Track game in the Covered Passages of Paris

If you’re looking for a different way to experience Paris beyond the typical sightseeing routes, this self-guided track game through the city’s iconic covered passages might just be your next highlight. Rather than joining a crowded tour bus or following a guide, you’ll explore these beautiful, historic galleries at your own pace, solving puzzles that reveal stories and secrets along the way.

What we love about this experience is how it turns a walk into an adventure—combining culture, history, and mystery—making it perfect for curious travelers who prefer their explorations interactive and off the beaten path. Another big plus? The price is quite reasonable, especially considering the personalized, independent style of the activity.

However, a consideration worth keeping in mind is that this is a completely autonomous tour—there’s no guide to direct or explain things in person. So, if you thrive on guided insights or storytelling, this might not be the perfect fit. That said, if you’re someone who enjoys solving puzzles and discovering hidden corners on your own, this experience is quite engaging.

Overall, it suits travelers who love a good mystery, want to explore Paris’s lesser-known spots, and enjoy a flexible schedule. It’s particularly well-suited for those who like their adventures to be interactive and personalized.

Key Points

• Self-guided mystery game: An independent exploration through Paris’s covered passages.
• Cultural and architectural discovery: Learn about the history and beauty of these historic galleries.
• Flexible timing: Approximate duration is 1.5 to 2 hours, with a maximum of 3 hours to complete.
• Affordable price: Around $35 per person, offering good value for an engaging experience.
• Off the beaten path: Avoid crowds and explore hidden corners of Paris.
• Suitable for most travelers: Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed.

An In-Depth Look at the Covered Passages Treasure Hunt

What’s the Experience Like?

This activity isn’t your classic guided tour. Instead, it’s an interactive, self-guided treasure hunt that takes you through some of Paris’s most charming covered passages, each with its own character and stories. You’ll receive a game booklet full of clues and puzzles that lead you from one passage to another, piecing together the mysterious death of Herbert, a mad scientist.

It’s designed to keep you engaged from start to finish, blending history, architecture, and puzzle-solving in a way that feels natural rather than forced. Travel times at each stop are around 10 to 20 minutes, giving you enough time to soak in the sights without feeling rushed.

Starting Point: Passage Verdeau

Your journey kicks off at Passage Verdeau, a classic yet lively spot that sets the tone for the adventure. You’ll begin investigating right away, with the booklet guiding you through the first clues. This passage is a fitting starting point—full of antique shops and a nostalgic atmosphere, perfect for setting the mood.

Passage Jouffroy: The Oldest Parisian Passage

Next, you’ll head to Passage Jouffroy, the oldest covered passage in Paris. It’s a highlight, both for its historical significance and the puzzles that await. As one reviewer put it, “There are many puzzles to solve!” and it’s a great way to learn about the origins of these galleries. Expect to spend around 20 minutes here, exploring the architecture and spotting clues.

Passage des Panoramas: The Most Delicious

The third stop, Passage des Panoramas, is renowned for its food shops and lively vibe. Not only will you be solving puzzles, but you might also get a taste of Parisian culinary history. This is a favorite for many because of its vibrant atmosphere and culinary heritage, making it a fun and flavorful stop.

Galerie Vivienne: A Stunning Visual Treat

One of the most beautiful passages in Paris, Galerie Vivienne, is often described as a feast for the eyes. Its elegant design and intricate details make it a perfect spot for puzzle-solving. This gallery is often praised for its breathtaking architecture, making it a memorable part of the adventure.

Galerie Colbert: The Quiet Discreet Passage

Galerie Colbert offers a more tranquil, almost secretive experience. It’s quiet and less crowded, but you’ll need to look carefully for clues. Sometimes, the gallery might be unexpectedly closed, but the activity provider shows photos of the puzzles to ensure your experience isn’t disrupted.

Jardin du Palais Royal: The Final Clue

The adventure concludes in the gardens of the Palais Royal, where you’ll find the artist Pol Buren’s famous silver balls. Here, you’ll receive the final documents from Herbert and solve the last enigma. Many reviews mention the joy of this final scene, with one noting how the experience “felt like an exciting investigation.”

