RESERVE BIOLOGIQUE DES MONTS D'AZUR

What RESERVE BIOLOGIQUE DES MONTS D'AZUR does

RESERVE BIOLOGIQUE DES MONTS D'AZUR, operating as SARL/SAS RBMA with €756,000 of registered capital, is a privately held French eco-tourism company founded in 2003 by veterinarian Dr. Patrice Longour and Aléna Longour. The business operates a 700-hectare wildlife reserve on the Plateau d'Andon in the Alpes-Maritimes (Thorenc) and positions itself as the first French site dedicated to the rewilding of European megafauna — notably European bison, Przewalski horses, red deer, elk, and chamois — living in semi-freedom across managed ecological zones.

The product portfolio comprises three safari formats (guided horse-drawn carriage, guided walking, and 5-hour immersive hikes), specialized experiences (snowshoe safaris, deer-rut observation, wildlife photography courses, observation huts, guide-for-a-day), and a tiered accommodation offering that includes the bioclimatic Villa (5 rooms, year-round), Le Petit Manoir (year-round), seasonal ecolodges (mid-May to mid-October), and a suspended treehouse. Dining is provided through on-site Restaurant Le Takhi. Themed multi-night packages (Privilège, Brame du cerf, Yoga, Premium, Sur-mesure) bundle lodging with safaris and meals. Underlying operational technology centers on bioclimatic architecture (aerothermal heating, solar thermal panels, geothermal floors, cellulose insulation, a 350m² grey-water lagoon) and ecological management techniques rather than software platforms.

The business generates revenue through direct on-site sales and the company's own website (no OTAs or intermediaries), operating Wednesday–Sunday year-round with an annual closure in November–December. Marketing relies on earned media (TF1, France 3), a newsletter, and word-of-mouth. Core customer segments are individual and family nature tourists, with secondary demand from school groups, corporate/CSE committees (group rates for 20+ persons), and wildlife photographers. The reserve maintains core partnerships with Association Takh (Przewalski horse breeding) and Association Preserve, and has functioned as a source population exporting European bison to Belarus.

Name

RESERVE BIOLOGIQUE DES MONTS D'AZUR

Legal name

SARL RBMA

Website

https://reserve-biologique.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2003

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

RESERVE BIOLOGIQUE DES MONTS D'AZUR is a privately held French eco-tourism operator running a 700-hectare wildlife reserve in Alpes-Maritimes dedicated to European megafauna rewilding, serving individual nature tourists, families, school groups, and corporate visitors via guided safaris, eco-lodging, and themed multi-night stays.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Eco-Tourism and Wildlife Conservation Services

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Wildlife Sanctuaries & Rescue Centers (Visitor Operations) (THAAAFAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Guided Wildlife Safaris & Game Drives (Sanctuary/Reserve-Based) (THAAAFAF), Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching Tours (THAAAEAB), Wilderness & Backcountry Lodges (Remote/Off-Grid) (THAGAIAB)

Keywords

• Wildlife safaris
• Eco-tourism services
• Rewilding experiences
• Eco-lodging stays
• Nature conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Thorenc (Andon)

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Safari Tours: Guided wildlife observation safaris offered in horse-drawn carriages (1h15) or on foot (2h), led by professional naturalist guides. Visitors with valid entry tickets have access to children's play areas, bar, snack, and eco boutique. Additional paid options include photography courses, observation huts, and multi-hour treks.
2. Accommodation and Stays: Eco-accommodation including the Villa Bioclimatique (eco-designed, 2-4 persons, year-round), Le Petit Manoir (historic charm, year-round), and seasonal ecolodges (mid-May to mid-October). Stays are offered as demi-pension (half-board) packages with breakfast included, often bundled with guided safaris.
3. Restaurant Le Takhi: On-site restaurant open daily from 12h to 15h, serving fresh, homemade cuisine prepared by the resident chef. The restaurant is open to day visitors, safari participants, and overnight guests. Reservations are recommended.
4. Ticket Sales and Group Bookings: Entry tickets for access to the reserve, with group rates available for 20+ persons (companies, schools, leisure centers). Tickets are valid for 1 year from purchase date and require advance reservation.
5. Merchandise: Sale of eco-responsible branded products through an on-site boutique.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

La Réserve Biologique des Monts d'Azur operates a 700-hectare preserved nature reserve in the Alpes-Maritimes (France) dedicated to the rewilding and free-roaming reintroduction of European megafauna including European bison, Przewalski horses, red deer, elk, chamois, mouflon, and wild boar. It sells guided wildlife safaris (horse-drawn carriage and walking), extended hiking safaris, snowshoe safaris, observation-hut photo sessions, and wildlife photography courses. It also offers eco-accommodation (Bioclimatic Villa, Le Petit Manoir, seasonal ecolodges, suspended treehouses), themed multi-day packages (Privilege, Red Deer Rut, Yoga, Premium, Custom), and on-site dining at Restaurant Le Takhi.

