The Ariège Pyrenees are perfect for dogs: endless open space, woods, rivers, lakes, and a warm welcome wherever you go. We love dogs, and love having them to stay ... so if you're one of them, you're more than welcome to book a holiday at Maison Grillou for yourself and and your humans. 
We've found over the years that those of you who have four legs usually have some questions of your own, so (with a little help from our own dog Noodles), we’ve put together this special page for you.

This barn looks like an awfully nice place - can I really come and stay?

There are a few exceptions but basically yes, you'll be very welcome so long as you're well trained, you get on well with other dogs and you're no bigger than a large labrador. You'll need to bring a human with you of course.

Hmm - exceptions, eh? ... I knew it was too good to be true!

Well, it's like this. There aren't any fences or enclosures around the barn or house so if you like escaping this really isn't the right place for you; and there are always chickens, sheep and other livestock nearby so if you're a chaser it's honestly not a good idea either. We prefer you to be over a year old though if you're younger and crate trained that's fine. And this almost certainly won't apply but if you live in France and are listed as Class 1 or 2 then I'm sorry but we can't accept you (nothing personal).

What do I need to know before I arrive?

You’ll need to make sure that you’re microchipped, your vaccinations are up to date, and if you’re coming from outside France that you have your passport (your humans will take care of all that). Make sure you ask them to give you a flea/ tick treatment as well – it’s not compulsory, but we wouldn't recommend doing without it as ticks are a big issue here, as in all of France; they can carry a parasite called piroplasmosa canis that can cause piroplasmosis, which is potentially fatal . We recommend Advantix  and/or a Scalibor collar.  Oh, and ask your humans to check you over every night for ticks – you’ll just love all that attention!

FOR THE HUMANS: 
BRINGING YOUR DOG, IN A NUTSHELL

• one medium size dog (large Labrador or smaller) accepted in L'Atelier d'Artiste, by prior arrangement and under conditions.
• there's no formal charge - instead we ask for a donation of at least 40€ which we pass on to one of the three dog charities we support each year.
• bed, blankets, rug and spare lead available if needed, and address tag provided.
• occasional dog sitting may be possible.
• no roads nearby, just the track that continues down to our distant neighbour's house.
• excellent vet 15 minutes away.

GOOD TO KNOW ...

• garden and grounds are not enclosed, so not suitable for escapologists!
• dogs are not allowed on furniture or beds and mustn't be left alone in your accommodation.
• you're responsible for daily poop-scooping in the grounds, and for making sure that your dog doesn't soil or damage any furnishings or fabrics in your accommodation.
• one other dog on site: our Labrit (10 year old male, castrated).

What do I need to bring with me?

Well, you’ll need to bring your bed, your food and water bowls and of course your favourite toy if you have one. We suggest that you bring your own towels, and perhaps some throws to cover the sofas and chairs if (like Noodles) you like to rub along them to dry yourself. 

If you normally sleep in a cage, don’t forget to pack that too. And you’ll need a lead, even if like most of our doggy guests you’re well trained, because there are parts of the Pyrenees where sheep, cattle and horses roam at liberty in the summer and by law you have to be on a lead if you’re walking there. (Have you ever encountered an angry Ariégeois shepherd? Ask Noodles to tell you about them – believe me, you really don’t want to upset one!).

We do have a plastic bed, various blankets, a rug and a spare lead if you need them.

Do I have to pay?

Your humans will pay for their own holiday, but we’ll ask them for a donation of a minimum of 40 euros as a nod to the extra time we have to spend cleaning after you leave. Yes, I know you’re a super-clean dog and I know your humans will clean up your hairs, your mud, and all the grass and unmentionables you'll inevitably get covered in before you come inside ... but we have to be absolutely neurotic to make sure that no incoming guests will smell you, or see even a single one of your hairs (you may laugh, but it’s true). 

People who aren't owned by dogs tend to be hyper-vigilant for any evidence of a dog’s presence, you see, and our job is to make sure that they don't know you've ever been here. We don’t keep the money though – we donate it to one of the dog charities we support. This year again we’re supporting Twilight Chiens, an amazing 'retirement home' for elderly dogs in the Dordogne; Lévriers sans Frontières, an association that rescues galgos from Spain; and a very local rescue, Association Animaux Vraie.

Where can I go inside?

We really prefer you to stay on the ground floor, but if you find it difficult to be away from your humans we don’t mind too much if you go upstairs … but sorry, you’re not to go on the bed or any of the sofas or chairs (as if you would), even if your humans cover them with throws.

Where can I go outside?

There’s a big garden all around the house – but there aren’t any fences so it all depends whether you’re likely to go off exploring on your own! (You’ll need to ask your humans about that). There aren’t any roads, just the track that leads on down to our neighbour’s house in the valley below us, but there are woods all around the garden with lots and lots of very tempting smells, enough to keep you amused all day – though your humans might not be so happy if you disappear, so it’s probably best if you stay around your own garden. You can play with Noodles if you like, but you’ll have to promise not to steal anyone’s socks  (okay?). Oh, and you’ll need to ask your humans to clean up after you – they’ll be used to that, anyway.

Can my humans leave me behind when they go out?

Generally, no – lots of dogs get upset if they’re on their own in a strange place and their people are out. The exception is if you’re happy and content to stay in your own cage, and you aren’t going to howl or make a fuss.

On some days it might be possible for you to hang out with us and Noodles if your humans have got something they need to do without you, and if you (and he) would be okay with that. We like having doggy company so don’t be shy about asking.

What about restaurants though? I like going out to eat!

Then you’re in the right country. Not many restaurants or cafés will be off-limits, whether you sit inside or out – the French are very cool about it and you’ll always see other dogs, especially in the summer. Lots of places will automatically bring you a bowl of water too, but if they don’t, just woof for one.

Are there cats (yum)?

No. We don't have - or accept - cats here, so there'll be no yowling or chasing. Your four legged companion on site will be our dog Noodles, a Labrit (Pyrenean sheepdog) of 'a certain age' whose main interests in life are playing with yellow squeaky hedgehogs and stalking moles and lizards.

Anything else I need to know?

You're going to have a whale of a time out in those mountains, and there are lots of lakes and rivers if you like to paddle or swim too. There are just two nature reserves where you won't be allowed (I know, I know!) but that shouldn't worry you too much with thousands of kilometres of other paths to explore.

When you arrive, we’ll give you a special tag for your collar to show you’re on holiday chez nous, just in case you get lost - it’ll have our address and phone number on it. (You might just get a little treat or two as well but don’t tell anybody!).