Discover Saint-Etienne by playing! Escape game – The alchemist

Discover Saint-Etienne by playing! Escape game – The alchemist

If you’re considering adding a bit of puzzle-solving and city exploration to your trip in Saint-Etienne, the self-guided escape game “The Alchemist” by Coddy might be an interesting choice. While I haven’t personally played it, reviews suggest it’s a fun, interactive way to see parts of the city you might not find on your own. It’s designed to be a two-hour adventure, perfect for groups up to six people, priced reasonably at around $23.22 per group.

What I love about experiences like this is that they combine sightseeing with a playful challenge—ideal if you’re craving something different from the usual walking tour or museum visit. The storyline about an alchemist investigating witchcraft adds a touch of intrigue, making the exploration feel more mysterious and fun. Plus, it’s flexible—you can start anytime between midnight and 11:30 p.m., which offers you plenty of room to fit it into your schedule.

That said, there are a couple of considerations to keep in mind. One review pointed out that the activity involved quite a lot of walking, and it’s possible to only get halfway through the riddles in two hours. If you’re not into long walks or puzzle challenges, this might feel a bit taxing or frustrating. Also, since it’s a game that relies on your phone, connectivity and battery life are something to keep an eye on.

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy self-guided adventures, don’t mind walking, and love solving riddles to uncover stories. It’s particularly appealing if you’re traveling with friends or family and want an active, engaging way to explore Saint-Etienne beyond conventional sightseeing.

Key Points

• Flexible timing: You can start anytime between midnight and 11:30 p.m., fitting into various schedules.
• Affordable for groups: At around $23.22 for up to six people, it offers a budget-friendly way to explore.
• Story-driven activity: The narrative about an alchemist investigating witchcraft adds a layer of intrigue.
• Requires walking: Be prepared for a fair amount of walking, which could be a plus or a drawback.
• Phone-dependent: You’ll need your smartphone with a good battery to navigate and solve puzzles.
• Good for puzzle lovers: If you enjoy mental challenges and storytelling, you’ll find this engaging.

A detailed look at the experience

When you sign up for “The Alchemist” escape game, you’re essentially stepping into a story that unfolds as you walk through the streets of Saint-Etienne. Starting at Rue Pascal Tavernier, you’ll meet your virtual guide via the Coddy app. The app then directs you to different spots around the city, where you’ll have to solve puzzles based on clues from witnesses and local legends. These puzzles are designed to uncover the truth behind the witchcraft accusations against a character named Josyne, leaving you with an interactive storybook in real life.

One of the main draws here is the exploration of parts of the city that you might not stumble upon on your own. Since Saint-Etienne is a city with hidden corners and lesser-known alleys, this game could unveil some unexpected spots and give you a fresh perspective. The route is designed to be completed within about two hours, making it a relatively quick but immersive activity.

However, it’s worth noting that some travelers, like Jeanette, found that they didn’t manage to complete more than half of the riddles within the two hours, citing the extensive walking involved. She described the experience as “not well entertained,” which suggests that, for some, it might be more about walking and less about puzzle-solving, especially if you’re a slower walker or less familiar with navigating urban environments.

Another traveler, Vanessa, shared a very positive experience, emphasizing how much fun she had even with a small baby along. She mentioned that they enjoyed the activity and planned to try similar experiences in other cities. This highlights that, despite its challenges, the activity can be a delightful outing for families or groups looking for something out of the ordinary.

The activity is private, so only your group participates, which means no distractions from strangers and a more personalized experience. The price seems fair for a two-hour guided adventure, especially considering it’s a self-guided experience where you control the pace and timing.

What’s included and how the logistics work

Starting at Rue Pascal Tavernier, you’ll meet your virtual guide through your smartphone. The app then takes over, leading you from one point of interest to another. This setup is convenient because you don’t need to arrange transportation; you’re simply following the app’s prompts on foot across the city. As long as your phone’s connected and charged, you’ll be all set to explore.

You can access the game any day of the week, from noon to late evening, giving you plenty of flexibility. The tour is designed for most travelers, meaning it’s accessible to those with reasonable mobility, though it involves a lot of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.

In terms of accessibility, service animals are allowed, and the activity’s proximity to public transportation makes it easy to reach the starting point. The fact that it’s a private tour is a bonus if you prefer one-on-one time with your travel companions, avoiding large group crowds typical of traditional tours.

The value for the price

At just over twenty-three dollars per group, this activity offers a unique way to discover the city, especially if you enjoy puzzle-solving and storytelling. Compared to standard guided tours, which can be quite expensive, this is a budget-friendly alternative that provides both entertainment and exploration.

However, because it’s a self-guided game, you’re paying mainly for the experience and story, not for a professional guide. For those who enjoy independence and adventure, this is a perfect fit. But if you’re hoping for a more structured, guided experience with explanations from a local expert, you might find this a bit lacking.

Who this tour is best suited for

This activity will resonate with travelers who enjoy urban exploration with an interactive twist. Puzzle lovers, story enthusiasts, and those who like to explore at their own pace will appreciate the flexibility and storytelling aspect. It’s also suitable for groups, whether friends, couples, or families with older children comfortable walking and solving riddles.

If you’re traveling with a small baby or have mobility concerns, just keep in mind that the activity involves quite a bit of walking. Also, if you’re not keen on navigating unfamiliar streets on your own or prefer a guided commentary, this might not be your best choice.

Final thoughts

Overall, “The Alchemist” escape game in Saint-Etienne offers a fun, different way to see the city, blending mystery, storytelling, and city exploration. Its affordability and flexible timing make it appealing for travelers looking for an active and interactive experience. While some may find it a bit challenging or lengthy depending on walking pace and puzzle-solving skills, it provides a memorable way to uncover some lesser-known spots in Saint-Etienne.

If you’re a curious, puzzle-loving traveler who enjoys exploring on your own terms, this activity could add a fun touch to your trip. It’s particularly good for small groups or families who want a playful challenge and a story to follow through the streets. Just remember to bring a charged phone and comfortable shoes—and be prepared for a fair amount of walking.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, the activity involves quite a bit of walking and puzzle-solving, which may be more suitable for older children or teenagers comfortable navigating streets and solving riddles.

Can I start this activity at any time?
Yes, you can access the game any time between noon and 11:30 p.m., giving you flexibility to plan it around your sightseeing schedule.

What do I need to bring?
You only need your smartphone with a good battery life. The activity is self-guided, so no additional equipment is necessary.

Is the activity private?
Yes, only your group will participate, making the experience more personalized and less crowded.

How long does the activity last?
It’s designed to last approximately two hours, but your pace can vary depending on your walking speed and puzzle-solving skills.

What about accessibility and transportation?
The start point is near public transportation, and service animals are allowed. Just be prepared for some walking and street navigation.

What if I can’t complete all the riddles?
Some reviews mentioned not managing to finish all puzzles within two hours, especially if walking speeds are slow or the puzzles are challenging. It’s best to view this as an exploratory experience rather than a race to finish everything.

If you’re eager for a playful, story-driven way to explore Saint-Etienne, “The Alchemist” could be just the ticket. It offers a playful challenge and a different perspective on the city’s streets—perfect if you’re open to solving puzzles and discovering hidden corners on your own terms.