Imagine wandering through the charming streets of Nantes, solving puzzles, discovering Viking legends, and interacting with a digital guide — all in just about two hours. For $17.20 per person, this outdoor treasure hunt offers an affordable way to see the city from a new perspective while challenging your wits. The game starts at Place du Bouffay and ends right back there, making it perfect for a half-day adventure.
What we love about this experience is how it blends history with fun—you explore Viking stories and Nantes’s past while walking through its lively city center, all facilitated by a seamless digital interface. Plus, the group discounts make it an accessible outing for friends or family. One thing to keep in mind: you’ll need a charged smartphone with internet access, and it’s best suited for those with moderate physical fitness since it involves walking and some navigation.
On the downside, some reviews mention that the interactive aspect relies heavily on phones, which could be a drawback for those who prefer less screen time. Also, first-time players might find some puzzles challenging, like the difficult basilica riddle. But overall, this tour is ideal for history buffs, puzzle lovers, or anyone wanting a different way to explore Nantes.
Key Points
- Unique blend of outdoor adventure and historical storytelling
- Affordable price with group discounts and flexible timing
- Interactive digital guide enhances engagement and discovery
- Suitable for all ages with moderate physical activity involved
- Good for team-building or family outings
- Potential challenge for players who dislike puzzles or screen reliance
Exploring Vikings and Nantes: An Adventure for Curious Travelers
If you’re looking for a way to explore Nantes that’s more than just walking around with a guidebook, Vikings – The Relic of Odin offers a playful yet educational experience that will keep you engaged from start to finish. This outdoor escape game, priced at just over $17 per person, is designed to take about two hours, during which you’ll uncover Viking legends, decipher runic alphabets, and explore the city streets in a fun, interactive way.
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What Is the Experience Like?
This activity is essentially a connected treasure hunt. Once you form a team and receive your access code, your smartphone becomes your guide. A digital companion chats with you, providing clues, presenting puzzles, and encouraging you to investigate your surroundings. The game begins at Place du Bouffay, a lively area packed with cafes and historic sights, making it an ideal starting point.
You’ll help Ragnar Lodbrok, the legendary Viking leader, recover Odin’s relic before Moriarty (yes, Sherlock’s nemesis) gets his hands on it. Along your route, you’ll learn about Viking gods, see key landmarks, and decipher runes — all while walking through Nantes’s streets, which have been inhabited since the 9th century.
Why We Love It
First, the storyline is engaging enough to keep everyone interested. The Viking theme mixed with a quest to recover Odin’s relic adds a dash of adventure and mythology, which appeals to both history lovers and puzzle enthusiasts. We also appreciate how the game encourages teamwork, as you need to collaborate on solving puzzles and observing your surroundings.
Second, the use of digital technology makes the experience accessible and modern. The chatbot guides you without the need for a physical guide, and the puzzles are well-designed, as some reviews highlight. One reviewer mentions that the puzzles are “interesting,” and that the clues help you progress, making it a smooth adventure overall.
What to Expect Along the Way
The tour involves walking around the city, with clues hidden at various points. Some challenges, like deciphering runes or finding specific landmarks, require paying close attention to your environment. The game ends back where it started, giving a natural stopping point for lunch or further exploring.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Start at Place du Bouffay: A historic square full of atmosphere.
- Engage with your digital guide: The chatbot provides your mission briefing.
- Investigate: Follow clues that lead you to discover Viking history, symbols, and Nantes’s medieval past.
- Solve puzzles: From deciphering runic alphabets to answering riddles, you’ll need to think on your feet.
- Finish back at the starting point: Wrapping up after about two hours of fun.
Practical Tips
- Bring a charged smartphone with internet access; it’s a key part of the game.
- Carry a notebook and pencil for note-taking and rough work.
- Wear comfortable shoes since you’ll be walking through the city.
- The activity is private for your group, so you won’t be mixed with strangers, adding a layer of intimacy and focus.
- The opening hours are flexible, running from noon to late evening daily, perfect for fitting into your schedule.
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Authentic Feedback from Participants
One reviewer describes it as “Très sympa,” emphasizing the original puzzles and regular hints that help progress. Another noted, “Une manière originale de redécouvrir Nantes,” meaning it’s a unique way to see the city from fresh angles.
However, some mentioned the screen time involved — that all participants need to stay on their phones, which might be a drawback for some. The suggestion that perhaps only half the team be on phones at a time could be a good workaround.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This activity suits a range of travelers: families with kids, groups of friends, or corporate teams looking for a fun team-building exercise. It also works well for those who enjoy a mix of history, puzzles, and city exploration. If you love stories of Vikings or want to discover Nantes in a playful way, this is a good fit.
Practical Details: What You Need to Know
- Price: $17.20 per person — very reasonable for a two-hour activity.
- Duration: About 2 hours, making it a flexible addition to your day.
- Meeting Point: Place du Bouffay — central and accessible.
- Availability: Open daily from noon until late at night.
- Group Discounts: Available, making it an attractive option for larger groups.
- Booking: Usually booked about 9 days in advance, ensuring ample availability.
- Equipment: Smartphone with internet, notebook, and pencil.
- Accessibility: Near public transportation, suitable for those with moderate physical fitness.
FAQs
Is this activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the puzzles are engaging and suitable for a broad age range. Kids who enjoy walking and puzzles will likely find it fun, but consider their comfort with screen time.
Do I need to book well in advance?
On average, travelers book about 9 days ahead, so planning early ensures you secure your preferred time slot.
Is it a private experience?
Yes, only your group participates, providing a more personalized and immersive adventure.
What if I have trouble with the puzzles?
The digital guide offers hints, and some reviews mention that clues help you progress regularly, so it’s designed to keep frustration at bay.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Is the activity physically demanding?
Moderate physical activity is expected—walking around the city and exploring—but it’s generally manageable for most travelers.
Are service animals allowed?
Yes, service animals are permitted, which is helpful for travelers with disabilities.
Is there a specific start time?
The tour is flexible, available any time between noon and late evening, allowing you to fit it into your schedule.
What languages is the game available in?
The provided information doesn’t specify, but given the reviews are in French and the activity takes place in Nantes, French is likely the primary language.
How long does the activity last?
Approximately two hours, making it ideal for a quick, engaging outing.
If you’re after an activity that combines history, fun puzzles, and city exploration without the hassle of traditional tours, this outdoor escape game is a smart choice. It’s especially suited for groups seeking a team-building experience, families wanting an educational adventure, or history buffs curious about Vikings and Nantes.
The modest price point, combined with the engaging storyline and flexible timing, offers great value—plus, it’s a refreshing alternative to typical sightseeing. While screen reliance might be a drawback for some, the overall experience promises a memorable walk through Nantes, full of surprises and stories. This is an adventure that’s best enjoyed with friends or family who appreciate a good challenge and some historical storytelling woven into their city walk.