Luynes was born the son of Charles d'Albert (1578–1621), first duc de Luynes and chief favorite of Louis XIII. Still an infant, Louis-Charles became second duc de Luynes. In 1639 he obtained the title of pair (Peer of the Realm) and in 1643 was given the title of grand fauconnier (Great Falconer). As an officer he distinguished himself during the Flanders campaign (1640). He died in Paris, October 10, 1690. To exercise his style on a great subject (Baillet 1691, 2:171), Luynes translated Descartes’ Meditations into French. The result was given to Descartes (probably by Picot) during his visit to Brittany in the summer of 1644 (Baillet 1691, 2:219). After his return to Paris in October, Descartes visited the duc to thank him for the honor (Baillet 1691, 2:243). Meanwhile Clerselier, who as yet did not know Descartes directly, translated not only the Meditations but also the Objections and Replies. Although both versions were found to be “excellent,” Descartes preferred Luynes’ for the publication, because that would give “high profile” (Baillet 1691, 2:171) to his work. Still, he accepted Clerselier's for the Objections and Replies (which the duke had not translated). Both Luynes and Clerselier insisted that all texts should be revised by Descartes, which he did. Although that fact makes it difficult to judge Luynes’ translation, it also turned it into the classical French version of the Meditations. Even so it remains prudent to keep the original Latin text at hand.

See also Clerselier, Claude; Meditations on First Philosophy; Objections and Replies; Picot, Claude