We are going to have a long let for France. Never taken a dog abroad before but after years of wishing I had and missing him we are going ahead.. The long rolling hills, countryside and welcome in bars and restaurants in France sealed the deal! We are making the jump! We have tried the 24 hour ferry and noted dogs facilities on there and then a 6 hour drive. Or can anyone advise re practicality of flying with dog? Which is the best?
We also wonder if we should research vets now in France and register now? Any tips welcome.

Flying is only an option if your pockets are very deep, the dog could fly out of UK  as excess baggage but on return would need to be booked as cargo which is very expensive.
I travel out to european shows and use tunnel or Ferry to Holland - the dogs travel no problem. Vets in France are familiar with pet passport requirements but I take my own wormers.

Which ferry route are you taking as a 24 hour journey?   And where in France is your destination?  We travel to Europe regularly, and now with the Calais fracas we always use Dover - Dunkerque if going onto a French show.  You are better taking a shorter ferry route with a slightly longer drive time, 24 hours on a ferry is an awfully long time for a dog, especially if it is summer the vehicle and kennel decks can get terribly hot despite ferry operator claims they are climate controlled.  Also if there is a veterinary emergency onboard (bloat) you are a long time away from a clinic.

We have used Portsmouth to Santander!  I would avoid Dover - Calais at all costs, travelling to Carcassonne.   We are going to travel April time. We are looking at Portsmouth - Car with an overnight stop possibly? We did talk to dog owners during ferry and most seemed impressed with kennels. I haven't travelled with a dog on a ferry a 5 hour journey in car yes in uk. He isn't travel sick at all.

Why not go Portsmouth the Bilboa overnight and then your dog will sleep better. Its a long trip but no problem with the heat and there are kennels or dog friendly cabins and you can arrive refreshed and the drive to Carcassonne is about 5 hours.
I love the area round Carcassonne. My friend lives just an hour South of the town.
Aileen

If you are going to the south of France you might need to get your boy vaccinated for Leishmaniasis. Apparently it's quite widespread the further south you go. There's a map on www.parasitesandvectors.com (fig 1) where you can see the risk level in each departmente.

I'll check out re the dog friendly cabins! Much prefer this idea . I'll check  the site re feas/parasites and check with vet too. I have to agree Carcassonne beautiful area and love Mirepoix too

Have you been to Lagrasse, that too is lovely.
Aileen

Not been there either. We loved Limoux and Mazeress too. Previously we had a month in Jurancon near beautiful city of Pau! Other side of the pyranees loved Nay, Navarrenx, Sall is de bear too. We are awaiting a few more long let's prices to come back. We need to get past first grandchild in November then Eldest son wedding in April next year. We would prefer a whole 6 months and enjoy some of the summer/Autumn there to try before we buy.