Paris: Investigation Cruise, a fun treasure hunt (in French)

If you’re looking for a way to see Paris that’s more interactive than just wandering around with a guidebook, the “Enquête à bord” adventure might catch your eye. This treasure hunt on the water promises a playful, puzzle-solving experience set against the backdrop of some of Paris’s most iconic sights. While we haven’t personally tried it, reviews suggest it’s a unique way to discover the city—especially if you’re traveling with children or a group eager for something a bit different.

Two things that stand out about this experience are the captivating views of Paris you get from the Seine and the interactive, eco-friendly investigation kit that keeps everyone engaged. Plus, the flexibility of hopping on and off at various neighborhoods makes it feel less like a tour and more like a personalized adventure. On the downside, it’s only available in French, which could be a challenge if you’re not comfortable with the language.

This tour seems best suited for families, groups of friends, or anyone curious about Paris who would enjoy solving riddles while taking in the scenery. If you’re traveling with kids over six or just eager for an unconventional way to explore, it might be perfect. Just keep in mind that it’s a more playful, puzzle-oriented experience — not a traditional sightseeing tour.

Key Points

• Interactive experience combining sightseeing with a treasure hunt on the Seine
• Flexible hop-on, hop-off style, allowing you to explore at your own pace
• Great views of Paris’s landmarks from the boat
• Family-friendly, designed for children over six but enjoyable for all ages
• Eco-minded kit with a plant-growing activity adds a creative twist
• Language restriction: the game and materials are only in French

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is the Paris Investigation Cruise?

This adventure takes you on a Batobus waterbus, which is already a popular way to see Paris, but with a twist. Instead of just riding the Seine, you become part of a detective story. Armed with a specially designed investigation kit, you follow clues about a mysterious superhero trying to promote good environmental practices. The goal? To discover the hero’s identity by solving riddles and observing key monuments along the route.

The investigation kit includes an illustrated booklet with the story, suspects to consider, a cotton pouch to collect your findings, and a pencil that can be used for planting a seed afterward — a fun, eco-friendly touch. The entire experience combines learning, exploration, and fun, making it quite engaging, especially for those who love puzzles and surprises.

How It Works

Once you start your journey at a convenient station — Notre Dame, Hôtel de Ville, Musée d’Orsay, or the Eiffel Tower are recommended — you’ll board your Batobus. The web app enhances the experience by providing commentary on the monuments you pass, suggestions for nearby activities, and real-time departure info.

Each stop brings a new clue or riddle to solve, encouraging observation and deduction. The three main aspects—history, culture, and biodiversity—are woven into the clues, so you’re learning about Paris as you go. The entire adventure is designed to be self-guided, giving you the freedom to pause and explore or move along quickly depending on your preference.

The Stops & What You’ll See

Eiffel Tower

Climbing the Iron Lady is always a highlight. From the top, you’ll get a different perspective on the city’s layout and landmarks. It’s a perfect starting point, setting the tone for the mystery.

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Musée d’Orsay

This former train station turned museum offers an impressive collection of Impressionist art. As you pass by, you might find some of the clues relate to the art or the history of the building itself.

Saint-Germain-des-Prés

Known for its historic cafés and artistic past, this neighborhood’s charm makes it a favorite stop. It’s a good place to soak in the creative vibe and catch your breath before moving on.

Notre-Dame

The Gothic cathedral is a must-see. The clues here might relate to architecture or religious history, making it a rich stop for those interested in Paris’s spiritual side.

Jardin des Plantes

A lush spot to stroll, the garden offers biodiversity insights. You’ll learn about different plant species, contributing to the ecological aspect of the game.

Hôtel de Ville & Le Marais

Discover Parisian culture and history in these lively neighborhoods, with clues pointing to their artistic and historic significance.

The Louvre & Place de la Concorde

The Louvre’s art treasures and the grandeur of Place de la Concorde provide a perfect backdrop for clues related to French history and art.

Invalides & Pont Alexandre III

These landmarks highlight France’s royal and military past, with stunning architecture and history woven into the clues.

How Long Does It Take?

The tour can be completed in 1 to 2 days, depending on how leisurely you want to be and how much exploring you do at each stop. With the unlimited Batobus pass (offered for 24 or 48 hours), you get flexibility to hop on and off as you like, which is ideal for adjusting to your pace or weather conditions.

