Detective Club: a nature investigation game for the whole family!

If you’re on the hunt for a unique way to spend a few hours outdoors with family or friends in the South of France, the Detective Club experience offers a refreshing twist. Instead of a typical guided hike, you’re stepping into the shoes of wildlife detectives, solving a mystery about the disappearance of local animals. It’s a game that combines puzzles, outdoor exploration, and wildlife discovery, making it an engaging activity for those who want more than just a walk in nature.

What really draws us in about this experience is how it manages to be both informative and fun. You get to explore different terrains—be it forest, plain, or river—based on the variant you choose, while actively participating in a story that unfolds through clues and interviews. Plus, it’s designed for groups up to 15 people, which makes it quite flexible whether you’re traveling as a family, with friends, or even a small company seminar. The one thing to keep in mind is that it’s not a leisurely stroll; it involves walking about 2 hours, so good footwear and some preparation are essential.

One consideration is transportation—the tour doesn’t include your journey to the starting point, so you’ll need to plan how you’ll get there. Also, this activity isn’t suitable for children under 6, so if you’re traveling with very young kids, it might not be the best fit. This adventure feels ideal for families with children over 6, groups of friends, or anyone looking to add a bit of playful discovery to their outdoor itinerary.

This experience made our article of 4 Top-Rated Sisteron Tours.

Key Points

• Nature-based adventure: Unlike standard guided hikes, this is a game that turns outdoor exploration into a mystery-solving activity.
• Interactive experience: Children and adults alike will enjoy collecting clues, solving puzzles, and interviewing witnesses.
• Wildlife discovery: The activity encourages awareness of the local animals and surrounding environment.
• Flexible locations: Multiple meeting points—Sisteron, Salignac, Ribiers—allow for tailored experiences in different scenic spots.
• Duration & group size: At 3 hours and up to 15 participants, it’s a manageable and intimate adventure.
• Cost and value: At $205 per group, it offers a fun, engaging activity that combines adventure and education, especially considering the supervision and game equipment included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Detective Club Experience

When you book the Detective Club, you’re signing up for more than just a walk in the woods. You’re entering a structured, story-driven game designed for groups of all kinds. The experience begins with meeting your mountain guide at one of several locations—Sisteron for the forest variant, Salignac for the plain, or Ribiers for the river—where you’ll receive your game equipment and instructions. From there, the adventure kicks off.

The game itself involves following an itinerary that the guide suggests, based on the constraints of time and the chosen site. About halfway through, you and your group will be actively investigating, searching for clues, and interviewing witnesses—some of whom are just fellow explorers, while others are part of the game’s story. It’s a hands-on activity where children can work independently at different sites, looking for clues and solving puzzles, which helps foster a sense of independence and curiosity.

The walking portion lasts roughly 2 hours, during which you’ll traverse various natural environments. You’ll want to wear comfortable shoes—sneakers or outdoor footwear—that can handle uneven terrain. Since the activity is outdoors, be prepared for changing weather with a rain jacket, hat, or sunglasses, and bring a water bottle (at least 1 liter), especially if the sun is out. The guide will keep the group moving at a relaxed pace, but some parts might involve a bit of elevation or uneven paths.

The game equipment provided is designed to facilitate investigation and clue collection. It’s a good idea to bring your own phone for photos, notes, and possibly communicating if needed. The guide will supervise throughout, ensuring safety and helping keep everyone engaged.

The Locations and Variants

The multiple meeting points are a thoughtful touch, allowing you to choose the setting that suits your group’s interests or location best. The forest variant in Sisteron immerses you in a wooded environment, perfect for discovering wildlife and birdlife. The plain in Salignac might be more open and suitable for spotting larger animals or observing the landscape. The river in Ribiers offers a different dynamic, with the chance to learn about aquatic life and riparian ecosystems.

Each variant promises a different experience but maintains the core concept of solving the mystery through outdoor investigation. Whether you’re navigating through dense trees or open fields, expect a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and storytelling.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This activity is particularly suited for families with children over 6, as the puzzles and investigation nature require a bit of focus and walking stamina. It’s also excellent for groups of friends or small teams looking for a relaxed yet engaging outdoor outing. Keep in mind that it’s not a guided hike—it’s a game, so those seeking pure scenery without interaction might find it a bit too involved.

The activity’s group size of up to 15 ensures a cozy, manageable experience without feeling crowded. It’s a good choice if you want a blend of outdoors, education, and fun, with an element of adventure that appeals to both kids and adults.

Pricing and Value

At $205 for a group of up to 15, the cost might seem a touch higher than a typical outdoor activity, but it’s important to factor in what’s included: supervision by a mountain guide and game equipment. You’re paying not just for the time spent in the field but for the tailored guidance and safety oversight, which adds value—especially if you consider that it’s a professionally guided activity designed to be engaging and educational.

Since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to reach the meeting point. However, the flexibility of reserving now and paying later provides some peace of mind, especially if you’re finalizing plans on the fly.

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Practical Tips for Your Adventure

• Bring a small backpack with essentials: water, snacks, rain jacket, and sun protection.
• Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes suitable for walking uneven terrain.
• Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
• For children, bring any medication needed.
• Arrive a bit early to get settled and review instructions with the guide.

Final Thoughts

The Detective Club experience offers a well-rounded outdoor activity that mixes puzzle-solving, wildlife discovery, and fun. It’s a great way to engage with nature in a playful manner, especially if your group enjoys interactive adventures. The activity’s structure makes it suitable for children over 6, but adults will find it just as engaging.

If you’re looking for an experience that combines outdoor walking, storytelling, and a bit of detective work, this tour delivers. It’s not a traditional guided hike or a sightseeing tour—it’s a story-driven exploration that gets everyone moving and thinking.

For families eager to teach kids about local wildlife while having a memorable experience, or groups seeking a different kind of outdoor activity, this could be just the ticket. Just keep in mind the need for some planning around transportation and weather, and you’re set for a fun, activity-filled couple of hours in beautiful surroundings.

FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children under 6?
No, the experience is not suitable for children under 6. It’s designed for kids over that age who can handle the walking and puzzle-solving involved.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring a small backpack with water (at least 1 liter), snacks, rain jacket and sweater if needed, comfortable shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen), and your phone.

Are transportation costs included?
No, transportation to the meeting point is not included, so plan how you’ll get there.

How long does the activity last?
The total duration is about 3 hours, with roughly 2 hours of walking and investigation.

What’s included in the price?
Supervision by a mountain guide and the game equipment are included.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In which languages is the guide available?
Guides are available in English, Spanish, and French.

How many people can join?
Up to 15 participants per group, making it ideal for small to medium-sized groups.

Is this activity physically demanding?
It involves walking in natural terrain for about 2 hours, so moderate fitness and good shoes are recommended.

What’s the main appeal of this experience?
It’s the combination of outdoor adventure, wildlife discovery, and interactive puzzle-solving that makes this activity stand out.

Can this be part of a larger trip itinerary?
Absolutely—it’s a great outdoor activity to add variety to your travel plans in the South of France, especially if you want something different from typical sightseeing.

If you’re after a memorable, playful way to explore the outdoors and learn about local wildlife, Detective Club in the South of France is definitely worth considering. It’s a hands-on adventure that invites everyone to be a part of the story—and to discover nature in an engaging new way.

You can check availability for your dates here: