Visiting Montpellier’s zoo is like going for a nice walk and seeing some animals on the way. It’s set in an 80-hectare park, full of pine trees and walkways where visitors can stroll around and find more than 100 different species of animals. The size of the domain means the animals have quite a bit of space, there’s a large enclosure for the lions, and the rhinos have a big field to waddle round in. And the main advantage for us visitors is that it’s completely free. There’s an area that you do pay for, La serre amazonienne, but I’ll tell you about that in a minute.
The domain was bequeathed to the city of Montpellier in 1910 by its last owner, Henri Lunaret, but it wasn’t until 1964 that the zoo was opened. Henri’s land was divided up into three areas, the zoo, an area of agricultural research and education called Le Domaine de la Valette and a nature reserve on the banks of the river Lez. The zoo itself is set on a steep hill so a walk around it can be slightly tiring, especially for little legs, but there are some good views from the top of the hill.
In a glass building near the entrance is a re-creation of an Amazonian rainforest, La serre amazonienne. You need to buy tickets for this, but it’s not expensive and children below six years old are free. A 300-metre walkway takes you through the tropical forest, where you’ll find unusual fish, birds and reptiles. Look out for the alligators and huge snakes, as well as some rare brightly-coloured frogs. A dark room contains some sinister creatures, but then after all the creepy crawlies the furry aardvarks rooting for ants at the end are a welcome surprise.
If you’re hungry, you can begin or end your visit with lunch in the zoo’s restaurant, which overlooks the rainforest.
The zoo is open all year. April to November, 10am to 6.30pm; November to April, 9am – 5pm.La serre amazonienne prices: adults, €6,50; children (6-18) €3; children under 6, free.
The rest of the park is free to visit.Zoo Lunaret can be found at 50 Avenue Agropolis. There’s free parking opposite the park’s entrance.
On public transport take tram 1 to Saint Eloi, then catch the bus ‘La Navette’ (line 13) in the direction of ‘Universitiés’ until the ‘zoo’ stop opposite the entrance.
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