Product overview

RESERVE BIOLOGIQUE DES MONTS D'AZUR is a 700-hectare wildlife reserve in the French Alps-Maritimes operating as a nature-based tourism destination focused on rewilding and reintroduction of endangered European megafauna. The product portfolio consists of core safari experiences (guided walking safaris and horse-drawn carriage safaris), extended adventure activities (5-hour hikes, snowshoe tours, red deer rut safaris), specialized offerings (photography courses, observation huts, guide-for-a-day experiences), and accommodations (ecolodges, bioclimatic villa, petit manoir, treehouses). Dining is provided through Restaurant Le Takhi. All-inclusive themed stays (Privilege, Red Deer Rut, Yoga, Premium, Custom) bundle safaris with accommodations and meals. The reserve is not a software or technology product and does not offer APIs or AI capabilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Restaurant Le Takhi: On-site restaurant featuring local cuisine with organic products and environmental commitment, open daily from 12h to 15h.

Products and services

• Safari guidé en calèche (Guided Horse-Drawn Carriage Safari) A 1h15 guided carriage tour pulled by two draft horses through plains, forests, and ponds of the reserve, led by a naturalist guide who provides species identification and behavioral knowledge, suitable for all audiences.
• Safari guidé à pied (Guided Walking Safari) A 1h45 to 2-hour guided hiking safari observing European bison, Przewalski horses, red deer, fallow deer, and wild boar in freedom across 700 hectares of preserved nature, accompanied by a naturalist guide.
• Safari Rando de 5 heures (5-Hour Walking Safari) Extended 5-hour guided hike through higher elevations of the reserve with a naturalist guide and picnic lunch prepared by the restaurant chef, observing bison, Przewalski horses, red deer, fallow deer, elk, and wild boar.
• Safari en raquette de neige (Snowshoe Safari) A 1h45 snowshoe safari during winter months following animal tracks in snow-covered landscapes, with snowshoes and poles provided.
• Safari Brame du cerf (Red Deer Rut Safari) A 2h30 specialized walking safari during the red deer rutting season from early September to late October, offering close observation of red deer mating behaviors with limited group sizes (max 8 per lodge).
• Cabane d'observation / Affût photo (Observation Hut / Photo Blind) 2-hour photography-focused observation experience at hides including the Lake Cabin (carriage observation) and the Vulture Clearing Cabin, offering proximity to wild animals for wildlife photography, open to ages 10+; entry into the annual photo competition.
• Cours de photographie animalière (Wildlife Photography Course) A 3-hour immersive training combining instruction from a professional photographer and a naturalist guide, covering camera settings, composition, animal behavior observation, and natural lighting techniques.
• Guide d'un jour (Guide for a Day) A full-day immersive experience sharing the daily activities of a naturalist guide, including harness handling, bison counting, camera placement, and guided carriage tours.
• Écolodge Summer-only eco-lodges facing the plains offering wildlife views, available from mid-May to mid-October, including half-board accommodation with guided walking safari in a 1-night adventure package.
• Villa Bioclimatique (Bioclimatic Villa) An eco-designed accommodation of 5 rooms (2–4 persons) featuring aerothermal heating, solar thermal panels, geothermal floor heating, cellulose insulation, and greywater recycling, available year-round.
• Le Petit Manoir (The Small Manor) A historic manor house accommodation offering authentic charm and comfort, available year-round with half-board dining options for 2–4 persons.
• Cabane perchée dans les arbres (Treehouse) Suspended treehouse offering a unique overnight experience with apéritif and dinner in nature, plus breakfast facing sunrise.
• Restaurant Le Takhi On-site restaurant with family-style cuisine using fresh products, featuring a bioclimatic terrace with views of surrounding wildlife, open daily from 12h to 15h, accessible to day visitors, safari participants, and overnight guests.
• Séjour Privilège (Privilege Stay) Most intimate reserve experience including 2 nights in bioclimatic villa, 3 privilege safaris, and participation in Przewalski horse care activities, available year-round.
• Séjour Brame du cerf (Red Deer Rut Stay) Immersive 1-night stay during the deer rutting season including 1 night in bioclimatic villa and 2 special rut safaris, available early September to late October.
• Séjour Yoga Summer wellness package combining 1 night at Petit Manoir, yoga sessions, and vegetarian meals focused on balance, nature connection, and inner renewal.
• Séjour Premium All-inclusive stay with 1 night in bioclimatic villa with full board and 2 exclusive safaris, available December through August.
• Séjour sur-mesure (Custom Stay) Personalized stay composed according to guest preferences, with the team organizing a tailored itinerary, available year-round.

