Lunaret Nature Reserve

Lunaret Nature Reserve is a protected area on the northern edge of Montpellier, France, stretching along the Lez river. It's a spot where the city's urban pressure gives way to a landscape of limestone cliffs, dry slopes and riverside vegetation — a setting typical of the Mediterranean hinterland of Languedoc.

Where it is and what it is

The reserve forms part of the wider Lunaret park, the same complex that houses Montpellier Zoo. The protected area itself holds the status of a voluntary nature reserve (réserve naturelle volontaire) and covers roughly 20 hectares. What sets the terrain apart are the limestone cliffs rising above the Lez riverbed — they give this stretch of the valley a raw, distinctive character that stands out from typical urban greenery.

What you can see here

A hiking trail runs through the reserve, connecting the entrance on Rue de Ferran with the Domaine de la Valette. The route follows the river, passing cliffs, scrub and the open, dry slopes typical of Mediterranean vegetation. Water, rock and plant life meet within a fairly small area, which makes the walk engaging even for visitors without a particular interest in botany — the contrasts in terrain are obvious at a glance.

Context: next to the zoo, part of a bigger project

The reserve sits right next to Montpellier Zoo, founded in 1964, which today spans about 80 hectares and presents roughly 170 animals from 29 species, with a trail network totaling around 11 kilometers for visitors to explore on foot. Both places — the zoo and the reserve — operate within one larger city park, so visitors can move easily between the natural area and the animal exhibits.

City authorities are planning to expand this area through a project referred to as "Grand Parc Lunaret," ultimately intended to cover around 172 hectares, linking the Bois de Montmaur, the Lez nature reserve and the Lavalette water sports base with the zoo grounds. The roughly €4 million investment is expected to start from 2025 and focus on strengthening local biodiversity — a sign that the city sees this part of Montpellier as a long-term ecological project rather than just a recreational add-on.

Who it's for

Lunaret Nature Reserve suits visitors looking for a quiet walk close to nature while staying within reach of the city — this isn't a remote wilderness but an area accessible on foot from Montpellier's edge. It pairs well with a visit to the neighboring zoo, especially when traveling with kids, or it can be a short nature-focused outing on its own — a chance to take in the Lez valley landscape, the limestone cliffs and vegetation typical of the region.

Frequently asked questions

Is Lunaret Nature Reserve the same as Montpellier Zoo? No — they're neighboring but separate places within the larger Lunaret park. The reserve is a protected natural area, while the zoo is a separate institution with animal exhibits.

How big is the reserve itself? It covers about 20 hectares, while the adjacent zoo spans roughly 80 hectares.

Is there a hiking trail through the reserve? Yes, a walking route connects the entrance at Rue de Ferran with the Domaine de la Valette, following the Lez valley.

What's planned for the future? A project called "Grand Parc Lunaret" aims to expand the whole area to around 172 hectares, with an investment focused on protecting biodiversity, expected to begin from 2025.