Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Lunas hotel, also known as the Hébrard hotel, is a private hotel located in the historic area of the Cuteson in Montpellier (Hérault). Its construction began in the 16th century in the form of a "large house" built by Denis Fontanon, doctor and doctor in medicine, and then transformed by his family until 1638. The building grew architecturally at the beginning of the 18th century, when Marguerite d'Hébrard, widow of Bocaud, and his son Guillaume became its owners. The works carried out since 1671, under the direction of architects Antoine Giral and Antoine Laurens, structure the building in the shape of "U", with a courtyard of honour and a monumental staircase. The western façade, blind for military reasons, reflects the constraints of the old city walls.

In 1707 Henri de Bosc, an advisor at the Montpellier Court of Accounts, acquired the hotel and undertook a major renovation campaign. He expanded the estate by buying adjacent plots and created a ball gallery decorated with twelve lacquer panels representing the months of the year, as well as seven mirrors echoing the curved windows overlooking the French garden. The military servitudes linked to the ramparts, which were being dismantled, allowed him to encroach on the old round road. The hotel was then bought in 1737 by Antoine Jean Viel, lord of Lunas, who gave him his current name and abode his coat of arms on the front of the court.

In the 19th century, the Granier family, then the Sabatiers — notably Felix Sabatier and his son-in-law — transformed the hotel deeply. The works carried out between 1842 and 1855, together with architect Omer Lazard, redefine the interior spaces (living, dining room, private apartments) and exterior (garden, service yard). Felix Sabatier, who became owner in 1855, completed the current configuration by adding a monumental portal on Vialleton Boulevard. In 1974, the State became the owner of the site, which has since been managed by the National Monuments Centre. Ranked and listed as historical monuments for its facades, roofs, lounges and honorary staircase, the hotel now houses cultural activities and offices.

The Hotel de Lunas illustrates the architectural and social evolution of Montpellier, from the 16th century military constraints to the aristocratic fascists of the 18th and 19th centuries. Its history is marked by influential families — Fontanon, Hebron, Bosc, Viel de Lunas, Granier, Sabatier — some of whom have left their names in the urban landscape (Rues Fontanon, Granier, Avenue Sabatier d'Espeyran). The interior decorations, blending lacquers, wall fabrics and antique furniture, as well as the remains of the old ramparts, make this an exceptional testimony of the Montpellieran heritage.

The site, accessible from the Peyrou - Arc de Triomphe tram station, offers partial visits (ground floor and garden). Since 2000, part of the north wing has been leased to professionals (lawyers, architects) to finance its maintenance. The administration of the monument, led by the National Monuments Centre, includes an educational service and collaborates with researchers to enhance its history, as evidenced by academic publications and tributes to former owners, such as the Sabatier d'Espyran Prize.

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