A covered washhouse dating from 1867 and the Saint-Baudile Chapel, dated to the 12th century, give Upie’s local history a long chronological span. There is also an agricultural winter festival in January, a hiking trail on Mont Miéry and activities around a lake. Each theme follows a different schedule: for the festival, travel dates matter; for the trail, consider its length, approximate duration and difficulty rating; and for activities, check current availability.
Local History and Festival Tradition
The Saint-Baudile Chapel is located outside the village, in the cemetery, on the site of an ancient structure. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1926. The village’s historic walking tour includes a 15th-century house next to the town hall; as you stroll through the lanes, you can also discover the covered washhouse dating from 1867. On the hill above Upie, the remains of the old castle have given way to the Church of Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul. Thus, the historic sites mentioned are not all in the same place: the chapel is outside the village, while the house, church and washhouse are part of the village’s built landscape.
The Fête des Bouviers d’Upie is an agricultural winter festival held on the second Sunday in January. Today, its main events are concentrated over two weekends. Check the exact dates for your travel year before planning your stay around the festival. Preparations take place at a different time of year: every Friday evening in November, flowers are made by hand from crepe paper. All residents of Upie are invited to take part at the community centre. In November 2019, the Fêtes des Bouviers et des Laboureurs de la Drôme were also recognized at the national level.
Mont Miéry: Scenery and Hiking
Mont Miéry is an isolated forested massif in the Rhône Valley. A 350-degree panorama can be enjoyed from an oratory dedicated to the Madonna. The Mont Miéry hiking trail in Upie is 7.9 km long, takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, and is rated moderate. The duration is a guide; check the latest route details before setting out.
Activities by the Lake, Puzzles and Zoo
The Domaine de Valsoyo in Upie offers activities around a lake, including zip-lining, raft rides, Mayak—kayaking in a kneeling or standing position—footgolf and recumbent cycling. Raft rides and Mayak take place on the water; zip-lining, footgolf and recumbent cycling offer different kinds of activity. Check current availability in advance.
Valsoyo’s “A Journey Around the World” is an orienteering course through the forests of Upie. Large white rocks represent eight countries; each country has its own questions, puzzles and brainteasers. This activity format differs from the ones offered around the lake. If you plan to take the orienteering course, check the latest booking terms before your trip.
The Zoo d’Upie is home to more than 800 animals from 180 different species; animal numbers may change over time. Educational animal experiences include lemur and meerkat feedings, parrot shows and a birds of prey display. The programme may vary seasonally, so it is worth checking the current offer before your visit. The zoo also has two playgrounds and a petting zoo or mini-farm for children; the operating status of these facilities may also change.
Discover more destinations: Bourg-Lès-Valence, Châteauneuf-De-Galaure, Bathernay, Granges-Les-Beaumont, Léoncel, Sainte-Jalle, Montmiral, Vesc.
For the broader travel overview: Drôme.
