Luynes is a picturesque commune located in the heart of Touraine, in the Loire Valley (Centre-Val de Loire) region, an area famous worldwide for its magnificent castles (Châteaux de la Loire). Its symbol is the imposing Château de Luynes, which dominates the town and the Loire River from the top of a rocky promontory. Luynes offers a quiet and historic stay experience, like a dive into the royal past of France, while being an ideal starting point for exploring the valley's most famous castles. Our travel designers recommend it for those seeking the history and elegance of a bygone era.

What our travel designers recommend to see: Castle and Loire

• Château de Luynes – The main attraction. We recommend visiting the castle and enjoying the panoramic view of the Loire, the ideal moment to capture the majesty of the river.
• The Loire and its Banks – The area around the river is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We recommend a bike ride along the banks or a picnic.
• Roman Bridge (Les Arches de Luynes) – Vestiges of a Roman aqueduct, testimony to the ancient history of the area.
• Nearby Castles – The famous Castles of Langeais, Villandry (famous for its Renaissance gardens), and Azay-le-Rideau are a short distance away.

Gastronomy: The Flavors of Touraine and Loire Wines

• Rillettes de Tours – A specialty of slowly cooked and shredded pork meat, spreadable, a must-try in Touraine.
• Sainte-Maure de Touraine AOP Goat Cheese – Log-shaped cheese, with a rye straw in the center.
• Loire Wines (AOC Bourgueil, Vouvray) – The red wines of Bourgueil and the dry or sparkling white wines of Vouvray are perfect pairings for local cuisine.

Experiences and Culture: Castle Exploration

• Cycling Routes (Loire à Vélo) – Luynes is located on a section of the famous Loire cycle path, which allows you to visit the castles ecologically.
• Historical Shows – Many castles in the area (such as Chenonceau or Azay-le-Rideau) offer nightly shows or historical reenactments in summer, an immersive experience.
• Tours of Troglodytes Cellars – The region is characterized by cellars dug into the rock (tufa), where you can taste local wines in a unique setting.

Institutional Links

• Official Website of the Municipality of Luynes
• Official Tourism Website in the Loire Valley

Top 3 Charm Accommodations Recommended by our experts

• Domaine de Beauvois (nearby) – A luxurious château-hôtel offering a regal stay with top-level services.
• Le Manoir de la Vallée (Luynes) – An elegant Maison d'Hôtes offering an intimate welcome and a historic atmosphere.
• Château Belmont (Tours, nearby) – Although in Tours, it offers a luxury and spa base with easy access to Luynes and the castles.

Top 3 Recommended Restaurants (Luynes and Surroundings)

• Les Tables Vatel (Luynes) – Restaurant that highlights local cuisine with a modern touch.
• Château de Candé (nearby) – Although a luxury option in a castle, it offers a high-level gastronomic experience.
• Auberge du Bon Laboureur (Chenonceaux, nearby) – Renowned restaurant for traditional Touraine cuisine and an elegant setting.