Outdoor escape-game | The Bordeaux robbery: A fun, interactive way to explore Bordeaux
Looking for a different way to experience Bordeaux beyond the typical sightseeing? This outdoor escape-game, called The Bordeaux Robbery, offers an engaging and interactive adventure. For just $17.82 per person, you’ll spend roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes walking through the city’s historic streets, solving puzzles, and uncovering clues linked to a fictional heist near La Fabrique de la Monnaie de Paris in Pessac. The game is designed for groups, making it a great activity whether you’re traveling with friends, family, or on a small tour group.
What we particularly love about this experience is its blend of outdoor exploration and digital interactivity. First, it’s a budget-friendly activity that turns Bordeaux’s streets into a giant game board, making discovery feel like a treasure hunt. Second, the ability to pause and take breaks—like stopping for a snack or a quick shopping trip—without penalty, adds flexibility that many traditional tours lack. A potential consideration is that it involves a fair amount of walking—so bring comfortable shoes. This tour suits those who enjoy puzzles, urban exploration, and interactive storytelling, especially if you appreciate a relaxed pace and a chance to see the city from a different perspective.
Key Points
- Affordable and flexible: At just under $18, this activity offers great value, with the option to pause at any time.
- Engaging for all ages: Suitable for families and groups, especially those interested in discovering Bordeaux’s streets in a playful way.
- Interactive storytelling: Your smartphone guides you through puzzles and clues, making it more than just a walk.
- Good for all walking levels: As long as you wear comfortable shoes, you’ll enjoy wandering Bordeaux’s streets.
- Private group experience: Only your group participates, ensuring privacy and a tailored pace.
- Multiple difficulty levels: Choose the challenge that fits your style, from casual fun to more involved solving.
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A detailed look at the experience
The concept and setup
This tour from Escape The City is not your average sightseeing walk. Instead, it combines elements of an outdoor escape-room with a city treasure hunt. Once booked, you’ll receive a digital access code, and from that moment, your smartphone becomes your guide. The game officially kicks off at Place Saint-Pierre, a charming square in Bordeaux’s historic center.
The digital guide—a chatbot—presents your mission, which involves investigating clues left by a fictional master thief, El Profesor. The storyline involves a heist at La Fabrique de la Monnaie de Paris near Bordeaux, with your team tasked to uncover the thief’s secrets. The game offers two difficulty levels, allowing participants to choose the challenge that suits their mood—whether just for fun or for a more intense puzzle-solving experience.
What the tour involves
Starting from Place Saint-Pierre, you’ll follow a route that takes you through Bordeaux’s well-known streets, allowing you to observe the city’s architecture and ambiance while looking for clues. The puzzles are original, designed to make you think and interact with your surroundings. You’ll also interact with your digital companion—a chatbot that provides hints, details, and the next steps in your mission.
The activity is designed to be flexible; you can take breaks—like stopping for a coffee or browsing shops—and resume your game without penalty, making it a relaxed way to explore. One review mentions that, if you’re not too competitive, you can even add stops for shopping or ice cream, with only a longer timer as a consequence.
The route and stops
While the specific stops are dictated by the game’s storyline, you can expect to visit key points in Bordeaux’s historic center. The clues involve observing your environment, decoding riddles, and interacting with your teammates, which keeps the activity lively and engaging.
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What you need
All you require is a charged smartphone with internet access—one per team is recommended—and a notebook with a pencil for note-taking. The activity is suitable for most travelers, including families, as the reviews show it’s enjoyable with children who like exploring and walking.
Meeting point and logistics
The adventure begins at Place Saint-Pierre and ends at the same location, making logistics simple. It’s available every day from noon to midnight—so it’s flexible for afternoon or evening plans. The activity is private, so only your group participates, adding to the personalized experience.
Price and value
At $17.82 per person, this tour offers excellent value for money. For that price, you get an interactive, city-wide adventure that combines sightseeing with puzzle-solving, perfect for those who want more than just static sightseeing.
What the reviews tell us
The feedback is largely positive. One reviewer, Freemousse_L, appreciated that it’s a fun activity suitable for children interested in discovering the city and that it encourages walking. Marine_D highlighted that it’s a beautiful way to see Bordeaux, especially with children, though she notes the importance of wearing comfortable shoes due to the amount of walking involved.
Both reviews emphasize the activity’s value for money and flexibility—you can take your time, incorporate breaks, and still enjoy the game. Marine_D also mentioned that if you’re just doing it for fun, you can stop for ice creams or shopping without penalty, just with a longer overall timer.
The practicalities
This activity is ideal for travelers who want a low-cost, highly flexible way to explore Bordeaux. It’s perfect if you’re traveling with kids or a small group who enjoy puzzles and storytelling. Since the activity is available around the clock, it can fit easily into any schedule, whether you prefer daytime wandering or an evening adventure.
Given the self-guided format and the group discount options, it’s a smart choice for families, small groups of friends, or even a solo traveler with a sense of adventure. Just remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring your fully charged phone—and prepare for some walking and puzzle-solving.
The Sum Up: Who should consider this activity?
This outdoor escape-game is best suited for those who love interactive adventures that combine sightseeing with problem-solving. It offers great value—especially for families or small groups wanting a relaxed yet engaging way to see Bordeaux’s streets. It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy digital storytelling and outdoor exploration without the constraints of guided bus or walking tours.
If you’re looking for a flexible, budget-friendly activity with a fun storyline that takes you through Bordeaux’s historic streets, this is a fantastic choice. It’s perfect for those who enjoy walking, puzzle-solving, and exploring at their own pace, with the added thrill of a fictional heist unfolding around them.
FAQs
Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, many reviews mention that it’s a great activity for kids, especially those interested in discovery and walking. Just ensure they’re comfortable with a fair amount of walking.
How long does the tour last?
The estimated duration is around 2 hours and 30 minutes, but you can take longer if you wish, especially if you stop for breaks or shopping along the way.
Do I need a lot of technical equipment?
Just a charged smartphone with internet access is needed, as it guides you through the game via a chatbot. A notebook and pencil are recommended for notes.
Can I cancel my booking easily?
Yes, cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance. You’ll get a full refund if you cancel before that.
Is this activity available all year?
Yes, it’s open every day from 12:00 PM to midnight and runs continuously through the year.
Does this tour include transportation?
No, it’s a self-guided walk that starts and ends at Place Saint-Pierre, so you’re responsible for your own transportation to and from the meeting point.
This outdoor escape-game offers a unique, affordable way to explore Bordeaux, combining city sightseeing with puzzle-solving fun. It’s an activity that promises engagement, flexibility, and a sense of adventure—perfect for curious travelers eager to see Bordeaux from a fresh perspective.
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