travel from Leicester to La Zenia with dog by car

Hello, the tunnel is super quick and easy with doggy areas both sides. I used Michelin to plan my route, it's really good with info on mileage, fuel usage, tolls and how to avoid some, or all. I've only done it twice and preferred keeping to the E15 route the whole way as there are plenty of service stations for breaks and exercising the dog and lots of dog friendly hotels and I specifically planned to skirt Paris in the very early hours. If you search this site for "Driving from UK to Spain" under "Everywhere", you should be able to find some extremely helpful posts on this subject.

We made the journey from Cherbourg to La Zenia a couple of years ago with our dog using Via Michelin to plan the route, the same could be done from the Tunnel. The route will give detailed information on tolls and how much they are, service stations many of which have park areas great for letting the dog out for a while and for the driver to rest, we alos split the journey by looking for pet friendly hotels along the route to cut down on the daily mileage, all went well and both us and our dog arrived stress free.

Thank you very much as this is the first car drive you advise is much appreciated and very helpful.

Best regards

Dave

Travel down the west side of France ,,, only 1 toll [ around Bordeux ] , don't forget that the Speed limits in France all changed on July 1 st , also be aware that the French police regard the brits as a cash cow so watch out for all the radar traps and hidden speed cameras …!!!!

Good point, also make sure you have a Travel Kit for driving in France and Spain.

https://www.drive-france.com/checklist/

https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/travel/country/spain/

Many thanks very helpful information. Regards Dave

better travelling to west side of France (Bordeaux/Bayonne route) then from San Sebastian through Zaragosa/Teruel/Valencia. I use toll roads, the cost is worth the speed and reduction in stress. Most cheap hotels, F1, Premiere Classe, Campanile are dog friendly cheap and clean. Lots of them en route in France Spain is more interesting to find and book remotely beforehand. But most motorway service areas have hotels for over night.

If bringing your dog get to see a vet reasonably quickly yo get the necessary lotions/collars etc. I use Scalibor, Leisguard and Advocate drops against the usual pests. Your vet will warn against processionary caterpillars, not an issue this time of year , but care needed Jan - Apr.

The trip over the Pyrenees is very pretty

Chris

Chris, many thanks for your reply. Seems that this is the route that I’m going to take. Also the extra info about the Vet and treatments is a very good tip too.

Regards

Dave

Enjoy your trip and being in Spain.

My dog, a fairly hairy GSD bitch, finds air-con in the accommodation a blessing. She loves going out with us as every restaurant we have been to here is dog friendly. We always take water for her with us but most also provide it for her in any event.

Chris