Zoo d'Upie

Zoo d'Upie (Le Jardin aux Oiseaux) is a zoological and botanical park in the village of Upie, in the Drôme department south of Valence, welcoming visitors since 1976. Spread across more than 6 hectares, the park is home to over a thousand animals from more than 200 species, with birds as its defining focus — hence its nickname, the "Bird Garden."

What can you see at the zoo?

The collection centers on birds — parrots, birds of prey, owls, flamingos and pelicans — alongside lemurs and meerkats living elsewhere in the grounds. The heart of the park is a large tropical greenhouse where birds fly freely among dense vegetation while visitors walk narrow paths right beside them. A separate mini-farm area with domestic animals rounds out the collection and tends to be a highlight for younger visitors.

Daily highlights include bird of prey and parrot shows, where trainers demonstrate the flying skills of falcons, eagles and colorful parrots in close contact with the audience. Scheduled feeding sessions let visitors watch the animals up close at set times throughout the day. Kids also have an inflatable playground to enjoy, and an on-site bar-restaurant means a full day can be spent without leaving the park.

Is there anything for children beyond the exhibits?

Yes — the zoo runs a "keeper for a day" educational program along with graded workshops for younger visitors ("1st feather," "2nd feather," "3rd feather"), plus parent-child sessions called "mini-feather." Participants get a hands-on look at animal care under staff supervision, turning a visit into more than just a walk between enclosures.

How do you get there, and when's the best time to visit?

Zoo d'Upie sits at 1795 route de Montoison, 26120 Upie, a short drive south of Valence. It's a convenient stop for anyone traveling through the Rhône valley, easy to combine with a wider route through the Drôme or Ardèche regions.

The park opens daily, though hours shift with the season: from Easter to All Saints' Day it's open 10am to 6pm, extending to 7pm in July and August, and outside that window running a shorter 1:30pm to 5pm. Morning or early-afternoon visits tend to work best, since that's when the bird shows and feeding sessions are scheduled — the most engaging moments of the day.

How much does admission cost?

A standard adult ticket (age 14+) costs €16.50, while children aged 3 to 13 pay €12.50. Families can use the family package (2 adults + 3 children) for €64, and children under 3 enter free.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time should I plan for a visit to Zoo d'Upie? A full visit, including both shows and the tropical greenhouse, typically takes 3 to 4 hours, especially if you want to catch both animal shows and the feeding sessions.

Is the zoo a good choice for young children? Yes — the inflatable playground, mini-farm, and close-up encounters with birds in the greenhouse make it a solid pick for families with young kids.

Can you get food on site? There's a bar-restaurant within the park, so there's no need to leave the grounds for a meal during your visit.

Is the zoo open year-round? Yes, the park operates all year, but outside the Easter-to-All-Saints'-Day season the opening hours are shorter (1:30pm to 5pm), so it's worth checking before you plan a visit.