Summer travels with my dog Nelly
‘Living the dream’ my friends said and I have to agree, the opportunity to tour through France to Spain with Nelly would be quite an adventure.
Friends of mine invited us to join them at their house in Xerta Catalonia, so off we set at the end of June in the campervan with, Nelly and our Kayak for the long drive to Spain.
Before leaving we had to organise Nelly’s Health Certificate to travel in Europe. She already had her rabies injection, which is required, and the rest was quite easy. We visited the PassPets in Havant the day before we left and for £99 we had the necessary paperwork.
You can cross the channel from several ports, and I chose Portsmouth/Cherbourg, a 5-hour crossing, on Brittany Ferries. I booked a dog-friendly cabin, which I have to say was quite expensive, but the alternative kennels option wouldn’t work for Nelly. The ship has an outside dog exercise area and some crossings, allow you to leave your dog in your vehicle. Our cabin had a cute pressie for Nelly, a bag with bandana, folding bowl and poo bag holder…very nice touch.
First stopover
We had planned two overnight stops on our journey and the first was in a beautiful vineyard near Bordeaux, Chateau Tertre De Pezelin . We arrived a bit late, but our host Bridgette was more than happy to give us a tasting of their fabulous range of wines. Our dog-friendly accommodation was a large comfortable tent in the middle of the vines. It is such a beautiful spot and we had a stunning sunset to enjoy. Bridgette delivered our breakfast in a hamper of delicious local provisions and fresh coffee.
We loved this Chateau…such a great find and a perfect stopover for traveling with a dog.
On to San Sebastián
Leaving Bordeaux with 2 cases of wine and into Spain, our next stop was San Sebastián in the Basque Country, where we stayed at Mar Y Mar apartments just outside the town. The apartment was a little small but dog friendly and comfortable for one night. The location was stunning, set in a forest of Hydrangeas overlooking the Cantabric Sea. Lovely to walk with your dog after a long drive and we were able to get the bus into town for supper.
If you haven’t been to San Sebastián, add it to your bucket list! It’s a stunning coastal city with narrow winding lanes and bars with the most amazing array of delicious Pintxos (like Tapas), a speciality of the northern Basque County.
Out visit with friends in Xerta
On to Xerta the next day and a lovely week with our friends, kayaking on the coast and walking along the banks of the river Ebro. This rustic village is surrounded by mountains and just 30 minutes to beautiful beaches. Some of the busy beaches were not dog friendly but we found plenty which were and some beautiful, deserted coves. Nelly found plenty of canine friends to play with and even jumped in someone else’s kayak to hitch a ride…lol
Just before we left the UK Nelly developed ‘Cherry Eye’, a condition where the third eyelid prolapse. Although not urgent we knew it would need an operation, so decided to see if we could have it done in Spain.
With a recommendation from a friend, I took Nelly to Centre Dels Animal Arasa in Tortosa and she had the small operation there. Not only was there a vast difference in cost compared to the UK but the care and service was probably the best I’ve ever experienced. A small family veterinary practice and I cannot recommend them highly enough!
These vets were also happy to complete the necessary paperwork and worming required for our return to the UK.
Homeward bound
After our stay in Xerta, and as on the drive down, we took the toll roads again. They are quicker and not so expensive. There are lots of rest areas that are well serviced to walk your dog. Top tip …petrol is cheaper in Spain than France, so best to fill up before the border.
We planned 2 different stopovers on the way back and Bayonne was the first, on the border of Spain and France. Our accomodation stay here wasn’t the best choice, but the city was defiantly worth a visit. A city of many cultures it has delightful architecture on winding cobbled streets. Great place for shopping and very dog friendly.
Before the last night’s stay, we stopped for a few hours in La Rochelle on the Bay of Biscay. This was one of the highlights of the tour. We were lucky to visit on market day, where there were a feast of colourful stalls selling local produce and a bustling atmosphere of people enjoying exquisite cuisine in the many street cafes.
We had lunch at a lovely little restaurant near the market called Fingers which was delicious and definitely worth a visit! The owners also have dogs and made sure Nelly was well cared for.
Our last bed for the night was at Camping Des Gayeulles, near Rennes and a convenient 2 hours 30 minutes’ drive from Cherbourg. This was another great stay! A well organised camp site surrounded by forests and lakes. The facilities were modern, clean and there was a variety of huts and chalets to stay in. Lots of play areas for kids and fabulous walking for the dogs.
Another ferry and we were not far from home when we docked in Portsmouth.
What an adventure! I have to say I was a little apprehensive on driving so far with my Nelly and all the paperwork and considerations required for my dogs’ comfort, but it was fine…actually it was really great and I wouldn’t hesitate to do again.