My wife and I recently moved to Paris, and we've been exploring the various regions in France. We carefully researched the options in the Loire / Cher valleys, and chose to try L'Auberge de Launay. We've very glad we did.
The highlights for us were our dinner and breakfast there and the charm and hospitality of the owners, a husband and wife, one of whom is always present, and their attentive, caring staff. Every course at dinner was consistently excellent for both my wife and me, as were the beverage/wine suggestions. We've all had the unfortunate experience of dining somewhere and loving one course, but finding the other courses mediocre. At L'Auberge de Launay, in contrast, the kitchen's expertise shown through, as each and every course was exquisite in turn. We found we loved every morsel of every dish, an all-too-rare occurrence...and that's why we will return again and again, both on our own for romantic dinners for two as well as with visiting family and friends.
The location is close to the major chateaux, extremely convenient for Amboise, etc., yet outside the towns in a mainly rural setting. The physical setting is not overwhelmingly charming. Certainly, one doesn't imagine oneself in a chateau! But the entire establishment is very, very clean and well-supplied/well-maintained. We chose to spend a bit less cash on rooms this particular night, and instead to spend a bit more on wine and dinner. (And because dinner was mere steps away from our room, we had no concerns about drinking wine then driving). We are thrilled with the choice, as the dinner and breakfast experience were truly superior! Highly recommended for all but those who want to stay in a charming chateau environment. Even if you stay in a chateau, we recommend you try Auberge de Launay for dinner.
- Auberge De Launay Limeray
- Auberge De Launay Hotel Limeray