What Do the Reviews Say?

Travelers seem to really enjoy this activity. Many highlighted the friendly and knowledgeable hosts and the beauty of the covered passages. One reviewer wrote, “It felt like an exciting investigation, unraveling the historical and cultural secrets,” and another appreciated how the activity is suitable for all ages, making it a fun outing for families or groups of friends.

Several complimented the atmosphere during rainy or overcast days, noting how the passages’ architecture and charm stand out even when the weather isn’t perfect. The discreet and quiet nature of some galleries adds an extra layer of mystery and discovery, making it feel like you’re truly uncovering hidden gems of Paris.

Authenticity and Value

At roughly $35 per person, this activity offers good value—especially considering the personalized, flexible format. Since there’s no guide, you’re free to take your time, pause for photos, or linger in a passage you find particularly enchanting. Reviewers mention the organization as “top,” and the activity is well suited for most travelers, including those who prefer independent exploration over guided tours.

Practical Details

The tour starts at Passage Verdeau, located in the 9th arrondissement, and ends in the gardens of the Palais Royal in the 1st arrondissement. It uses a mobile ticket system, so you just need your device to start. The entire experience lasts between 1.5 to 2 hours, with an automatic cutoff at 3 hours, which is handy if you want a flexible schedule but still want to stay within a reasonable timeframe.

This is a small-group activity, with a maximum of 20 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. Since it’s autonomous, no guide accompanies you, but the booklet and clues are designed to give you a guided feeling from afar.

Note that Passage Colbert can sometimes close unexpectedly, but the activity provider compensates by showing photos of puzzles to keep your adventure seamless.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy solving puzzles, exploring lesser-known parts of a city, or discovering history in a playful way. It’s particularly suitable for those who prefer their activities to be independent and flexible. If you’re traveling with friends or a partner and want a memorable, personalized outing, this will fit well.

It’s also a good option for rainy days, given the covered nature of the passages—and the fact that the activity can be enjoyed at your own pace. If you’re a history buff or architecture enthusiast, you’ll appreciate the beauty and stories behind each gallery.

Final Thoughts

This self-guided treasure hunt in Paris’s covered passages offers a refreshing alternative to traditional sightseeing. It combines cultural discovery with fun puzzles, making it an engaging way to experience the city’s hidden corners. The activity’s flexibility, reasonable price, and positive reviews suggest that most who try it will come away with a sense of achievement and new appreciation for these charming galleries.

If you’re looking for a hands-on, immersive experience that blends history, mystery, and design, this is well worth considering. Just be aware that there’s no guide, so a spirit of adventure and curiosity will serve you best.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family activity, the puzzles are designed to be engaging for most travelers. However, very young children might need help or supervision, and the activity is best suited for those comfortable with independent puzzle-solving.

Do I need a guide for this tour?
No, it’s a completely autonomous experience. You’ll receive a booklet with clues, and you explore the passages on your own.

How long does the tour last?
The activity generally takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, but you can finish earlier or later within the 3-hour limit, depending on your pace.

What’s the starting point?
It begins at Passage Verdeau, located in the 9th arrondissement.

Is the activity wheelchair accessible?
The provided info doesn’t specify accessibility, so if mobility is a concern, it’s best to check with the activity provider directly.

What happens if Passage Colbert is closed?
In that case, the guide shows you photos of the puzzles to keep your experience on track.

Can I cancel this activity?
Yes, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this activity suitable for most travelers?
Yes, most people can participate, and it’s designed for a wide audience, including those with service animals.

Will I learn a lot about Paris?
You’ll learn some stories and details about the architecture and history of the passages as you solve puzzles, adding an educational touch to your adventure.

Are the passages crowded?
Some passages tend to be quieter, especially Galerie Colbert, making for a more relaxed experience.

If you’re after a memorable, independent way to explore Paris’s hidden gems, this track game offers a balance of history, mystery, and fun—perfect for those who like their sightseeing with a twist.