Lunel is a commune in the Hérault department in southern France. According to legend, Lunel was founded by Jews from Jericho in first century and an ancient synagogue may be seen there.

Lunel is located 21 km (13 mi) east of Montpellier and 28 km (17 mi) southwest of Nîmes (Gard).

The ancient Roman site of Ambrussum is located nearby. The troubadour Folquet de Lunel was from Lunel.

Lunel was a centre of Jewish learning. It is thought that the family of Rashi (1040–1105), the great Rabbi and commentator, originated in Lunel. Other scholars include Jonathan of Lunel, Meshullam ben Jacob of Lunel, Abraham ben David who taught in Lunel before moving to Posquières, and Asher ben Meshullam of Lunel.

Lunel was the birthplace of Louis Feuillade (1873-1925), film director from the silent era. The artist Jean Hugo lived in the Lunel area for most of his life and painted scenes from the surrounding coutryside. The Parc Jean Hugo in the centre of the town was named after him.