The Paris Traveler

La Chasse aux Trésors de Paris

by Lynn on July 6th, 2007

This year’s Treasure Hunt in Paris takes place on July 7th! A lot of things seem to be taking place on the 7th this year, which I find isn’t quite fair! (Okay, so it pisses me off!) Why are people so obsessed with numbers? (777) All over the world, people are getting married on my birthday! It’s been my day for…., well let’s just say it’s been my day since I was born, so I wish people would stop horning in on my day!

Actually treasure hunts are kind of fun where people start off alone, or in groups, finding clues which will lead them to some sort of treasure at the end. My family seems to be on a treasure hunt of our own this year. Everyone is gathering from different parts of the world; my mom who was in Paris with me in the spring, is now flying in from Hawaii as I write. At 84 yrs. old, she’s traveled half the world in half a year! (You go mom!)

So, where are we meeting and where is the treasure, you ask? Well, we’re meeting in Mexico. And the treasure? My nephew is claiming his bride! Yep! They’re getting married in Mexico. Why, I don’t really know? Afterall, he is American and so is his bride to be. (I think!) I believe they met in Chile, so perhaps they wanted to add a Latino flavor to their nuptials.

Hey, any place that has mariachi music playing and frozen margaritas flowing is all right with me! It’s in my blood afterall! My only complaint is they decided to get married on my birthday Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox and get back to the treasure hunt in Paris.

Different clues will be given to different teams all leading to the same treasure. Along the way, however, certain tasks must be performed in order to receive your next clue. You’ll encounter artists, shopkeepers, and other locals from the quartier all directing you to little known places, secret gardens and passages that you normally wouldn’t see.

Once you’ve received all your clues, put them all together and they’ll give you one final enigma to solve, which in turn will show you to your final destination. Participants will then be invited to place their name into an urn. To increase your chances you will be asked a question about something that happened along the journey. If you answer correctly you’ll receive additional coupons to place your name, which in turn will increase your chances of winning.

Prizes will be drawn and awarded at 16h30.

1st place: In each arrondissement: dinner (up to six) in a grand Parisian restaurant, or a night for two in a charming Parisian hotel.

2nd and 3rd place: Dinner (up to six) in a grand Parisian restaurant.

Jury Prizes:

Books from Découvertes Gallimard will be given to the Funniest Team, Most Motivated Team, Team Who Played the Fairest, The Most Lost Team, etc., plus many of the local shop owners will be offering prizes as well.

So what better way to enjoy my B-day then going on a treasure hunt! Besides, it’s a great way to feel like you’re part of the city rather than a tourist! It’s open to anyone and everyone, but teams cannot exceed six players. You can sign up in front of the town hall of either the 3e, 6e, 13, 18, or 19e arrondissement. The hunt begins at 10h and ends at 15h30. There’s no charge for participating, but I suggest going as early as possible to get a head start. The clues will be given in each of the five arrondissements until 13h. There will be several winners per area, but you must be back by the allotted time to win.

For more details, click here.  Good Luck to everyone! Cheers!

Photo Credit: Flickr and me!

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