Calais: Magic Team Escape Game in Town

| | |

Planning a trip that combines a bit of history, puzzle-solving, and a dash of adventure? The Calais: Magic Team Escape Game in Town offers just that—an outdoor escape experience set right in the heart of Arras, France. While it’s not your typical museum visit or guided tour, it promises a lively, interactive way to explore the city’s historic streets and enjoy some quality time with friends or family.

What I love about this escape game is its flexibility: you can play it on the same day, at a time that suits you, without needing a prior reservation. Plus, the game’s scenario is engaging, involving a mysterious curse and a secret underground passage that calls for quick thinking. On the downside, it does require some familiarity with smartphones and their capabilities, especially since the game is played via a mobile app.

This activity is ideal for those who enjoy a mix of outdoors, puzzles, and storytelling. If you’re traveling with a group of up to six, looking for a budget-friendly, immersive experience, and eager to add a bit of adventure to your day, this escape game might just be the perfect fit.

Key Points

  • Flexible scheduling allows same-day play at your convenience.
  • Affordable price per group offers good value for a two-hour activity.
  • Mobile app-based game means no physical guide but requires smartphone and network.
  • Engaging scenario with a mystical theme that enhances the outdoor adventure.
  • Suitable for all ages; most travelers can participate.
  • Limited time window of 2 hours creates a sense of urgency and excitement.

What Is This Experience Exactly?

This is an outdoor escape game designed to transport players into a mysterious scenario involving a curse and a hidden underground passage. Unlike traditional escape rooms confined inside four walls, this adventure takes place around the historic streets of Arras. You’ll be tasked with stopping a curse by gathering clues from local families—one code word at a time—via an app on your smartphone.

The game involves visiting designated spots in the city, solving puzzles, and collecting clues, all timed within a 2-hour window. It’s a creatively immersive way to experience the city’s ambiance and history while working together to beat the clock.

How Does the Experience Work?

The game starts at Place d’Armes, where you’ll begin your quest by downloading a free app and receiving your unique game code. From there, the adventure unfolds as you follow instructions sent to your device, visiting several local families who hold pieces of the puzzle. The goal? Find four code words and connect them to discover the location of the underground platform that’s been hidden for centuries.

This setup means you’ll need a smartphone with good network coverage—preferably 3G, 4G, or 5G—to keep the game running smoothly. As you explore, you’ll be able to take photos and videos that are saved directly to your device, offering a fun keepsake of your adventure.

The Itinerary and Experience Details

The game is designed to be self-guided—there’s no physical guide or group leader present. Instead, the instructions and clues are delivered via the app, making it a flexible activity that can fit into your day without the rigidity of scheduled tours.

You’ll visit each family indicated on your smartphone, solving puzzles along the way. The reviews mention that the game is designed to be user-friendly and that the scenario makes the experience more immersive. One reviewer noted, “It was fun, although a little tricky to understand the instructions to start with,” but ultimately, the game’s flow was appreciated by most.

Another traveler pointed out that the activity allows for collaboration, making it perfect for families, friends, or colleagues. They said, “This game allowed everyone to collaborate and have fun,” and found the “magic” scenario to be particularly engaging. The game’s design aims for autonomy, so you’re encouraged to work as a team without external supervision, which can be both liberating and challenging.

Visualizing the Experience

Imagine walking through the cobbled streets of Arras, the historic buildings providing a picturesque backdrop as you hunt for clues. Your smartphone becomes a portal into a storybook of curses, secret passages, and noble families. You’ll likely encounter various architectural and cultural sights along the way—adding a sightseeing element to the puzzle-solving.

The game’s duration of approximately 2 hours keeps it manageable and fun without overstaying your welcome. Since it ends back at the starting point, you can seamlessly incorporate it into a morning or afternoon outing.

Price and Value

At $83.07 per group (up to 6 people), the activity is priced to accommodate small groups, making it a reasonable outing for families or friends. When you consider that the experience includes a self-guided outdoor adventure with puzzles, storyline, and photo opportunities, it offers good value, especially since it requires no physical guide or extra equipment.

However, keep in mind that the experience’s success hinges on your smartphone’s network connection. If your device struggles with connectivity, it could impact the flow of the game, potentially leading to frustration.

What Do the Reviews Say?

Feedback from previous participants has been quite positive. One reviewer shared that it was a “fun, relaxing time with colleagues on a reasonable budget”, praising the user-friendliness of the game and the immersive scenario. They mentioned that initial worries about autonomy were unfounded, concluding that the game was “a breeze” to play.

Another reviewer, a father and daughter enjoying their afternoon in Calais, found it “fun, although a little tricky to understand the instructions at first,” highlighting that the game might require some patience and attention to detail initially but ultimately provides a memorable experience.

Practical Tips for Travelers

  • Download the app beforehand if possible, to save time and ensure everything runs smoothly.
  • Ensure your smartphone has a reliable network connection for the duration of the game.
  • Play in well-lit outdoor areas for the best photos and easier puzzle-solving.
  • Be prepared for a bit of walking around the historic city center.
  • Since the game is self-guided, coordinate with your group to stay on track and enjoy the experience together.
  • Remember, the platform access disappears in 120 minutes, so start promptly to avoid missing out.

Cancellation Policy

If your plans change, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, which adds flexibility for travelers with unpredictable schedules.

This escape game is best suited for small groups wanting a fun, interactive activity that blends outdoor exploration with puzzle-solving. It’s perfect for families, friends, or colleagues looking for a team-building experience without the hassle of pre-booked guided tours. The storyline and scenario add a layer of entertainment, especially for those intrigued by secret passages and mystical curses.

It’s also a budget-friendly option that delivers a unique way to see Arras—combining sightseeing with a challenge. If you enjoy activities that keep you moving and thinking, this game will keep you engaged without feeling like a typical tourist trap.

The Calais: Magic Team Escape Game in Town offers an excellent way to explore Arras in an interactive manner that’s both fun and slightly quirky. It combines the thrill of solving puzzles with the charm of wandering through historic streets, making it ideal for those who want more than just a guided tour.

While it requires your smartphone and a bit of network patience, the upside is a personalized experience you can start whenever it suits you, with no need for advance planning. The two-hour timeframe keeps things lively and focused, and the story-driven scenario adds an element of mystique that elevates the adventure.

For travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, storytelling, and teamwork, this escape game balances entertainment and discovery beautifully. It’s also a smart choice for families or small groups seeking a memorable yet affordable activity in Arras.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Most travelers and families can participate, and since it involves puzzles and outdoor exploration, it’s suitable for children who can follow instructions and walk around the city.

Do I need to book in advance?
No, you can play on the same day at a time that suits you, making it convenient for spontaneous plans or last-minute decisions.

What should I bring?
Bring a smartphone with good network coverage and enough battery life. A hat, water, and comfortable shoes are also recommended for walking and outdoor conditions.

Is there a physical guide involved?
No, the game is app-based, meaning there’s no physical guide. All instructions and clues are delivered via your device.

How long does the game last?
The game is designed to be completed in approximately 2 hours, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the scheduled start for a full refund.

What happens if I don’t finish in time?
The platform access disappears after 120 minutes, so you’ll need to complete your quest within this timeframe.

Is there an age limit?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s suitable for a broad age range, especially with family or friends.

Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast, history buff, or just seeking a fun way to explore Arras, this outdoor escape game offers a unique blend of storytelling, outdoor activity, and team fun—all at a reasonable price.