Leynes combines a vineyard landscape with trails that lead to places shaped by water and heritage. At the basin, water and built features take centre stage; the “Sur les traces du temps à Leynes” trail leads through the village’s historic and contemporary heritage. There is also an old meadow rich in biodiversity and an orchard where fruit from heritage varieties can be picked. You can shape your stay around the landscape, nature or local history.

A landscape of vineyards and meadows

Leynes lies in amphitheatre-like terrain between the small Cevennes mountain range and the Balmonts range. The L’Arlois river flows through the village. The vineyard landscape is framed by wooded peaks: the river, vines and hills each give the surroundings a distinct character.

At the heart of Leynes lies the Creux du Vic, the village’s only bocage area. It is an old meadow rich in biodiversity. This natural area contrasts with the vineyard landscape and its wooded peaks. If you would like to visit the Creux du Vic, factor local guidance on access and conservation requirements into your plans.

Trails by the basin and river

A trail created in 2021 loops around a basin with distinctive flora and fauna; benches line the route. Local maintenance may change, so it is advisable to check the trail’s condition before your visit. The path by the basin leads from a washhouse fed by a warm spring to a lock made of dressed stone on the L’Arlois river. The washhouse and lock make the connection between spring water, stone construction and the river a tangible theme of this walk.

At the entrance to the village is the Verger de la Maraude, which is open to everyone. Walkers can pick fruit from heritage varieties there, including the “Reinette de Mâcon”. The fruit available varies by season. If you have particular fruits in mind, plan your visit for the right season.

Heritage and local events

The “Sur les traces du temps à Leynes” trail is a walking route through Leynes’ historic and contemporary heritage. It offers a different focus from the path by the basin: here, the emphasis is on the evolution of the village’s cultural heritage, while the other route follows the sequence of basin, washhouse and lock.

The building known as the “Château de Leynes” is a priory built around 1300. Benedictine monks used it as an outpost of Tournus Abbey. The building’s historical function was therefore that of a priory, despite its name, “Château”. Access may be subject to private arrangements, so check in advance if you are hoping to visit.

The Foire des plançons is still held. It is a fair for plants and legume products. If the event is relevant to your trip, check the dates in advance.

Plan your journey and accommodation

Leynes is close to major transport links, including a TGV station and motorways. As schedules and access options may change, check which connections are suitable for your travel dates.

Plan the rest of your visit around whether you would like to pick seasonal fruit, visit the Creux du Vic or attend the Foire des plançons; these activities depend on the season, local access conditions and event dates.

Discover more destinations: Barizey, Artaix, Mancey, Le Breuil, Chassigny-Sous-Dun, Chassey-Le-Camp, Saint-Vincent-En-Bresse, Hurigny.

For the wider travel overview: Saône-Et-Loire.