Pricing & Value

At $27 per person, this experience offers a budget-friendly way to combine sightseeing and entertainment. Considering it includes unlimited Seine travel for a day or two, plus the fun of solving riddles and engaging with Paris’s landmarks, it’s quite a good deal. The added bonus of the eco-friendly planting activity also makes it more memorable and meaningful than a typical boat cruise.

Many reviews praise the value for money, noting that the interactive and educational elements elevate what could otherwise be a straightforward boat ride. However, some mention that the experience’s reliance on French language may limit enjoyment for non-French speakers, unless you’re comfortable with the language or using translation tools.

The Experience on the Water

The Batobus itself is a smooth, comfortable boat, with large windows offering excellent views of the city. The timing of departures aligns with the boat schedule, which varies seasonally but generally runs from morning to evening. The viewpoints from the Seine are often highlighted as a major perk, providing unique angles on landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Musée d’Orsay.

Reviewers consistently mention the knowledgeable guides—or in this case, the well-designed commentary via the app—as adding depth to the experience. The stunning scenery, combined with the interactive puzzle element, makes the journey feel more like an adventure than a simple boat ride.

Practical Considerations

You’ll want to bring a charged smartphone to access the web app and keep the investigation going smoothly. Oversized luggage or large bags are not permitted on the boat, so pack light if you plan to carry extra items.

The starting points are flexible, but Notre Dame, Hôtel de Ville, Musée d’Orsay, or the Eiffel Tower are best bets, especially if you want to maximize your time. Since the whole thing is in French, it works best for those with some language skills or those eager to practice.

The timing of boat departures varies seasonally, so it’s wise to check the schedule for your travel dates. The pass is valid for 30 days after your first scan, giving you some flexibility if you want to do the adventure on different days.

Who Is It Best For?

This tour really shines for families with children over six, especially if you want to make exploring Paris interactive and fun. It’s also great for friends or couples looking for a playful activity that combines sightseeing with brain-teasing puzzles. If you’re a history or culture buff, you’ll enjoy the stops, but be prepared for the French-only game.

It isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so if accessibility is a concern, you’ll need to look for alternative options.

The Sum Up

The Paris Investigation Cruise offers a charming, interactive way to see the city that combines scenic views with puzzle-solving fun. It’s a cost-effective option for those who enjoy a bit of mystery and discovery, especially when traveling with children or groups eager for something out of the ordinary.

While the French-only format might be a challenge for some, the engaging storyline, beautiful vistas, and the opportunity to explore Paris from the Seine make it a memorable experience. The flexibility of the hop-on, hop-off style means you can customize your day, making it well-suited for a relaxed, family-friendly outing.

If you’re interested in learning about Paris through a playful lens and don’t mind navigating the language, this adventure could become one of your highlights. For those seeking a more traditional tour, it’s probably not the best fit, but for a fun, educational day on the water, it’s definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is the investigation game available in English?
No, currently, the game and materials are only available in French. Non-French speakers might find it challenging but can try using translation tools for assistance.

What does the Batobus pass include?
It provides unlimited travel on Batobus for 24 or 48 hours, depending on your purchase, allowing you to hop on and off at major stops along the Seine.

Can I start the tour from any station?
The recommended starting points are Notre Dame, Hôtel de Ville, Musée d’Orsay, or the Eiffel Tower. You can begin at whichever of these is most convenient for your itinerary.

How long does the full experience typically take?
Most people take 1 to 2 days to complete the full adventure, especially if they stop to explore neighborhoods or enjoy additional activities.

Is this tour suitable for young children?
Yes, it’s designed for children aged 6 and over, with the puzzle element keeping younger explorers engaged. However, older children and adults also find it enjoyable.

What should I bring?
A charged smartphone is essential to access the web app and follow clues. Luggage or large bags are not allowed onboard.

Is there a specific time to start?
Yes, check the availability and schedule for your travel dates. Boat departure times vary seasonally and are usually from morning to early evening.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if needed.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
No, unfortunately, it isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, so plan accordingly if accessibility is a concern.

If you’re after a playful, scenic way to explore Paris’s highlights and don’t mind the French language, this investigation cruise might just surprise you. It’s a clever mix of sightseeing, puzzle-solving, and eco-awareness that could turn an ordinary day into something a little more memorable.

You can check availability for your dates here: