1

er...you are not going to get an answer on 'what to see on a whole CONTINENT' !!!

get some guidebooks and go from there.

remember that there is rabies in continental Europe - rare but it is there. As for dog restrictions, as France seems to be coated in dog crap I would guess that they don't have any..

2

'We are heading to France'

From where? Where is your start off point?

3

Plymouth - Morlaix area I think.

No offence never winter, but I came here because I thought there might be some better advice than 'get a guidebook'. I understand it is a large area, but it isnt the whole continent, I cut it down to a few countries and said we were sticking to the coast. My question was more about tips for vanning with a dog in Europe, the request for any little spots or stuff was just a general comment.

And he would have his rabies shots.

Thank you both for your replies, would have appreciated less sarcasm though!

4

Do you know about the mandatory 'Dog passport'? It's easy to obtain (prices for it vary tremendously across the uk) and it needs to be done at least 10 days before you arrive abroad.
I can guide you through it if you need more help, or you can check it all out at -

http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-pets/pets/travel/

5

Where was the sarcasim europe is a large continent ans asking for general tips is a bit ambiguous, however now you have asked for tips for vanning with a dog a few more people might be able to help.

Firstly though do you actually have visa to cover you for this length of trip?

6

Your dogs need the EU pet passport, but even then you'll have to check the rules for each country. If there has been a recent case of rabies in a certain area, the rules can change very quickly.
We travelled with our dog from Germany to France and needed a certificate from our vet issued a few days before our trip. An earlier certificate was not enough.

There are no passport controls in the Schengen area, but if you get checked and your dog does not have the neccessary papers, you and especially your dog will be in trouble.
You need to come up with a plan of where to go, then look up the rules for each of these countries, then keep on checking them while travelling for recent changes.

7

Ask your vet about protection from some nasty stuff that affects dogs anywhere south of Brittany. Also, when coming back, make sure your dog passport has enough time left on it before the next rabies vac is due..can't remember how long is needed but a bit like our passports, it must be still valid. Defra site will tell you.
Our dog got bitten by a viper in the Dordogne and almost died (would have if we hadn't been near a vets), so beware of long grass/heather areas/corn fields etc anywhere in Europe (the Auvergne, for example, has a huge snake problem..the guide books won't mention it..)
Remember beaches that the public use in France (and probably elsewhere too) are closed to dogs in the summer season.
You must take a muzzle to use in public areas of ferry terminals etc - no muzzle, no travel..
Have your mobile phone number engraved on the dog's disc ...no one will bother reading the chip and tracing you if the dog goes walk about..Make sure you have good pet insurance, and that it covers travel for so long (ours will only cover up to 30 days abroad, but am sure there are others, or buy it in France). Apart from vet bills (generally much less than the UK), the main thing you want is liability insurance - if your dog runs out in the road and a merc driver swerves and crashes to avoid it, you, the owner, are liable..for the car, for injury compensation, ...for legal fees...don't underestimate this...
Some camping sites won't take dogs...pleine aire places on the French motoroways are good to stop with dogs . For humans, they usually have loos, and sometimes showers/cafe etc...Not sure about other countries.
Am sure it will all be fine..but best be prepared..Happy vanning..

8

my signature appears to have vanished, so here it is: 'it's free advice. If you don't like it, ignore it'.

each of those COUNTRIES still merits a book of its own.

bye.

9

Please also note, that when you come back to the uk your dog will have to be certified healthy before being allowed to return. The closer you are to the docks, normally the more vets charge.