In Lacanau, your dog can go to the beach all year round, as long as you know where and when. Between 1 May and 30 September, the four lifeguarded ocean beaches are off-limits to dogs, even on a lead. But there are still unsupervised beaches, coves on the lake and signposted areas where dogs are welcome.
This guide is based on Lacanau's municipal by-law regulating dogs. It tells you exactly where to go depending on the season, and which pitfalls many holidaymakers don't know about.
What the rules say in Lacanau
There is no national rule: each town sets its own by municipal by-law. In Lacanau, the by-law on dogs dates from December 2020 and distinguishes between the ocean and the lake.
| Period | Lifeguarded ocean beaches | Moutchic and Grande Escoure (lake) | Rest of the lake |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 December – 31 March | Allowed on a lead | Allowed on a lead | Allowed on a lead |
| 1 – 30 April | Allowed on a lead | Not allowed | Allowed on a lead |
| 1 May – 30 September | Not allowed, even on a lead | Not allowed | Allowed on a lead |
| 1 October – 30 November | Allowed on a lead | Not allowed | Allowed on a lead |
In summer, the no-dog zone runs from the northern edge of the north lifeguard station to the southern edge of the super-south station. It covers the north beach, the central beach, the south beach (known as Les Écureuils) and the super-south beach.
Key point: dogs are banned from the lake's two lifeguarded beaches for 8 months, from April to November. That's longer than for the ocean, and many visitors don't know it.
If in doubt, Lacanau town hall can be reached on +33 5 56 03 83 03.
Ocean beaches to visit with your dog in summer
In July and August, forget the lifeguarded beaches and head for those not covered by the by-law. Dogs on a lead are tolerated there.
Plage du Lion (south of the super-south beach). It's the locals' best-known option. You can only reach it on foot or by bike from the super-south beach, crossing the dune. It's also an unsupervised naturist beach — worth knowing before taking children.
Plage de l'Alexandre and La Sauvageonne. Two unsupervised beaches in Lacanau where dogs are tolerated. They are wilder, with no shops or toilets.
The far north end. Beyond the north lifeguard station, the beach is no longer regulated. Dogs are tolerated there.
The “bee zones”. These are unsupervised stretches of beach marked by striped triangular signs. They remain open to dogs on a lead, even in summer. Look out for these signs before laying down your towel.
Further north, Carcans Océan and Hourtin Océan also tolerate dogs on a lead outside the lifeguarded areas.
Lake Lacanau: the best option in midsummer
Lake Lacanau covers around 20 km² with an average depth of 2.5 m. Its fresh water, with no waves or salt, is perfect for dogs discovering swimming. Outside the two lifeguarded beaches, dogs on a lead are allowed all year round.
- Pointe de Tedey (north of the lake) : wild coves lined with pines, ideal for a quiet swim.
- Pointe du Bernos (south of the lake) : the least crowded, very popular with local dog owners.
- Plage du Port (east shore) : an earth-and-grass beach where dogs are welcome.
Avoid from April to November : Moutchic beach and Grande Escoure beach, even on a lead.
These spots have no equipment hire or poo-bag dispensers, so come prepared.
Dangers few holidaymakers know about
Cyanobacteria in the lake. During heatwaves, cyanobacteria can develop in the lakes. They are toxic to dogs, which swallow water while swimming. In July and August, check the alerts from the regional health agency (ARS Nouvelle-Aquitaine) before every swim.
Ocean currents. Lacanau is a surf spot, with strong currents even when the sea looks calm. Even a good four-legged swimmer can be swept away. Keep your dog on a lead at the water's edge.
Scorching sand. Put your palm flat on the sand: if you can't hold it there for 5 seconds, your dog shouldn't walk on it. In summer, go to the beach before 9 am and after 7 pm.
Pine processionary caterpillars. The dunes and beach paths are lined with pines. From January to April, peaking in March, the caterpillars come down from the trees in single file. A single sniff can cause necrosis of the tongue: it's an absolute veterinary emergency. Rinse the mouth with cold water without rubbing, then head straight to the vet.
Your dog's beach bag
- Lead (compulsory everywhere, including in tolerated areas)
- Poo bags (no dispensers on wild beaches)
- At least 1 litre of fresh water and a collapsible bowl: drinking seawater causes vomiting
- A parasol or shelter, as unsupervised beaches have no shade
- A towel to rinse and dry them afterwards
- The number of an emergency vet near Lacanau
Frequently asked questions
Are dogs allowed on Lacanau beach in summer?
Not on lifeguarded beaches from 1 May to 30 September, even on a lead. Yes on unsupervised beaches such as Plage du Lion, and in the bee zones.
Can I swim with my dog in Lake Lacanau?
Yes, on a lead and all year round, except on Moutchic and Grande Escoure beaches from April to November. Pointe du Bernos and Pointe de Tedey are the best spots.
What is the best season to go to the beach with your dog in Lacanau?
From October to April, all ocean beaches are open to dogs on a lead. However, avoid pine woods from February to April because of processionary caterpillars.
What is a bee zone?
An unsupervised stretch of beach, marked by a striped triangular sign, where dogs on a lead are tolerated even in summer.
Your dog-friendly base near Lacanau
At La Villa de Louis in Brach, your dogs are welcome with no limit on numbers and no extra charge. The grounds are fully fenced, and forest trails start a few minutes' walk away. Lake Lacanau is about 15 minutes by car, the ocean 20 minutes. For walks, see also our guide to dog walks in the Médoc.
