Logis Hotels is an organization of 2,400 hotels, of which there are 2,265 in France, the country where the chain started. They started out as smaller hotels, mostly similar to an American inn, which are almost always connected to a good restaurant. But it has grown from those humble beginnings and today there is a special category of luxury.
The Logis is a great option for those who want a true French accommodation experience, but the guarantee of certain standards. Logis independent inns average around 25 rooms, so they are smaller without being as small as a guest room . Many are a reminder of the training inns of the past, located on main roads that transported people and goods from one city to another throughout France.
In 2008, they changed the name of Logis de France to Logis simple as they expanded to the rest of Europe. Everyone called them Logis anyway, so it’s no big deal.
We have stayed at many Logis, but one that is well worth booking in is the delightful Ferme de la Rançonnière near the Landing beaches. If you are chasing a historic war, take a look at the William the Conqueror Trail through medieval Normandy.
Where and when did the organization start?
The organization began in 1948 when three men of different origins met in Auvergne to help stop the depopulation of the French countryside after the road. They started the first Hotel Logis d’Auvergne and, as a symbol, they used the cozy fireplace logo that the organization has carried to this day.
Choose a Logis hotel
Logis hotels are strictly controlled and meet certain standards. Choose your hotel based on the classification, which features the now famous fireplaces, ranging from one to three fireplaces.
Hotels are judged on a long list of criteria, including welcome, comfort facilities, services, decoration, tourist advice, respect for the environment and more with these basic descriptions from Logis de France:
1 Fireplace : Excellent value for money in a hotel that has authentic charm and simple but comfortable furniture that guarantees comfort and good cuisine.
2 fireplaces : a high level of comfort that offers additional facilities at the best price.
3 Fireplaces – First-rate properties with a wide range of facilities, extremely comfortable and offering attentive service.
Logis Theme Hotels
Logis also has a theme and activity system for its hotels, covering everything you may be looking for, including:
Logis Charme with Charm and Character
Logis Nature-Silence for nature and tranquility.
Logis Bacchus , the logis de viñedo
Logis Famille , o logis familiar
Logis Etapes Affaires , o logis de escala comercial
Logis Neige , or snow sports logis
Logis Pêche , o logis de pesca
Logis Randonnée , o logis de senderismo
Logis Vélo , the cycling logis
Logis Singular for exceptional experiences
Luxury category
Logis d’Exeption is a new classification and if you are looking for a simple and cozy hotel with a fireplace, you will not find it here. It is a new departure and the hotels are very good, with high quality facilities and excellent locations.
There are 21 French hotels in this category spread throughout France. To give you an idea of its standards, visit the Domaine du Château de Monrecour, which joined the organization in 2015. Located in the Dordogne valley, the imposing castle looks out over the river. It is very comfortable with a gourmet restaurant and its own pool.
Or try Le Clos la Boëtie in the charming Dordogne town of Sarlat, one of the most popular regions for visitors. Sarlat has one of the best open air markets in this part of France.
Logical for Foodies
Logis hotels are the obvious lodging choice for foodies. Sometimes dinner for two can cost as much as the room (but it’s almost always worth it). Usually you will be asked if you want a partial or full board, which refers to meals, but you can only get full board if you stay more than one night. (Full board is dinner, bed and breakfast and lunch).
If you’re pretty sure you’ll be dining there, go ahead and book the half board (usually dinner and breakfast of meats, cheeses, pastries, and coffee) which is priced at a fixed price.
Restaurant classification
At all logis you can expect a menu featuring regional specialties, a local menu terroir, and often wines produced especially for the hotel.
Logis restaurants are identified by ‘ollas’ and ‘Table Distinguée’ (good food).
1 pot : generous and hearty portions with traditional and regional recipes served in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
2 ollas : a comfortable restaurant and attentive service, with regional gourmet cuisine.
3 ollas – An elegant restaurant with a particular emphasis on culinary arts that uses the best quality produce and offers excellent service.
Table Distinguée is the sign of good food . These restaurants have been specially selected by Logis culinary experts. They are known for being a true gourmet destination and offer high quality cuisine, facilities, service and hospitality. All are visited anonymously.
You can book through the full website.
How to get the Logis guide
It’s a great guide that covers France and what’s more, it’s free. It is small and compact, very easy to transport.
- Through the website logishotels.com (€ 5 P&P)
- At all tourist offices in France and at the Fédération Internationale des Logis
- In all local Logis organizations
- In each Logis hotel
Edited by Mary Anne Evans
