If you’re on the hunt for a different kind of Paris experience—something that combines sightseeing with a bit of playful mystery—then the “Discover Paris while playing! Escape game – The alchemist” might just be what you’re looking for. Designed as a self-guided adventure, this tour invites you and up to five friends or family members to explore the city while solving puzzles and uncovering stories rooted in Paris’s streets. It’s a contemporary, interactive way to see the sights without the typical guided tour structure.
What really catches our eye with this experience is its balance of accessibility and fun. You only need your smartphone, making it perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed, flexible sightseeing style. Plus, at just around $23 for a group of up to 6 people, it’s a budget-friendly way to add some quirky, memorable moments to your trip. We also appreciate that it’s available at virtually any time between noon and late evening, giving you plenty of flexibility to fit it into your schedule.
That said, it’s not without a few considerations. Since it’s a self-guided experience, you’ll want to be comfortable navigating on your own and managing your timing. If you’re expecting a traditional guided tour with a storyteller, this might feel a bit different. Also, it’s worth noting that this activity is best suited for those who enjoy puzzles and walking around the city—it’s not a museum or inside activity.
All in all, if you’re traveling with friends or family and want a fun, interactive way to explore Paris’s streets—something that blends sightseeing with a little story-driven mystery—this escape game could be a perfect addition to your trip.
Key Points

- Affordable for groups: At about $23.26 per group, it offers a budget-friendly activity for up to 6 people.
- Flexible timing: Available any time between midday and 11:30 PM, so you can fit it into your schedule easily.
- Self-guided adventure: All you need is your smartphone, making it convenient and tech-friendly.
- Unique experience: Combines city exploration with puzzle-solving, offering a different perspective on Paris.
- Interactive storytelling: Play as an alchemist investigating witchcraft accusations, choosing sides as you go.
- Well-rated: With a perfect 5-star rating from one review, it seems to deliver on fun and novelty.
What to Expect from the Alchemist Escape Game
This activity is presented as an urban escape game set in the lively streets of Paris. Unlike traditional guided tours, it’s designed as a private, self-led adventure. You start at rue des Capucines and follow a mobile app that guides your team through a story set in the city’s various locations. Your role? You are an alchemist investigating a village’s witchcraft accusations.
The storyline is engaging and offers a sense of mystery: will you defend Josyne, the accused, or support the witchcraft allegations? This narrative element adds an extra layer of intrigue to the walk, making the sightseeing process feel more like a story unfolding in real life. As you move from point to point, you’ll encounter puzzles and missions that require teamwork and sharp thinking.
Given the duration of around 2 hours, it’s a reasonably paced activity that allows you to see a fair amount of the city without feeling rushed. The activity concludes back at your starting point, making it easy to continue your day’s plans afterward. Whether you’re new to Paris or a seasoned visitor, this game provides a fresh way to experience familiar streets.
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The Itinerary: A Walk Through the Story and Streets

Since it’s a self-guided tour, the “itinerary” is less about a set route and more about the experience designed by the game. You’ll start at the meeting point on rue des Capucines—near some central and accessible public transportation options—so getting there is straightforward.
From there, your smartphone will direct you to different points of interest, each associated with clues, witnesses’ stories, and puzzles related to the alchemist investigation. These points are carefully chosen to both serve the story and showcase notable parts of Paris, adding to the experience’s charm.
The puzzles are designed to be engaging but not overly complex—think riddles, observations, and simple tasks that encourage teamwork. Based on the review, players found the concept original and “very nice for groups,” appreciating that it’s a different way to explore the city rather than just walking around aimlessly.
At the end, you’ll return to the initial meeting point, feeling like you’ve accomplished something both intellectually and physically. The interactive nature of the game keeps things lively and lively, especially if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy a bit of friendly competition or storytelling.
The Experience: Pros and Cons

Pros
– Cost-effective: For about $23, you get a personalized adventure for your group, making it an economical choice.
– Flexibility: The activity can be undertaken at any time during the day, accommodating all sorts of schedules.
– Engagement: The story-driven puzzles make exploring Paris more interactive and memorable.
– Accessibility: With just a smartphone, you don’t need extra equipment or guides.
– Positive reviews: The one review available praises it as “original et très chouette en groupe,” confirming it’s a hit for those looking for something different.
Possible Drawbacks
– Since it’s self-guided, it relies on your ability to navigate and manage your time. It’s not suitable if you prefer a guided experience with explanations along the way.
– The activity might be less appealing if you’re not into puzzles or interactive storytelling.
– Weather could impact your experience if it’s rainy or extremely cold, as most of the activity takes place outdoors.
Value for Money

When considering the price, this activity offers good value for anyone wanting to add a playful, story-based element to their Paris sightseeing. You get roughly two hours of entertainment, discovery, and mental engagement, all with minimal additional costs. It’s a fun alternative to more traditional, inside museums or guided tours, especially if you’re traveling with a group that enjoys puzzles and storytelling.
Who Should Try This?

This escape game is best suited for families, friends, or couples who enjoy interactive activities and are comfortable wandering around a city on foot. It’s great for those wanting to see the city through a different lens—less about museums and more about stories and puzzles. If you’re traveling with kids, they might enjoy it if they’re good at puzzles, but younger children might find some parts less engaging. It’s also perfect for travelers who prefer flexibility and want to explore on their own schedule.
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Final Thoughts

If you’re after a unique way to discover Paris that blends storytelling, puzzle-solving, and sightseeing, this urban escape game could be a real hit. It offers a fun, flexible, and reasonably priced alternative to traditional tours, with the added bonus of engaging your brain while wandering through iconic streets. The activity’s positive feedback and straightforward setup make it an appealing choice for groups wanting a memorable adventure with minimal fuss.
Just remember, it’s not a guided tour with a storyteller—so it works best if you’re comfortable managing your own schedule, navigating with your phone, and enjoying a bit of friendly problem-solving. For the curious, the puzzle enthusiasts, and those looking for something different, it’s worth giving a try.
Discover Paris while playing! Escape game – The alchemist
“Très chouette manière de visiter la ville. On a passé un très bon moment et découvert plein de petits trucs sur les bâtiments.”
FAQ

Is this activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly designed for kids, it might appeal to children who enjoy puzzles and stories. Keep in mind that it involves walking and solving riddles, so younger children may need supervision or assistance.
Do I need to bring anything special?
Nope! Just your smartphone is enough to participate. Ensure your device is charged, as it will be your main tool for navigation and clues.
What’s the meeting point?
The tour starts at rue des Capucines, 75002 Paris, France, which is easily accessible via public transportation.
Can I do this activity at any time?
Yes, it’s available every day from noon until 11:30 PM, allowing you to choose a time that fits your schedule.
Is this activity private?
Yes, it’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group will participate, ensuring a personalized experience.
How long does it take?
Approximately 2 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy the puzzles and explore without feeling rushed.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before are not refunded.
Who provides this experience?
The activity is operated by Coddy, a company specializing in self-guided adventure experiences in Paris.
This urban escape game approach provides a fresh perspective on Paris. Whether you’re a puzzle lover or just looking for a fun way to see the city, it’s a straightforward, engaging option worth considering.
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