Treasure hunt in Saint-Germain-en-Laye under Louis XIV, 2 hours

We are in 1664 and a coded letter has just been intercepted at the castle of Saint-Germain-en-Laye. For 2 hours, you become agents of the Black Cabinet of Louis XIV, the espionage organization responsible for protecting the kingdom, in order to unmask the conspirator hidden among eight big names of the court. This treasure hunt called Plot Against the King is played as a team in the streets of this town in Yvelines and functions like an outdoor escape game. It is open from 2 people and only offered on Saturdays.

Progress of the investigation: the meeting takes place in front of the castle, opposite the church, Place Charles de Gaulle. Your investigator-trainer tells you about the tormented childhood of Louis XIV and the workings of the conspiracy, then gives you your sealed envelope and the secret documents. Your team then sets off independently through the streets of the city, on the trail of the private mansions of those close to the Sun King. Before reading the intercepted letter, you will have to decipher a first message intended for your liaison agent. Your investigator circulates in the game area and you can contact him by phone at any time if your team is blocked. Once the final code is deciphered, you will enter it on a secret web page that will be provided to you. Your investigator will then wait for you at the final meeting place to close the investigation and reveal the truth.

Eight suspects appear in the file: the Prince de Conti, Antonin de Lauzun, Madame de Maintenon, the Duke de Noailles, the Marquis de Sourches and the Duke de Longueville, but also Grande Mademoiselle, the king's cousin, and Alexandre Bontemps, his first valet. Louis XIV himself was born in Saint-Germain-en-Laye in 1638 and the court did not leave the city for Versailles until 1682.

This survey is suitable for families with children aged 10 and over, groups of friends and couples. No history knowledge is necessary and you won't need a cell phone to play. The game is available in French, English and Spanish. Groups of children must be accompanied by an adult.

Good to know: the survey takes place entirely outdoors, with no premises or instructions on site. So come as lightly as possible, with good walking shoes and clothing appropriate to the season. The castle remains your meeting point and its visit is not part of the game. Allow 2 hours, sometimes a little less for the fastest teams. The Saint-Germain-en-Laye RER A station is located in front of the castle, about twenty minutes from Charles-de-Gaulle-Étoile.