If you’re visiting Orleans and looking for an activity that blends sightseeing with some fun puzzle-solving, the Orléans Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game might catch your eye. While we haven’t played it ourselves, this kind of city game offers a playful way to explore, especially if you enjoy mysteries or detective stories. It’s designed to be a flexible experience — you can start whenever suits you, making it a nice fit for spontaneous plans or those on a tight schedule.
What really stands out about this game is how it combines storytelling with interactive challenges. Plus, it’s quite affordable, typically costing around $31 for a group of up to four people. On the flip side, some travelers have noted that the points of interest might not highlight Orleans’ key sights as clearly as some might hope, which could be a bit of a letdown if you’re expecting a comprehensive city tour. Still, if you’re a puzzle enthusiast or traveling with friends or family who enjoy a bit of brain teasing, this game might be just what you’re looking for.
This experience is best suited for groups that enjoy a bit of mystery, don’t mind reading some text along the way, and appreciate an activity that can be done at their own pace. It’s particularly appealing if you want to turn your sightseeing into an engaging story rather than just walking around looking at the sights. But keep in mind that it’s not a guided tour with commentary from a knowledgeable guide; instead, it’s a self-directed adventure based on puzzles and storylines.
Key Points
- Flexible start times allow you to play whenever it suits your schedule
- Affordable price for up to four people makes it accessible
- Story-driven gameplay immerses you in a Sherlock Holmes mystery
- Easy difficulty level suitable for families and casual puzzle-solvers
- Includes puzzles, riddles, and photo tasks to keep the experience fun and interactive
- Does not include guided commentary or city highlights, focusing solely on the mystery
Exploring Orleans Through a Detective’s Lens
When considering a city activity like the Orléans Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game, it’s helpful to think of it less as a traditional sightseeing tour and more as a puzzle adventure. The idea is to wander through Orleans, solving clues and following a story involving a murder mystery about Balthasar. You’ll work with your group on your phone, making it a flexible way to experience the city without following a fixed route or schedule. It’s ideal if you’re comfortable with a bit of reading and puzzle-solving, and if you enjoy getting into stories that engage your curiosity.
The game is played entirely on your device after booking, with instructions sent via email. Once you download the Loquiz app, you’re ready to start your investigation whenever you choose during your visit. This self-guided setup makes it perfect for spontaneous fun or for fitting into a busy itinerary. You won’t have a guide telling you what to look at; instead, you’re in charge, which can be both empowering and a little challenging, depending on your preferences.
Appreciate having local insight? Here are other guided experiences in Loire Valley we've examined
What You’ll Do During the Game
The game involves following clues across Orleans, cracking codes, meeting digital characters, and completing photo tasks that relate to the storyline. The narrative is designed to keep you engaged with suspense and plot twists—think of it as a detective story you’re actively participating in. The puzzles are considered easy, making it suitable for families or anyone who wants a laid-back mystery experience without too much frustration.
One review pointed out that the points of interest are placed in the city randomly, which might mean you won’t necessarily visit Orleans’ most famous landmarks, but rather a series of puzzle locations that form the storyline. The reviewer appreciated that the points are close enough to walk without tiring out, which is a plus if you’re touring on foot.
What It’s Like in Practice
Since the game lasts around two hours, it fits well into a half-day activity, especially if you’re exploring Orleans at a relaxed pace. The game doesn’t include information about Orleans’ highlights or landmarks directly, so if seeing the city’s major sights is your priority, you might want to supplement this experience with a traditional tour or walking path.
The cost of just over $30 per group is quite reasonable considering it’s a private experience that can entertain a small group (up to four people). You only need to purchase one ticket, which simplifies booking, but larger groups will need additional tickets. The fact that you can start at any time during your chosen day adds to its convenience.
A Closer Look at the Experience
Travelers have shared mixed feedback. One highlighted the convenience of the points being close enough to walk comfortably, making it an easy and enjoyable stroll. They also noted that the puzzles were well balanced—not too easy, not too hard, which keeps the game engaging without causing frustration. However, another reviewer felt that the game involved too much reading, which could become tedious if you prefer less text and more direct sightseeing.
It’s worth noting that since the game involves puzzles and storylines, the experience heavily relies on your interest in detective stories and mystery solving. If that’s your thing, you’ll probably find it a fun twist on wandering around Orleans. If you prefer guided commentary on the city or a more traditional sightseeing tour, this might not tick all the boxes.
Practicalities and Logistics
The activity starts at Place Sainte-Croix and ends back at the same spot, making it easy to incorporate into your day at Orleans. The game is compatible with most travelers, including service animals, and is accessible via public transportation. You’ll be responsible for bringing your own smartphone or device, but that’s standard for this kind of interactive experience.
The cancellation policy is flexible, allowing you to cancel for a full refund if you do so 24 hours in advance. This makes it easy to plan without the stress of strict time commitments.
While in Loire Valley, here are other experiences we've covered
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This Sherlock Holmes-style mystery game is best for casual puzzle lovers, groups wanting a fun, story-driven activity, or families seeking a relaxed, interactive outing. It’s particularly suitable if you enjoy solving riddles and following storylines, rather than just sightseeing. Since it’s self-guided and flexible in timing, it’s a good way to turn a free afternoon into an engaging adventure. However, if your main goal is to see Orleans’ most famous landmarks or learn detailed history, you might want to combine this with other tours or activities.
FAQ
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, the game is listed as easy and good for families, so children who enjoy puzzles should have no trouble participating.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, most people book about 12 days ahead, but you can select any start time on your chosen date and start whenever you want to play.
What do I receive after booking?
You’ll get an email with instructions on how to download the Loquiz app and start your game.
How many people can play at once?
Each ticket is for a group of up to four people on one device. Larger groups will need to purchase multiple tickets.
Does the game include information about Orleans’ sights?
No, it uses the city as a playing field but does not provide sightseeing commentary or highlight city landmarks.
How long does the game last?
Approximately 2 hours, making it a great short activity for a half-day outing.
What about accessibility?
The activity is near public transportation and accessible to most travelers, including those with service animals.
Can I start at any time?
Yes, you can choose your start time on your scheduled date and begin whenever you’re ready.
What should I bring?
Just your phone or device, and a willingness to solve puzzles and follow a story.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes, cancellations made more than 24 hours in advance are fully refunded. Less than 24 hours, and the refund is not available.
Orléans Self-Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game
“The game is very interesting and the points we have to go to are quite close, which makes us walk but not to hurt our legs, it is perfect.”
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a casual, story-driven activity that turns the city into your personal detective playground, this Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery game offers a fun way to explore Orleans. It’s well-suited for puzzle fans, families, or groups looking for a different kind of sightseeing experience. It’s affordable, flexible, and provides a unique twist on wandering around a new city. Just remember that it’s not a guided tour with expert commentary—think of it as an interactive story you get to solve on your own or with friends.
For a relaxed, engaging activity that combines city exploration with light mystery solving, this game could be just the ticket. If you’re someone who appreciates good puzzles and storytelling, it’s worth considering as a memorable way to spend part of your day in Orleans.
