Accessibility Options

Unusual stay with your dog: where to go and how to organise the perfect holiday

Published on 21 May 2026

Presentation

Unusual stays with your dog : ideas for holidays with man's best friend

Travelling with your dog is no longer a constraint — it has become a whole new way of enjoying holidays. Today, more and more pet owners refuse to leave their four-legged companion in a kennel or with relatives during their trip.

And the good news is that dog-friendly tourism is growing rapidly. Treehouses, caravans, lodges in the heart of nature, or even transparent bubble accommodations… unusual places that welcome dogs are becoming increasingly popular across France.

Choosing an unusual stay with your dog means sharing a unique experience, closer to nature and often far more immersive than a traditional holiday accommodation. It is also the perfect opportunity to enjoy wide open spaces, forest walks, hiking trails, or relaxing weekends away with man’s best friend.

However, for the experience to be truly enjoyable, it is important to choose accommodation that is suitable, think about your dog’s comfort, and anticipate some of the specific needs that come with travelling with a pet.

Why choose an unusual stay with your dog ? 

Going on holiday with your dog has become a real priority for many pet owners. Today, dogs are considered full members of the family and increasingly share relaxing weekends, nature getaways, and holidays alongside their owners.

Unusual accommodation perfectly matches this new way of travelling. Unlike traditional hotels, which are sometimes less suitable for pets, unique accommodations generally offer a calmer environment, more space, and a stronger connection with the outdoors.

This closeness to nature is a real benefit for a dog’s well-being. Wide open spaces, walking trails, wooded areas, and countryside settings allow pets to fully enjoy the holiday alongside their owners. Far from urban noise and stress, the pace of the stay becomes more relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.

Choosing an unusual stay with your dog also means enjoying a friendlier and more flexible travel experience. Many domains now offer accommodations specially adapted for travellers with pets, with welcoming conditions designed to make the stay easier.

Some establishments allow dogs and cats directly inside unusual accommodations, often with an additional fee per stay. However, pets are not always accepted in hotel rooms, even in unique or atypical properties. It is therefore important to check the pet policy before booking.

Which unusual accommodations accept dogs ?

More and more unusual accommodations are now opening their doors to travellers accompanied by their dogs. Among the most popular options, treehouses, caravans, Mongolian yurts, unique houses, nature lodges, and tiny houses are especially attractive thanks to their peaceful surroundings and close connection with nature.

Forest cabins and lodges are among the most appreciated by dog owners. Set in the heart of nature, they offer direct access to walking trails, woodland areas, and hiking paths. This type of stay is particularly well-suited for active dogs that need space to move and enjoy a stimulating environment.

Tiny houses and caravans, on the other hand, appeal to travellers looking for a more intimate and cosy getaway. Their main advantage is often their secluded location, far from urban areas and traffic, providing a calmer setting for dogs that may be sensitive to noise or busy environments.

Yurts, transparent bubble accommodations, and countryside stays also offer a unique experience, but may require more caution depending on the dog’s behaviour. Some properties include open terraces, stairs, or unfenced outdoor areas that should be considered before booking.

Not all unusual accommodations offer the same conditions for pets. Some accept only small dogs, while others limit the number of animals per stay.

Before booking, it is recommended to check a few essential points:

• availability of secure outdoor spaces
• easy access to walking areas
• proximity to nature-based activities

How to properly prepare an unusual stay with your dog

An unusual stay with your dog requires a minimum level of preparation to ensure a pleasant holiday for both travellers and their four-legged companion. Even in a “dog-friendly” accommodation, a few simple steps can help avoid stress, unexpected issues, or unpleasant surprises upon arrival.

Before leaving, it is important to make sure that the chosen accommodation truly matches your dog’s needs. A dog used to wide open spaces will not have the same requirements as an older, anxious dog or one that is not used to travelling. The presence of stairs, access to water, unfenced outdoor areas, or nearby animals can also influence your choice of accommodation.

It is also essential to pack everything your pet may need for comfort during the stay:

• bedding or blanket
• food and bowls
• leash and harness
• waste bags for walks
• health record book

Keeping familiar items helps your dog adapt more easily to a new environment.

When staying in nature, it is also recommended to anticipate weather conditions and the outdoor environment. In summer, some unusual accommodations, such as transparent bubble lodges or tiny houses, can heat up quickly. On the other hand, more open accommodations may require extra attention at night or during walks.

A successful stay often relies on a good balance between comfort, safety, and activities suited to your pet’s rhythm. Finally, before booking, take time to read reviews from guests who have already stayed with their dog. This usually provides valuable insights into the real pet-friendliness of the accommodation, the environment, and the available facilities.

 
 

The best destinations for an unusual stay with your dog 

The seaside often sounds like a dream destination for holidays with a dog, but it can be more complicated to organise during peak season. Many beaches become off-limits to pets in summer, especially in highly touristic areas. Between access restrictions, hot sand, and large crowds, coastal destinations are not always the most suitable for a peaceful stay with your four-legged companion.

