4.5
(415)
2,817
hikers
150
hikes
Hiking around Upie offers access to a landscape characterized by rolling hills, agricultural plains, and areas of dense woodland. The region features varied terrain, including gentle slopes and more challenging ascents, providing diverse experiences for hikers. Historic elements like castle ruins are often encountered along the trails, adding cultural interest to the natural surroundings. This area provides a mix of open views and sheltered paths through forests.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
4.6
(13)
34
hikers
7.37km
02:12
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(9)
62
hikers
12.9km
04:33
710m
710m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.3
(3)
30
hikers
5.88km
01:47
200m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
18
hikers
12.1km
03:39
320m
320m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
5.0
(3)
10
hikers
5.81km
01:42
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Crest Castle is the ruin of a hilltop castle above the southern French commune of Crest in the Drôme department. Its preserved keep, at 52 meters high, is probably the highest in France and has been listed as a historical monument since June 1877. Crest Castle was built in several phases from the 10th century to the second half of the 14th century. It was owned by the French crown from 1419 onwards. Louis XIII had it demolished in 1633, with the exception of the keep, which still stands today. The tower then served as a prison until the mid-19th century. In 1988, the commune of Crest acquired it from the French state. The tower has a floor area of 20 by 32 meters and a height of 52 meters. Portcullises, defensive bay windows, and loopholes bear witness to its past as a medieval fortification. The tower has 15 rooms, which were used as living quarters in the Middle Ages and as prison cells after 1633. Numerous graffiti date from this period, including those by Protestants imprisoned there. Source: Wikipedia A tour of the tower is open to the public. The current cost is €10 per adult. The bravest can abseil down the tower's east wall from a height of 42 meters, but this wasn't possible during our visit, presumably due to a lack of tourists.
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This path offers a beautiful course on the heights of Crest. The views of the surrounding fields and mountains are stunning as you run along the ridge line.
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This path offers a beautiful walk on the heights of Crest. There is a magnificent view of the surrounding fields and mountains. Take your cameras !
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The tower of Crest is a true masterpiece. Consisting of three interlocking towers, this tower was part of an old fortress and then became a prison. This architectural gem bears witness to a long history and medieval prison life. From the top of the tower, you have breathtaking views of the Drôme valley and the Ardèche mountains. The visit is worth the detour, with the entertainment throughout the year that takes you on a journey through time.
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Magnificent view of the Drôme from the top of the tower. The visit is essential because it is very well documented. You can also appreciate the famous engraving of d'Artagnan's face!
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There are over 130 hiking trails in the Upie region, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 51 easy routes, 74 moderate routes, and 8 more challenging paths.
Yes, Upie offers a good selection of easy trails perfect for beginners or families. There are 51 easy routes, many of which are relatively flat or have gentle inclines. An example is the Bridge step . – Burgruine loop from La Baume-Cornillane, which is about 3.7 miles (5.9 km) long and typically takes under 2 hours.
The Upie region is characterized by rolling hills, expansive agricultural plains, and pockets of dense woodland. Hikers can expect a mix of open views across the countryside and sheltered paths through forests. Some trails, like the Burgruine – The summit of La Raye loop from La Baume-Cornillane, offer significant climbs that reward with expansive panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Yes, many of the hiking routes around Upie are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Tour à upie loop from Upie is an easy 3.6-mile (5.8 km) circular route that explores the local area.
Hike durations in Upie vary significantly depending on the trail's length and difficulty. You can find shorter walks that take less than 2 hours, such as the Burgruine – Bridge step . loop from La Baume-Cornillane (around 2 hours 12 minutes for 4.6 miles), to longer moderate routes that can take 4-5 hours or more, like the Crest Tower – Lavender Field loop from Vaunaveys-la-Rochette.
Many trails around Upie incorporate historical elements into the natural scenery. You might encounter castle ruins, adding cultural interest to your hike. Notable nearby attractions include the impressive Crest Tower and the Ruins of the Château de la Vignotte. The region also features charming old towns like the Old Town of Livron-sur-Drôme.
The hiking trails in Upie are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 380 reviews. Hikers often praise the varied terrain, which includes both gentle slopes and more demanding ascents, as well as the mix of open views and sheltered paths through dense forests. The historical elements, such as castle ruins, are also frequently mentioned as adding to the experience.
While Upie's climate is generally mild, winter hiking is possible, especially on lower elevation trails. The region can experience cooler temperatures and occasional frost. It's advisable to check local weather conditions before heading out and choose well-maintained paths. Higher elevation routes might be more challenging due to potential ice or snow.
Yes, the area around Upie offers several scenic points of interest. Hikers can seek out the Point de vue des Lèches for panoramic vistas. For those interested in natural formations, the Eagle's Talon is another intriguing spot. Additionally, the Drôme River at Crest provides picturesque riverside views.
The best time to hike in Upie is generally during spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are particularly vibrant with blooming flowers or autumn colors. Summer can be warm, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended. Winter offers a quieter experience, but some trails might be less accessible.
While specific 'pub lunch' stops directly on every trail are not guaranteed, many villages and towns in the Upie region, such as Upie itself or nearby La Baume-Cornillane and Vaunaveys-la-Rochette, offer local restaurants, bakeries, or cafes where you can enjoy a meal or refreshments before or after your hike. It's a good idea to plan your route to pass through or near these settlements if you're looking for a stop.


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