Paris, je t’aime.

This was my second time in Paris and it was just right. For some reason the first time I went 3 years ago, I liked Paris obviously but wasn’t in love. Now I adore it so much that I want to live there for a month or two! Maybe it was because this time we spent almost 2 long weeks there and were able to totally breathe and live it. Or maybe because this time I was able to bring Fira?! 🙂

First, the process to bring Fira wasn’t bad at all–you can read it step by step here. Second, most of the French have such a laissez–faire attitude about dogs. We even brought Fira inside a few restaurants and no one minded at all. Crazy! No lie, I still had anxiety just waiting for someone to come up to us and say the dreaded words: no dogs allowed.

[ drawing by @fine_frenchie ]

Here are my dog-friendly spots in Paris…

Green Collars + Lead by Fetch & Follow

Tuileries Gardens. There are parts of the gardens that allow dogs–just look for dogs and go that way! I spotted locals with their pups on their morning walks.

Jardin du Luxembourg. Dog friendly on east side of park.

Champs de Mars. With one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower, pack a picnic + baguette (by the way, I found it so adorable seeing people walking around the city holding huge baguettes–so french!) and hang out for lunch.

Palais Royal Gardens. I loved taking a stroll here and there are even grassy areas for pups to play in. Make sure to stop at the famous Cafe Kitsune for coffee + their fox-shaped cookies (you can see the outdoor cafe tables on the left side of the photo). Also along that side, I found a gorgeous home decor store called Maison de Vacances with fluffy sheepskin rugs, pillows in all different colors and textures and woven baskets. I ended up getting a burgundy rug and pouf!

Les Deux Plateaux (AKA Colonnes de Buren). Walk towards the inner courtyard and you’ll find these gorgeous black + white striped columns by French artist Daniel Buren. I didn’t realize this spot isn’t exactly dog-friendly but no one said anything!

There are parts of the fields in front of the Louvre (and the front of the museum itself) that are dog-friendly. It’s so crazy how beautiful and majestic everything is…

Beaded Dog Necklace by Harper And Hugo.

Skirt by Keepsake. Dog Outerwear from Lead The Walk.

Cafe de Flore. This famous coffeehouse (and one of the oldest) on Saint Germain is tres adorable and great for people-watching. It’s pretty overpriced (I think I paid 7 euros for tea) but it’s just one of those must-go places.

Geometric Sweaters from Lead The Walk.

Pizza anyone?

Pink Flamingo Pizza: order food to-go and they’ll give you a pink balloon where you can walk around the block to Canal Saint-Martin and they will deliver your food to you straight there!

The Batobus

I was planning on trying this but never got around to it but it’s a glass-enclosed shuttle boat on the Seine River which stops at 8 points along the way. It’s an easier, more peaceful way (no traffic and crazy streets!) of getting to all the main sight-seeing stops in Paris and only 18 euros/pp for 48 hours. Small dogs ride free.

Dog-friendly Hotels in Paris.

Mama Shelter. This Philippe Starck-designed hotel is trendy, fun and perfect for those conscious of their budget. Read my review here.

Nolinski. Modern, sophisticated, luxury hotel with a highly rated spa. Pets stay free. Read my full review here.

Saint James. The only hotel in Paris with official chateau status–you’ll feel like you’re staying at a beautiful, historic Parisian mansion. Guerlain spa, Michelen-starred chef. Read my review here.

Hotel Jules & Jim. Swanky boutique hotel in the heart of Le Marais with art gallery. Read more here.

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PHOTOGRAPHER: Ylenia Cuellar 

Fira @wtfrenchie + Elle @grrlgenius_

Thank you to Lead The Walk, Fetch & Follow, Harper And Hugo.