Discover Valenciennes by playing! Escape game – The alchemist

Discover Valenciennes by Playing! Escape Game – The Alchemist

Thinking about adding a different twist to your visit to Valenciennes? This urban escape game from Coddy offers a playful way to explore the city’s streets and uncover its stories. While it’s not a traditional tour, it combines the fun of a scavenger hunt with the thrill of solving mysteries—all using just your smartphone.

What’s great about this experience? First, it’s flexible, letting you choose when to start and how long to spend exploring. Second, it’s interactive, encouraging you to connect with Valenciennes’ hidden corners and historical spots. That said, some travelers have found the circuit a bit poorly organized, with fewer puzzles and clues than expected, and the starting point can be a bit far from the main sights. Still, if you’re after a light, fun activity that mixes discovery with a bit of game-play, this could be a good pick—especially if you’re traveling with friends or family who enjoy a puzzle challenge.

This experience suits those who want to see the city differently, enjoy some friendly competition, or simply prefer a self-guided activity that doesn’t require a tour guide. It’s also a good choice if you’re looking for something budget-friendly and you don’t mind a puzzle or two that may not be super challenging.

Key Points

• Flexible Timing: You can access the game anytime between midnight and 11:30 p.m., making it easy to fit into your schedule.
• Affordable Price: At around $24 for a group of up to six, it offers decent value for a fun, interactive outing.
• Self-Guided Format: No guide needed—your smartphone leads the way and sets the pace.
• Mixed Reviews on Content: Some find the puzzles few and simple, but others enjoy discovering new streets and houses.
• Duration: Expect roughly two hours of entertainment, which makes for a nice, relaxed sightseeing experience.
• Location and Accessibility: Starts at Pl. de la Gare in Valenciennes, with easy access by public transportation and service animals allowed.

What Is the Experience Like?

Imagine wandering the streets of Valenciennes, playing the role of an alchemist investigating witchcraft accusations. The mobile app guides you through various points of interest, each revealing clues or missions to solve. The narrative about Josyne and the witchcraft suspicion adds a storytelling element—are you siding with her or supporting the accusers? It’s a simple premise, but it adds a bit of drama to your exploration.

The game is designed for teams of up to six people, making it perfect for small family groups, friends, or even couples looking for something different. The activity is private, so your group only competes or collaborates with yourselves, which is nice if you prefer avoiding crowded tours.

The Itinerary and Puzzles

The game unfolds in the streets of Valenciennes, taking you past old houses and lesser-known streets. The reviews show that some participants appreciated this aspect, describing it as a great way to discover parts of the city they didn’t know. One reviewer said, “Great time with discovery of old houses and street we did not know,” highlighting the discovery element.

However, there’s some criticism about the circuit’s organization. One reviewer mentioned, “Poorly organized circuit, little search for clues, few puzzles…” which suggests that if you’re expecting a complex and puzzle-rich experience, this might fall a bit short. The lack of detailed info on monuments or stages could also mean some parts feel a bit superficial.

Despite this, the game’s narrative keeps things interesting. You’ll interact with witnesses or clues that push the story forward, and the game’s pacing allows for a leisurely exploration. It’s not a race—it’s more about having fun and discovering the city at your own speed.

How the Tour Compares to Others

Compared to other self-guided tours or scavenger hunts in Lille or Lille-adjacent activities, this experience is quite straightforward and low-cost. Some similar experiences include Lille scavenger hunts or private tours in vintage cars, but those tend to focus more on history, culture, or luxury. This one is more casual, aimed at casual fun, making it great for a relaxing afternoon.

The price point of around $24 per group is reasonable, especially since it’s private—your group alone will participate, avoiding strangers. That said, some travelers might find the puzzles too simple or the circuit not as well thought out as more elaborate alternatives.

Who Will Enjoy This?

This activity is best suited for families with teenagers, groups of friends, or couples looking for a light-hearted way to see the city. If you enjoy puzzles and storytelling, you’ll likely find this engaging. But if you’re expecting a highly challenging or deeply informative experience, you might find it somewhat limited.

Since it’s accessible via a mobile app and doesn’t require physical guides or transportation, it’s easy to fit into a relaxed day of sightseeing. Just keep in mind, if you’re a puzzle enthusiast, you might want to supplement this activity with other more challenging tours.

Practical Details and Tips

• Pricing: About $23.93 per group (up to 6 people), which makes it affordable for small groups.
• Booking: On average, it’s booked about 8 days in advance, so plan ahead if possible.
• Duration: Expect roughly 2 hours of entertainment—ample time for a leisurely walk.
• Location: Starts at Pl. de la Gare in Valenciennes, easy to reach by public transportation.
• Availability: Open daily from noon until late at night; flexible timing.
• Accessibility: Service animals are allowed, and most travelers can participate.
• Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before, which is nice if your plans change.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a fun, relaxed way to explore Valenciennes that requires minimal planning—and don’t mind some simplicity in puzzles—this urban escape game from Coddy could be worth a shot. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with others who enjoy stories, light challenges, and discovering new streets without the formality of a guided tour.

While some aspects might feel a bit underwhelming—like the circuit’s organization or the limited number of puzzles—it still offers a genuine, interactive experience. Plus, the narrative about the witchcraft case adds a little intrigue to your stroll through Valenciennes.

In the end, it’s a low-cost, flexible activity that helps you see the city differently. Perfect for those who want a break from traditional sightseeing and enjoy a bit of playful storytelling in a charming French town.

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children? Since it’s designed for groups of up to six and involves puzzles and missions, it can be fun for teenagers and older kids. The reviews don’t specify any age restrictions, but younger children might find some parts less engaging.

Can I start the game at any time? Yes, you can access the game anytime between midnight and 11:30 p.m., giving you plenty of flexibility.

How long does the activity last? Typically around 2 hours, making it a good option for a relaxed afternoon or early evening.

What’s included in the price? You pay per group, not per person, and the activity is private. The price is around $24 for up to six people.

Is there a guide involved? No, this is a self-guided experience using a mobile app; no physical guide is present.

Are there any hidden costs? No mention of extra costs—just the initial fee to access the game.

How accessible is the starting point? The activity begins at Pl. de la Gare, which is accessible by public transportation and near public amenities.

What if I don’t finish the game? The activity is designed to be flexible; you can stop and resume later if needed. Only part of the experience was reviewed as unfinished, but generally, it’s straightforward to manage.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before your scheduled start time.

Would you recommend it? If you’re looking for a casual, budget-friendly way to explore Valenciennes with a bit of storytelling, definitely give it a try. For puzzle lovers or those seeking a more in-depth tour, other options might suit better.