That’s why forest getaways are increasingly popular among dog owners looking for calmer, more natural, and more accessible holidays.

Treehouses, nature lodges, or unusual accommodations located in the heart of the woods offer an ideal environment for pets. Forest trails, shaded open spaces, and fresh-air walks allow dogs to move freely while enjoying a peaceful setting, far from noise and tourist crowds.

Forest stays also offer a real advantage in summer, as temperatures are often more comfortable than at the seaside or in cities. This makes outdoor walks and activities more enjoyable for animals.

Mountains are another excellent destination for an unusual stay with your dog. With hiking trails, lakes, natural paths, and wide open landscapes, they provide a stimulating environment especially appreciated by active dogs and travellers who enjoy sporty outdoor holidays.

Whether in the forest or in the mountains, unusual accommodations mainly offer a more free, nature-focused holiday experience, perfectly suited to the rhythm of man’s best friend.

Before choosing your destination, always remember to check:

  • activities available with dogs
  • local rules regarding pets 
 
 

Mistakes to avoid during an unusual stay with your dog

Even in perfectly pet-friendly accommodation, a few common mistakes can quickly complicate the stay for both owners and their dog. A little anticipation goes a long way in avoiding stressful situations and fully enjoying the holiday.

1. Not anticipating high temperatures

One of the most frequent mistakes is failing to prepare for hot weather, especially in summer. Transparent bubble lodges or accommodations highly exposed to sunlight can heat up quickly during the day. Dogs generally tolerate heat much less well than humans, particularly during travel or after physical activity.

Providing shaded areas, constant access to fresh water, and avoiding walks during the hottest hours of the day is essential for your pet’s comfort and safety.

2. Ignoring the rules of the site or accommodation

Another often underestimated point is respecting the rules of the domain or accommodation. Even in a dog-friendly place, dogs are usually required to be kept on a leash in certain shared areas, to respect quiet zones, and owners are expected to clean up after their pets to maintain a pleasant environment for everyone.

Following these rules helps ensure a positive experience for all guests and supports the continued development of pet-friendly accommodations.

3. Disrupting your dog's routine

Holidays already represent a major change for an animal. On top of that, suddenly altering their habits can cause stress or discomfort.

Keeping regular feeding times, walk routines, and familiar items such as their bed or toys helps your dog adapt more easily to a new environment.

It is best to avoid drastically changing your dog’s routine during the stay. Maintaining familiar habits helps reduce stress linked to a change of surroundings.

Domaine de Dienné : an ideal destination for an unusual stay with your dog 

To fully enjoy an unusual getaway with your four-legged companion, choosing the right domain and environment is essential. Located in the heart of the Vienne region (86), Domaine de Dienné is particularly well-suited for travellers who want to holiday with their dog while enjoying a unique and nature-filled experience.

With its unusual accommodations, wide open natural spaces, and peaceful surroundings, the domain offers the perfect setting to share a relaxing moment with man’s best friend. Forest walks, wooded areas, and the calm environment provide ideal conditions for both owners and pets to fully enjoy their stay.

Domaine de Dienné also welcomes dogs and cats in several of its unusual accommodations, allowing guests to stay in nature without leaving their companion at home.

Good to know: pets are accepted with a €10 supplement per stay and per animal. However, dogs and cats are not allowed in the hotel rooms of the domain.

Whether for a relaxing weekend, a forest escape, or a few days of disconnecting in nature, Domaine de Dienné is an ideal destination for an unusual holiday with your dog in a calm, natural, and refreshing environment. This organisation ensures comfort for all visitors while offering a truly dog-friendly experience in nature-based and unusual accommodations.

On-site pet boarding for a truly free and flexible stay 

Sometimes, certain activities or outings can be difficult to access with a pet. Visits, restaurants, specific leisure areas, or attractions… dogs are not always allowed everywhere.

To help owners fully enjoy their stay, Domaine de Dienné also offers an on-site pet boarding service. This practical solution allows guests to leave their dog or cat for a few hours or a full day, with complete peace of mind, knowing their companion is being cared for in a suitable environment.

It’s a real advantage for travellers who want to alternate between family activities, relaxing moments, and holidays with their pet—without the stress of organising care during their stay.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable unusual stay with your dog at Domaine de Dienné 

Going on holiday with your dog should never be a hassle. Today, unusual stays make it possible to enjoy a true nature escape while sharing the experience with man’s best friend.

With its atypical accommodations, wide open spaces, forest walks, and peaceful surroundings, Domaine de Dienné brings together all the conditions needed for a unique, comfortable stay that suits both travellers and their four-legged companion.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing weekend, a few days of nature-based disconnection, or an unusual family holiday with your dog, the domain welcomes you in a unique and refreshing setting.

For even greater peace of mind, the on-site pet boarding service also allows guests to enjoy certain activities freely when pets are not allowed. It’s the perfect solution to combine nature holidays, comfort, and animal well-being.

Discover the unusual accommodations at Domaine de Dienné and start planning your next trip with your dog today.