Reims Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone

If you’re planning a trip to Reims and want to experience the city beyond just snapping photos, this self-guided exploration game could be a perfect fit. For around $10 a person, you’re handed an engaging activity that combines sightseeing, history, and a bit of friendly competition—all from your smartphone. It’s an innovative way to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for families, small groups, or curious travelers eager to learn as they wander.

What we love about this experience is its flexibility—you set your own schedule and pace, and it doesn’t require a big tour group or a guide hovering behind you. Plus, the inclusion of fun quizzes and interesting facts makes it more than just a walk—it’s a mini adventure that keeps everyone entertained. One possible downside is that entrance fees to the monuments aren’t included, so you’ll want to budget separately if you plan to go inside places like the Reims Cathedral or the Palace of Tau. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy a bit of digital interaction and prefer exploring independently rather than following a large, structured tour.

Key Points

• Affordable self-guided experience combining sightseeing with interactive quizzes
• Flexible timing and pace tailored to your own schedule
• Covers iconic Reims landmarks like the Cathedral, Palace of Tau, and Place Royale
• Available in multiple languages including English, French, German, and Spanish
• Requires a smartphone app or browser access; no physical guide needed
• Cost-effective at approximately $9.57 per person, with optional monument entry fees separately paid

A Close Look at the Reims Exploration Game and City Tour

If you’re the type of traveler who gets more out of a city by engaging actively rather than passively strolling, this self-guided game offers a compelling option. The idea is simple but effective: download the Wanderway app (available on both Android and iOS) or access it through your browser. From there, your mission is to help Jackson Wilde, a fictional explorer, solve quizzes at different historic sites around Reims. The game’s design encourages learning about the city’s landmarks while having fun, making it suitable for families, history buffs, or anyone who appreciates a good riddle.

How the Itinerary Unfolds

The tour spans nine stops, mostly centered around Reims’ most famous sights. Each location offers a brief, 15-minute exploration, blending visual intrigue with storytelling and quiz questions. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Stop 1: Le Cellier
Often called the “wine cellar,” this 19th-century building once stored Champagne. The stop introduces you to its role in Champagne production and includes a quiz that highlights the importance of the region’s sparkling wine industry. We loved the way this stop sets the tone for the city’s winemaking heritage, though some might wish for more historical detail upfront.

Stop 2: Hôtel de Ville
Built over nearly two centuries (1627-1825), the City Hall reflects the evolving architectural styles and civic pride of Reims. The app provides a succinct history, and you’ll get to answer questions that reinforce what you see. It’s an ideal first stop to get a sense of the city’s civic history.

Stop 3: Hotel Le Vergeur Museum
Dating back to the 13th century, this site is one of the oldest structures in Reims. Although the entrance isn’t included in the tour, the app’s narration offers insights into its medieval origins. This gives a nice touch of authenticity—walking through a building that’s been standing for hundreds of years.

Stop 4: Place Royale
Built during Louis XV’s reign, this grand square symbolizes the monarchy’s authority. The quizzes here focus on the square’s history and its role in royal ceremonies. It’s a great spot for a quick photo and to imagine royal processions.

Stop 5: Notre-Dame of Reims Cathedral
This is arguably the city’s most famous landmark, where French kings were crowned for centuries. While entry tickets aren’t included, the app shares fascinating stories about its architecture and royal history. Travelers often remark on its grandeur, making it well worth a visit if you choose to explore inside.

Stop 6: Palais du Tau
Adjacent to the Cathedral, this palace served as the Archbishop’s residence and the coronation site for kings. It’s packed with historic artifacts, and the app’s narration helps you understand its significance without the need for a guided tour.

Stop 7: Opera de Reims
Constructed in the late 19th century in a Neo-Classical style, the Opera is perfect for lovers of architecture and cultural history. The quiz component here adds a fun layer, testing your knowledge of the opera house’s history.

Stop 8: Place Drouet-d’Erlon
Named after a Napoleonic figure, this lively square is a hub for food, drink, and people-watching. The app shares stories about Drouet d’Erlon and the square’s lively atmosphere, making it a fitting end or midpoint depending on your pace.

Why Travelers Will Appreciate This Tour

What truly stands out about this tour is its customizable pace. You’re not tied to a schedule or a guide’s timetable—perfect if you want to linger at a monument or skip ahead. Plus, the app’s quizzes and stories foster engagement, especially for travelers with kids or those who enjoy a bit of gamification.

The price point—about $9.57 per person—is quite reasonable considering you’re getting access to a curated experience of Reims’ most notable sites. However, keep in mind that monument entrance fees are not included, so if you’re eager to visit the interiors of the Cathedral or the Palace of Tau, plan your budget accordingly.

Several reviewers found the app informative but expressed a desire for more guidance on whether teams could participate instead of individuals. As one noted, “I would have liked just more info on how the game goes to possibly choose by team instead of individual,” hinting at potential improvements in the experience design. Still, the overall feedback is positive, emphasizing the activity’s fun and educational elements.

Practical Considerations for Travelers

• Duration & Flexibility: The tour takes approximately 1 to 2 hours, making it an excellent choice for a leisurely afternoon. You can start and end at the same point—La Porte de Mars—located near public transportation options, which makes logistics easier.
• Language Options: With availability in English, French, German, and Spanish, the tour appeals to a broad audience.
• Accessibility: Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, but check your mobility needs if you plan to explore some uneven historic sites.
• Booking & Cancellation: The tour can be booked easily online with instant confirmation. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—ideal if your plans change unexpectedly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This self-guided experience is ideal for travelers who prefer exploring at their own pace, value interactive learning, and enjoy a mix of history and fun. It’s perfect for families, couples, or small groups who want a personalized sightseeing adventure without the constraints of a traditional tour. If you’re budget-conscious but still eager to see the highlights of Reims, this option offers excellent value.

However, if you’re craving inside access to monument interiors or a guided historical narrative, you might find this tour more of an introduction than an in-depth exploration. It complements rather than replaces visiting the sites on your own or with a guided tour.

The Reims Exploration Game and City Tour on your Phone offers a fresh, engaging way to discover this historic French city. It blends technology, education, and sightseeing into a flexible package that appeals to the modern traveler. Its affordability makes it accessible, while the interactive quizzes and diverse sites keep it lively and fun. It’s best suited for curious travelers who want to learn and explore without the pressure of a fixed schedule or large group.

While it may not replace a deep dive into Reims’ monuments, it provides an excellent overview and a memorable experience, especially if you enjoy digital interaction and storytelling. For those looking for a relaxed, customizable way to explore Reims’ landmarks, this tour hits the right notes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families with children?
Yes, the interactive quizzes and fun facts make it an engaging experience for kids and adults alike. It’s a good way to keep children entertained while learning about Reims.

Do I need to pay for entrance tickets at each site?
Entrance tickets to monuments like the Cathedral and Palace of Tau are not included. You should budget separately if you plan to visit inside these sites.

Can I do this tour on my own schedule?
Absolutely. The tour is self-guided, so you can start, pause, and resume as it suits you, making it flexible for your travel plans.

What language options are available?
The app and guides come in English, French, German, and Spanish, so you can choose the language that works best for you.

How long does the tour take?
The entire tour typically lasts between 1 and 2 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each stop and whether you choose to go inside any monuments.

Is this experience accessible for travelers with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the terrain and the nature of historic sites. Check your own mobility needs before choosing stops, especially since some buildings date back centuries with uneven surfaces.

If you’re after an interactive, budget-friendly way to soak in Reims’ highlights at your own pace, this mobile exploration game offers a great mix of history, fun, and flexibility.