Dog-friendly Beaches in Normandy

On Sunday we decided we needed some fresh air after our late night at Soubock watching the rolling Stones tribute band.  Tom had an athletics tourament in the morningat Caen, so we all went up and after he had raced (no medal sadly) we headed to the beach.  Saari loves a good gallop and also enjoys meeting other dogs but I think on this particular day even she felt cold.  The wind was bitter!

We usually go to Ouistreham beach, as this is our closest, but because we went via the athletics hall we were on the other side of the river so went instead to Merville Franceville.  There were kite fliers at one end, a very few brave (mad?) surfers and several dog walkers looking as cold as we were.  I think Saari enjoyed herself though despite the cold:

Generally speaking dogs are allowed on all Normandy beaches from October through to the end of May.  In between there are a few beaches that still allow them on all or part, some that allow them at the beginning or end of the day and some that allow them on leads only.  Be aware though, that on many they are not allowed at all from the beginning of June to the end of September.

This page lists dog-friendly beaches in Lower Normandy and any conditions that need to be followed.  For those who don't speak French here are some translations of the main phrases:

Uniquement chiens tenus en laisse - Dogs only allowed when on a lead

Chiens autorisés avant 10h et après 19h - Dogs allowed before 10am and after 7pm

Chiens autorisés sur la digue et sur la plage - Dogs allowed on the sea wall and beach

Chiens autorisés dans le secteur du car ferry à l’est de la plage - Dogs allowed on the section near the car ferry terminal at the east of the beach

La promenade des planches - boardwalk

Does your dog like a walk on the beach?  And do they swim?  Saari likes the walk but NOT swimming!