Covered Passages Treasure Hunt
Self-Guided Tour through Paris’s Hidden Galleries
2 hours
2 km
25€ / pax
Public rate
Business groups: from €36/person
(Includes private booking and administrative handling.)
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Passage Verdeau
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Passage Jouffroy
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Passage des Panoramas
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Galerie Vivienne
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Galerie Colbert
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Palais Royal
Explore the Covered Passages of Paris
Step into a more hidden side of the city with a treasure hunt through the Covered Passages of Paris, combining observation, puzzles and cultural discovery. From Passage Verdeau to the Palais Royal, explore Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Colbert and the elegant Galerie Vivienne while following the clues of a mysterious investigation. A fun and original way to discover Paris differently, with family, friends or colleagues, through some of the city’s most beautiful and often overlooked historic galleries.
Your Mission: Follow Herbert’s Final Investigation
Herbert, a brilliant and somewhat eccentric inventor, was found murdered just days before presenting his latest invention. His wife, Georgette, is determined to find out what happened to him. To investigate, you have one valuable item at your disposal: Herbert’s walking notebook. There is no traditional crime scene and no conventional evidence to collect. Instead, the investigation relies on your sense of observation: architecture, shop windows, unusual details… the Covered Passages themselves become part of the game. As you make your way through the different galleries, solve the puzzles and follow Herbert’s footsteps through one of the most intriguing parts of Paris.
And for those who enjoy discovering the city as much as solving puzzles, the game booklet also reveals stories, anecdotes and remarkable details about the passages you explore.
A Self-Guided and Memorable Paris Adventure
At the meeting point, a member of our team will welcome you, introduce the story and provide your game booklet along with everything you need to begin your investigation. You then set off independently with your own group, exploring the Covered Passages, observing your surroundings and solving puzzles along the way. And if you need a hint or a little help, we remain available throughout the experience, before meeting you again at the Palais Royal for the final part of the investigation.
What Makes the Covered Passages Special?
Built mainly during the 19th century, the Covered Passages of Paris offer a glimpse into a more intimate and elegant side of the city.
Glass roofs, mosaic floors, historic boutiques, antique shops and architectural details give each gallery its own character. From Passage Verdeau and Passage Jouffroy to Galerie Vivienne, the route invites you to explore places that many visitors simply walk past without ever discovering. Here, the surroundings are not just a backdrop: observation is an essential part of the investigation.
Who Is This Covered Passages Treasure Hunt For?
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For families – Looking for a family-friendly activity in Paris? The observation-based puzzles allow children and adults to take part together while discovering a fascinating side of Parisian heritage.
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For friends and couples – An original activity in Paris combining puzzles, architecture and cultural discovery in some of the city’s most elegant historic galleries.
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For companies – A unique team-building activity in Paris combining observation, problem-solving and collaboration in an elegant and central setting.
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For curious travellers – An unusual way to discover a more hidden side of Paris, away from the major landmarks, through historic galleries, architectural details and stories that are easy to overlook.
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And when the weather is less than perfect – Much of the route takes place inside the Covered Passages, making this one of our most enjoyable experiences on rainy or very hot days.
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Difficulty level: variable. The investigation relies mainly on observation: some teams find it very accessible, while others find the puzzles more challenging.
PRACTICAL INFO
Duration
The investigation takes approximately 2 hours, with a maximum duration of 3 hours from your booked start time. If you arrive late, the scheduled end time remains unchanged. You are free to progress at your own pace within this time.
Start & Finish
The experience starts in front of Passage Verdeau and finishes in the Palais Royal Gardens. Please note that the finishing point is different from the starting point.
Recommended Age
The investigation is recommended for children aged 8 and over. Younger children are welcome to join, although they may need a little help from the adults in their group.
Opening Hours
The investigation is available Monday to Sunday. To ensure you can enjoy the galleries in the best possible conditions, the latest start time is 5 pm.
Passage Closures
Galerie Colbert is usually closed on Sundays and may occasionally be inaccessible without prior notice, especially in August. This does not prevent the investigation from going ahead: the experience can be adapted accordingly.
Weather
Much of the route takes place inside the Covered Passages, making this one of our most enjoyable experiences on rainy or very hot days.
A few sections remain outdoors, including the walk between some of the galleries and the final part of the route at the Palais Royal, so we still recommend dressing appropriately for the weather.
FAQ – Covered Passages Treasure Hunt
What is the Covered Passages Treasure Hunt?
This treasure hunt through the Covered Passages of Paris is a self-guided cultural investigation based primarily on observation. With your game booklet in hand, you explore several historic Parisian galleries, solve puzzles and follow the story of Herbert before meeting us again for the final part of the investigation at the Palais Royal.
How long does the experience take?
The investigation takes approximately 2 hours, with a maximum duration of 3 hours from your booked start time. If you arrive late, the scheduled end time remains unchanged. You are free to progress at your own pace within this time.
Which Covered Passages will we explore?
The route takes you through Passage Verdeau, Passage Jouffroy, Passage des Panoramas, Galerie Colbert and Galerie Vivienne, before finishing in the Palais Royal Gardens.
Is this treasure hunt suitable for families with children?
Yes. This family-friendly activity in Paris is recommended for children aged 8 and over and relies largely on observation, allowing children and adults to take part together.
Younger children are also welcome with a little help from the adults in their group.
Is this a good activity for rainy or very hot days in Paris?
Yes. Much of the experience takes place inside the Covered Passages, making it one of our most enjoyable routes in rainy weather or on very hot days. A few sections remain outdoors, so we still recommend bringing an umbrella when necessary and carrying water during hot weather.
What happens if one of the galleries is closed?
Galerie Colbert is usually closed on Sundays and may occasionally be inaccessible at other times.
This will not prevent you from continuing the investigation: the experience can be adapted accordingly.
Do we need to know Paris or the history of the Covered Passages?
Not at all. Everything you need to solve the puzzles can be found in your surroundings or in your game booklet.
The booklet also includes stories and anecdotes that allow you to discover the history of the Covered Passages of Paris as you progress through the investigation.
Do we need to speak French?
No. All game materials and instructions are available in English, and no knowledge of French is required.
Do we need a smartphone to play?
No. The investigation is played with a physical game booklet and answer sheet – no app or screen is required.
Your phone is only useful if you need to contact us for assistance during the experience.
Will other participants join our team?
No. You play exclusively with your own group and are never mixed with other participants.