Track game in the Covered Passages of Paris

If you’re tired of the usual sightseeing routine and crave something different, this self-guided treasure hunt through Paris’s famous covered passages might just be your new favorite way to explore. Instead of a guided tour filled with crowds and hurried visits, this experience offers a relaxed and interactive approach to uncovering the city’s hidden gems.

What makes it particularly appealing? For starters, it’s autonomous, which means you control the pace — linger or rush, puzzle or explore. Second, it’s packed with puzzles and clues that reveal fascinating stories behind Paris’s historic corridors. And third, it’s a fun way to discover the city’s lesser-known spots away from the tourist heavy-hitters.

One thing to consider: because it’s self-guided, there’s no live guide to answer questions on the spot. This format works best for curious travelers who love solving mysteries and exploring independently. If you’re after a guided experience with detailed commentary, this might not be the right fit.

This tour is particularly well-suited for adventurous solo travelers, couples, or friends who enjoy puzzles and discovering local history on their own terms. It’s also perfect for those rainy days, thanks to the covered passages that keep you dry while exploring.

Good To Know

• Self-guided format provides full control over your pace and timing.
• Explores Paris’s historic covered passages, full of architecture and stories.
• Includes puzzles and clues that make discovering the passages engaging.
• Designed to avoid crowds and give a more authentic experience.
• Accessible and family-friendly, suitable for most travelers.
• Price point of around $35 offers a unique, immersive experience at a reasonable cost.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

What is the Tour All About?

This adventure is a treasure hunt set in some of Paris’s most charming covered passages, including Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne, Galerie Colbert, and the Jardin du Palais Royal. It’s an innovative way to combine puzzle-solving with cultural discovery, using a booklet full of clues and documents received from an intriguing character, Herbert, a mad scientist.

The tour’s core idea is to investigate Herbert’s mysterious death and uncover secrets hidden within the passages. As you move from one location to the next, you’ll solve puzzles that relate to the architecture, history, and stories of these unique covered walkways.

What’s It Like at Each Stop?

• Passage Verdeau: Your journey begins here, where you’re introduced to the mystery. This passage is mostly quiet and features vintage shops, setting the tone for a relaxed exploration. Expect about 15 minutes here, just enough to get your clues and start your investigation.

• Passage Jouffroy: As the oldest passage, it’s a must-see. It’s packed with antique shops and classic Parisian charm. You’ll spend around 20 minutes here, solving puzzles that may involve spotting details or deciphering clues hidden in the architecture.

• Passage des Panoramas: Known for its culinary delights, this passage adds a delicious twist to your adventure. It’s a perfect spot for puzzle enthusiasts who love uncovering secrets in vibrant, lively environments. Expect to spend about 20 minutes here.

• Galerie Vivienne: Arguably the most beautiful covered passage in Paris, this gallery boasts stunning mosaics, elegant arches, and classic Parisian elegance. It’s a highlight, and your puzzles will involve appreciating its detailed design. Allocate roughly 20 minutes here.

• Galerie Colbert: Discreet and often less crowded, this passage rewards close observation. Sometimes, it might be closed unexpectedly, but the tour provides photos of the puzzles, so your experience remains uninterrupted. About 10 minutes is allocated here.

• Jardin du Palais Royal: The final stop, where you’ll find the infamous silver balls by artist Pol Buren. Here, you’ll receive the last documents and solve the final enigma. The garden offers a peaceful setting for the culmination of your adventure, about 15 minutes long.

Practical Details and What You Get

The tour is designed to last around 1.5 to 2 hours, fitting comfortably into a half-day exploration. It’s a mobile-ticket experience, meaning you can start at your convenience, and there’s no guide with you — just your booklet and your wits.

You’ll meet at Passage Verdeau and finish in the gardens of the Palais Royal, well-placed for further sightseeing or a relaxing break. The tour is accessible, with service animals allowed and close to public transportation, making it easy to include as part of your day in Paris.

The price point of $34.73 per person offers good value, considering the uniqueness of the experience. It’s especially appealing when booked about 54 days in advance, indicating it’s popular among those planning ahead.

What Do Reviewers Say?

The feedback is overwhelmingly positive, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5. Reviewers appreciated the detailed puzzles, beautiful passages, and knowledgeable guides’ input (even if self-guided). One reviewer mentioned how the adventure felt like an “exciting investigation,” highlighting the engaging nature of the puzzles.

Another reviewer praised the experience as “super nice,” noting that it was suitable for all ages and a great way to see hidden parts of Paris that aren’t typically on tourist radar. Several mentioned how the passages are beautiful architecturally and make for perfect rainy-day escapes.

A key insight from a reviewer was how the puzzles are well integrated into the architecture, encouraging close observation and making the experience both fun and educational. However, some noted the passage Colbert sometimes closes unexpectedly, but the tour’s backup plan of showing photos keeps the flow going smoothly.

Why Choose This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love problem-solving and immersive cultural activities. It’s perfect if you prefer exploring at your own pace without the pressure of a guide, and it’s a fantastic way to see Paris’s architectural gems from a different angle.

If you enjoy discovering hidden stories, appreciating detailed artwork, and wandering through quiet, historic passages, this adventure delivers those joys in a compact, manageable format. It’s also a clever way to avoid crowds and experience the city’s lesser-known sides.

Who Might Not Love It?

Those looking for a guided, narrated tour might find this format a little too solitary. Likewise, if puzzles aren’t your thing, or you prefer a more traditional sightseeing approach, this might not fully satisfy your expectations.

Final Thoughts

This self-guided treasure hunt through Paris’s covered passages offers a refreshing twist on urban exploration. Its combination of puzzles, history, and beautiful architecture makes for a memorable, engaging experience that encourages curiosity and discovery.

The price is reasonable given the unique nature of the activity, and the flexibility to explore at your own pace adds significant value. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, this activity suits those who enjoy interactive, off-the-beaten-path adventures.

If you’re looking for a way to see Paris beyond the typical tourist spots, and you love uncovering stories through puzzles, this tour could be just right. It’s a charming, fun way to see the city’s hidden architectural treasures while solving an intriguing mystery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour guided? No, it’s a self-guided experience, allowing you to explore at your own pace with game booklets.

How long does the tour last? It typically takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, but you can spend as much time as you like within the 3-hour limit.

What stops are included in the tour? The tour covers six locations: Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Vivienne, Galerie Colbert, and Jardin du Palais Royal.

Can I cancel the tour? Yes, full refunds are available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Is the tour suitable for all ages? Yes, it’s designed to be family-friendly and accessible for most travelers, with puzzles suitable for a broad age range.

What should I bring? Just your mobile device for the ticket and a good pair of shoes for walking. The tour is mainly about observation and puzzle-solving, so no special equipment is needed.

This itinerary is a clever way to add a dash of mystery and discovery to your Paris trip. With its focus on architectural beauty, storytelling, and fun puzzles, it promises an experience that’s both entertaining and educational. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a casual visitor, it’s a unique opportunity to see the city through a different lens.