Discover Nantes while playing! Escape game – The alchemist

Planning a day in Nantes and want to combine sightseeing with some light-hearted adventure? The Escape Game – The Alchemist offers a unique way to explore the city’s streets, solve puzzles, and learn about a story-rich experience — all with just your smartphone. This activity is perfect for families or friends who enjoy a mix of discovery and fun, especially if you’re after an engaging alternative to traditional tours.

What catches our eye about this game is its flexible schedule — you can start anytime between noon and 11:30 pm, fitting easily into various itineraries. However, some travelers have expressed mixed feelings about the puzzle quality and storytelling, which is worth keeping in mind. This experience suits those who like interactive challenges and don’t mind a bit of storytelling ambiguity.

Key Points

• Location and Accessibility: Starts at Place Marc Elder, conveniently located near public transportation.
• Cost and Group Size: At around $23.22 for up to 6 people, it’s budget-friendly for small groups.
• Duration and Flexibility: Approximately 2 hours, with flexible start times between noon and late evening.
• Story and Theme: You play as an alchemist solving a witchcraft accusation in historic Nantes.
• Difficulty and Engagement: Puzzle quality varies based on reviews, with some finding it lacking in challenge and depth.
• Overall Value: Good for casual explorers seeking a self-guided urban adventure, but not for puzzle aficionados expecting intricate riddles.

A Detailed Look at the Experience

What’s Included and How It Works

This activity is a self-guided urban escape game, meaning you’ll rely solely on a mobile app to navigate through Nantes’ streets. Once booked, you’ll receive instructions, and the game will lead you from one point of interest to the next. You’ll solve puzzles, carry out missions, and gather clues to unravel a story about a villager accused of witchcraft — a tale woven into the city’s historic fabric.

The game lasts roughly two hours and is designed for groups of up to six people. You can start at any time between midnight and 11:30 pm, giving you the flexibility to fit it into your day or evening plans. The meeting point is at Place Marc Elder, a lively spot in the city center, making it easy to access via public transportation and close to other attractions.

The Storyline and Thematic Appeal

The narrative places you as an alchemist investigating witchcraft accusations, which adds an intriguing layer of storytelling. You’ll interact with witnesses, each providing clues or puzzles that push the story forward. This theme can be playful and engaging, especially if you’re interested in medieval or mystical stories.

However, some reviews point out that the storyline and puzzles may not be as compelling as hoped. One reviewer mentioned the story as “idiote” and was disappointed by the lack of depth, noting that some puzzles felt superficial and the storyline somewhat disconnected from the sites visited. Another noted that they didn’t get to explore some of Nantes’ lesser-known areas but instead focused on well-known landmarks like the castle and cathedral, which were sometimes inaccessible during their visit.

The Puzzles and Challenges

Based on feedback, the quality of puzzles varies. One reviewer appreciated the “ludic questions” and found the activity fun and light-hearted. Yet, another criticized the game for having “no enigmas” and superficial explanations of sites, making the experience feel more like a guided walk with puzzles tacked on rather than a deeply engaging challenge.

If you’re someone who appreciates intricate riddles, you might find this game somewhat simplistic. Conversely, if your goal is to enjoy a relaxing walk around Nantes with some fun puzzle-solving thrown in, it could be just right.

Practical Aspects and Logistics

The activity is private, meaning only your group participates, which can be a plus for personalized fun. The price point is quite reasonable at $23.22 per group, making it accessible for small groups or families. Keep in mind that most travelers find this experience suitable, but those expecting a high difficulty level might be disappointed.

Since the game is completely self-guided, you’ll need to download the Coddy app — assistance is available if you’re unsure how to start. The activity is near public transportation, making it easy to reach from most parts of Nantes. The flexibility in timing means you can enjoy it during the day or evening, perfect for fitting into a busy sightseeing schedule.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

While the game promises to explore the streets of Nantes, some reviews indicate that it doesn’t necessarily uncover hidden gems or lesser-known corners. Instead, it tends to focus on well-known sites like the castle and cathedral, which are easily accessible and familiar. If you’re looking for a deeper exploration of Nantes’ hidden secrets, this might not be the perfect choice.

The Experience from a Reviewer’s Perspective

One reviewer described their experience as “Génial,” highlighting how the game was a great way to discover the city and enjoy some fun with friends. They appreciated the “ludic questions” and the smooth customer service — notably, receiving quick help when they misunderstood how to operate the app.

In contrast, another reviewer was quite disappointed, feeling that the story and puzzles lacked depth and questioning the overall interest of the activity. They didn’t manage to complete the game, which suggests that the experience might sometimes feel rushed or incomplete, especially if expectations are high.

When Is It Worth It?

This activity is best suited for families or groups of friends who enjoy casual puzzle-solving and are looking for an interactive way to explore Nantes. It’s ideal for those who appreciate storytelling but aren’t necessarily seeking a challenging escape room. It works well as an introductory activity or a fun afternoon activity, especially if you prefer flexible schedules.

It’s probably less ideal for serious puzzle enthusiasts or travelers wanting to uncover off-the-beaten-path sites, as the game doesn’t necessarily highlight hidden corners or lesser-known stories.

The Sum Up: Who Should Consider This Experience?

If you’re after a light, playful exploration of Nantes that combines storytelling, sightseeing, and a bit of puzzle-solving, this activity offers good value for the price. It’s particularly suited for families, casual travelers, or groups seeking a flexible, self-guided adventure.

However, if you’re looking for a deep dive into Nantes’ secrets, or a challenging riddles experience, you might find this game somewhat underwhelming. The variability in puzzle quality and storytelling means it’s not the most immersive or challenging option out there, but it does deliver a fun, interactive way to see the city.

Overall, it’s a reasonable choice for those wanting a budget-friendly, flexible activity that gets you moving and thinking — just manage your expectations regarding the puzzle complexity and story depth.

FAQ

How long does the activity last?
Approximately 2 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

Can I start the game at any time?
Yes, you can begin between noon and 11:30 pm, making it very flexible to fit into your schedule.

What’s the meeting point?
Start at Place Marc Elder in Nantes, a central location easily accessible by public transportation.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Most travelers say most can participate, but the level of difficulty may vary. It’s best for older kids or teens who enjoy puzzles.

Do I need special equipment?
Nope. Just your smartphone and the downloaded app, making it straightforward to join.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

Is the activity private?
Yes, only your group will participate, providing a more personalized experience.

What if I need help during the game?
Customer support is available, and helpful assistance was noted in reviews for those unsure about how to proceed.

Will I see hidden or unknown sites?
Not necessarily — the game tends to focus on well-known spots like the castle and cathedral.

Is this activity worth the price?
At around $23 for two hours, it offers good value for a fun, casual exploration of Nantes — especially if you enjoy story-driven puzzles.

In summary, Discover Nantes with the Alchemist is a playful, budget-friendly way to see the city while solving puzzles and engaging with a story. It’s best for groups looking for a flexible, light-hearted activity rather than a deeply challenging escape experience.