Quantifiable outcome

• 800+ wildlife species now live in total freedom at the reserve (as stated by founder Patrice Longour in 2019)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Association TakhcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 October 2019Association Takh, founded by Swiss ethologist Claudia Feh, is a core strategic partner. The reserve sourced Przewalski horses from Takh's herd in the Cévennes and seven of the reserve's horses originated from Takh's breeding programs. Takh was instrumental in reintroducing Przewalski horses to Mongolia. The partnership involves shared breeding management, genetic exchange, and expertise in Przewalski horse rewilding.
• Le Pic Vert (naturalist association)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019The naturalist association 'Le Pic Vert' designed and installed the 'Cabane Placette Vautours' observation hut at the reserve, dedicated to observing small wildlife and forest birds.
• Association PreservecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2001Association Preserve was founded by Daniel Baubet and Patrice Longour, the reserve's co-founder. Preserve conducted ecological studies in Botswana's Okavango Delta in 1993, which inspired the concept for the reserve. Preserve was supported by the Nicolas Hulot Foundation and played a central role in advocating for the creation of the reserve as a rewilding pilot project in France.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Pairi Daiza: One of Europe's largest privately operated animal parks in Brugelette, Belgium, with on-site hotels, restaurants, and themed worlds. Comparable as a broad European wildlife park destination with lodging, but operates at significantly larger scale and across multiple geographies rather than a single rewilding reserve.
• ZooParc de Beauval: One of the most-visited zoos in France (Saint-Aignan, Loir-et-Cher), with on-site accommodation (Les Hôtels de Beauval) and restaurants. Comparable in offering a French wildlife-tourism destination with lodging integration, but at much larger scale and as a traditional zoo rather than rewilding reserve.
• Réserve Africaine de Sigean: Major French animal park in Occitanie with ~3,000 animals across ~300 hectares, including safari drive-through and walking sections. Comparable as a long-established French wildlife tourism destination, though focused on African rather than European species.

Direct peers

• Wildlands Adventure Zoo Emmen: Dutch zoo opened in 2019 by Wildlands Foundation with a strong European nature and rewilding narrative, including Przewalski horses and bison. Mentioned among the European rewilding-tourism sites inspired by the Monts d'Azur model and serves a comparable eco-tourism market.
• Thoiry ZooSafari: French zoo-safari park in Yvelines operating a drive-through safari with free-ranging animals plus castle accommodation. Closely comparable in offering French visitors free-range wildlife viewing combined with on-site lodging, though with a broader African species focus rather than European megafauna.
• Domaine du Villaret: Foundation-run free-range Przewalski horse rewilding estate in the Cévennes (Massif Central, France). Operates as a core breeding source for Association Takh — the same strategic partner supplying the Monts d'Azur reserve — making it the closest direct peer in terms of mission, species focus, and management philosophy.
• Highland Wildlife Park: Royal Zoological Society of Scotland's free-range park near Aviemore exhibiting European bison, Przewalski horses, Amur tigers, and Scottish species in large enclosures. Comparable as a Northern European free-range wildlife experience with similar megafauna species to Monts d'Azur.
• Cabárceno Natural Park: Large free-range wildlife park in Cantabria, Spain, with semi-free animals including bison roaming a 750-hectare karst landscape. Highly comparable in scale (similar hectare footprint to Monts d'Azur), European species emphasis, and safari-style visitor experience.
• Knepp Wildland: Pioneering rewilding project in West Sussex, UK, founded by Isabella Tree and Charlie Burrell. Free-ranging Exmoor ponies, longhorn cattle, Tamworth pigs, and deer on a 3,500-acre estate with eco-tourism safaris and accommodation — the most prominent European rewilding-tourism comparable to the Monts d'Azur model.

Others

• Białowieża National Park / Polish bison reserves: Polish national park and surrounding free-ranging European bison herds, including Bison Breeding Centre at Białowieża — a direct partner and recipient of the reserve's exported animals for European bison recovery. Comparable as the canonical European bison rewilding site but government-run rather than privately operated eco-tourism.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/reserve-biologique-des-monts-d'azur

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about RESERVE BIOLOGIQUE DES MONTS D'AZUR