grazing areas

• potential presence of livestock guardian dogs

• seasonal grazing periods

 

Maps to Check Areas Where Dogs Are Prohibited

Collaborative map:
https://umap.openstreetmap.fr/en/map/randonner-avec-son-chien-carte-acces-interdits_152669

Official IGN map:
https://www.geoportail.gouv.fr/carte

It allows you to display:

• nature reserves

• Natura 2000 zones

• natural parks

• 3D terrain

 

Mobile Apps for Hunting Zones

Several apps help you check if a hunt is taking place.

Chasseco
https://www.chasseco.fr

ChasseInfo
Mobile app dedicated to hunting areas.

Chassé & Croisé
https://chasse-croise.net

Chasse en cours
Community app showing organised hunts.

Applichasse
https://www.applichasse.com

 

Useful Apps for Hiking with Your Dog

WaffApp

A collaborative app that allows hikers to report:

• presence of livestock guardian dogs

• hazards on hiking trails.

IGN Rando

Allows you to view:

• hiking trails

• natural parks

• protected areas.

With proper preparation, you can safely enjoy some of the most beautiful Alpine landscapes with your dog.