Treasure Hunt in Paris: “Under the Covered Passages”

Discover Parisian Heritage through a Unique Treasure Hunt

The Treasure Hunt in Paris: “Under the Covered Passages” offers an engaging way to explore some of the city’s most charming covered passages. This 2.5-hour activity is perfect for families or friends seeking an original afternoon immersed in Parisian history and architecture. It takes place in the 9th arrondissement, starting at Square Montholon, where a lively introduction sets the scene for the adventure.

Led by a live French-speaking guide, the experience combines a fun puzzle-solving game with cultural discovery. The activity involves solving riddles and uncovering anecdotes at various historic locations, offering an active and educational experience that suits those age 15 and up. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy adventure, history, and team challenges.

While the tour is accessible for wheelchair users, it involves some walking through narrow passages and scenic outdoor areas, so prepare accordingly. The tour guarantees small groups of 3 to 6 people per team, with larger groups automatically forming teams, making it ideal for families, friends, or solo travelers wanting a shared experience.

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Key Points

• Duration: 2.5 hours of engaging exploration starting from Square Montholon
• Price: Pay later with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Language: Guided in French, suitable for ages 15 and above
• Highlights: Discover Parisian covered passages like Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy, and Galerie Vivienne
• Activity Type: Treasure hunt filled with puzzles, clues, and historical anecdotes
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for a variety of travelers

Starting Point at Square Montholon and Initial Briefing

The adventure begins at the center of Square Montholon in the 9th arrondissement. Here, the guide provides a short presentation that immerses participants into the story and objectives of the treasure hunt. The emphasis is on engaging storytelling and setting the tone for a mystery set in 1825 involving a character found bathed in his own blood under the Palais-Royal arches.

This introduction helps players understand they are part of a detective gang working to uncover the killer before others. The setup fosters teamwork and investigative thinking, making the activity both fun and mentally stimulating. Prior to starting, each team receives a logbook packed with puzzles, clues, and questions designed to test observation, reasoning, and deduction skills.

Exploring the Covered Passages: Verdeau, Jouffroy, and Vivienne

The tour takes players through some of the most historic covered passages in Paris, starting with Passage Verdeau for a quick 15-minute visit. This passage is known for its charming shops and vintage atmosphere. Then, the group moves to Passage Jouffroy, where the visit lasts about 20 minutes. Passage Jouffroy features a mix of boutiques, old-world charm, and historical significance, providing the perfect backdrop for puzzle-solving.

Next, the activity continues at Galerie Vivienne, another 20-minute stop. This elegant covered arcade is celebrated for its beautiful mosaics, wrought-iron balconies, and antique shops. Participants get to observe these architectural details while hunting for clues, making every stop both visually appealing and intellectually engaging.

The Palais-Royal Garden and Its Mysteries

The Palais-Royal Garden forms the final major part of this treasure hunt, lasting approximately 25 minutes. Here, players have the chance to piece together the clues they’ve gathered, while enjoying the garden’s tranquility and historical ambiance. The Palais-Royal is known for its arcades, columns, and courtyards, which hide many secrets from Paris’ past.

This location acts as a climax where puzzle resolution often converges, allowing teams to analyze their findings and piece together the story of the mysterious character from the opening scene. The entire experience culminates at Les Deux Plateaux, also called the Colonnes de Buren, an iconic art installation in the Les Deux Plateaux area, which marks the end of the adventure.

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Meeting Point and Practical Details

The meeting point for the treasure hunt is precisely at the center of Square Montholon in the 9th arrondissement. The guide, who speaks French, patiently waits here to welcome participants. The exact coordinates are 48.87689208984375, 2.3465378284454346.

Booking is flexible, with options to reserve now and pay later, and the activity can be canceled free of charge up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. The tour is suitable for wheelchair users and is designed to accommodate small groups of 3 to 6 people per team. Solo travelers or pairs will join a team, ensuring everyone participates actively.

The Immersive Story and Detective Theme

The story that frames the activity is set in 1825, involving a mysterious character found injured under the Palais-Royal. Participants are cast as new recruits to Vidocq’s gang, tasked with solving the murder. The narrative adds an immersive element, encouraging teams to think like detectives as they follow clues and solve puzzles along the way.

The guide helps bring this story to life, creating a lively and engaging atmosphere. The activity is designed to blend history, storytelling, and puzzle-solving seamlessly, offering an experience that feels both adventurous and educational.

Accessibility and Suitability for Participants

This tour is accessible for wheelchair users, which makes it inclusive for guests with mobility needs. The activity is best suited for adults and teenagers 15 and up, with minors required to be accompanied by an adult. The physical demands are manageable, mainly involving walking through picturesque passages and outdoor areas, making it suitable for most participants in reasonable health.

The French language guidance may be a consideration for non-French speakers, although the visual clues and logbook aid understanding. The activity’s pace allows for interaction and discussion, making it ideal for small groups wanting a more personalized experience.

Final Summary of the Treasure Hunt Experience

The “Under the Covered Passages” treasure hunt offers a playful way to discover the hidden corners of Paris. Its combination of puzzles, storytelling, and scenic locations creates an engaging atmosphere that appeals to those interested in history, architecture, and mystery-solving.

While it might not suit those looking for a traditional sightseeing tour with extensive walking or detailed narration, it compensates with its interactive format and memorable narrative. The small group size and flexible booking options enhance its appeal for families, friends, or solo explorers eager for something different.

This activity delivers value for those seeking an original, fun, and culturally enriching way to experience Paris’ iconic covered passages. The guide’s storytelling and the puzzle element make it a memorable adventure, especially for those who enjoy team challenges and historical mysteries.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the treasure hunt?
The activity lasts approximately 2.5 hours, starting from Square Montholon.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The activity is recommended for ages 15 and up. Minors must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I cancel my reservation?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the start date.

Is the activity accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

Do I need to speak French to enjoy this activity?
The tour is guided in French, but visual clues and the logbook help non-French speakers participate effectively.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Square Montholon in the 9th arrondissement, with exact coordinates provided.

What locations will we visit?
You will visit Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy, Galerie Vivienne, and the Palais-Royal Garden.

What’s the story behind the activity?
Participants are cast as detectives in 1825 trying to solve a murder at Palais-Royal, guided by storytelling and clues.

Is this activity good for solo travelers?
Yes, solo travelers are placed in a team with other participants, making it a social and interactive experience.

Can I expect a physically demanding walk?
The activity involves walking through scenic passages and outdoor areas, suitable for most in reasonable health.

What sets this treasure hunt apart from other tours?
The story-driven detective theme, combined with exploring covered passages, offers an original and immersive experience beyond typical sightseeing.

This treasure hunt in Paris combines history, mystery, and fun, making it a noteworthy addition to any itinerary.

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