If you’re looking for a holiday activity that breaks from the usual Christmas market strolls, this unusual track game in Orleans offers a playful twist. While it’s not a traditional guided tour or a historical walk, it’s a lively, interactive experience that blends the festive charm of Orleans’ Christmas markets with an engaging scavenger hunt-style activity. Perfect for groups of friends, families, or colleagues, it promises a few hours of hearty laughs and light-hearted competition in a truly atmospheric setting.
What we particularly like about this tour is its flexibility—you can choose when to play, making it easier to fit into your holiday schedule. Plus, the mobile app approach means you’re free to explore at your own pace, capturing photos and videos that are automatically saved to your phone—a handy feature for reminiscing later. On the flip side, one limitation is that some reviews mention the questions aren’t always directly related to Orleans itself, which might lessen the local flavor for some. Still, if you’re after a fun, family-friendly activity that keeps everyone engaged, this game can be a delightful addition to your Christmas itinerary.
This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy interactive activities, want a break from traditional sightseeing, or are simply looking for a lighthearted way to explore the festive atmosphere. If you’re traveling with a group that appreciates a bit of humor and a dose of holiday cheer, this tour has plenty to offer.
Key Points
- Flexible scheduling allows you to play whenever it suits your holiday plans
- Interactive challenges keep all participants entertained, from answering questions to performing silly tasks
- Photos and videos are saved automatically, making it easy to share your fun moments later
- The activity is private, so your group can enjoy a personalized experience
- Cost-effective for up to 6 people, averaging about $45, making it a good value for a group
- It’s suitable for most travelers and service animals are permitted
What’s Included and What’s Not
When booking this Christmas market game, you receive a free app to download, along with clear instructions and a unique game code. The setup provides a complete 2-hour scenario tailored for your group, with challenges designed to amuse and challenge you along the way.
However, the activity does not include a physical guide, nor does it provide assistance beyond the downloadable instructions. You’ll need your own smartphone with a good internet connection (preferably 3G, 4G, or 5G) to access the game and complete the missions. It’s straightforward but requires a bit of familiarity with smartphone navigation.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Loire Valley.
Starting Point and End Location
The tour kicks off at Place du Martroi, right in the heart of Orleans’ Christmas festivities. Since it’s a private activity, your group will move around the market area freely, completing challenges at your own pace. The game concludes back where you started, ensuring a convenient wrap-up to your festive adventure.
How the Activity Works
Once you’ve booked, you’ll receive the game instructions and a link to download the app, along with your unique code. From there, you’re free to explore the market at your leisure, tackling a variety of Christmas-themed missions. These include fun tasks like finding a Santon (a traditional Provençal figurine), taking photos of the worst gift you could give, or even singing Christmas carols with a humorous twist.
The challenges are designed to be light-hearted, with some questions about Christmas traditions around the world. While some reviews mention that the questions aren’t always focused on Orleans itself, the experience stays rooted in the festive atmosphere of the market squares, often under the glow of holiday lights.
Authenticity and Local Flavor
A common concern from critics is that some questions feel disconnected from Orleans or French culture, leaning more towards general Christmas themes. One reviewer noted, “The questions are not related to the city visited,” which might be disappointing if you’re hoping for a deeply local experience. That said, the scenic market setting and the cheerful spirit of the activity still provide a memorable holiday outing.
The activity’s strength lies in its interactive nature. It encourages playful engagement and creative thinking, making it excellent for groups who enjoy a challenge paired with holiday cheer. You’ll also find that the setting—amidst illuminated stalls and bustling market squares—is genuinely festive, adding to the charm.
The Experience of Playing the Game
We loved the way this activity turns a leisurely market visit into a memorable adventure, especially with friends or family. The challenges are varied enough to keep everyone involved—whether answering questions, singing, or chasing down quirky gifts. The app format makes it easy to participate without a guide, fostering a sense of freedom and spontaneity.
The game’s duration—about two hours—is just right for an afternoon or early evening activity, fitting well into a day of exploring Orleans’ Christmas delights. The price point of around $45 for a group of up to six people offers good value, especially considering the fun and memories created.
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Visualizing the Tour
Picture yourself wandering through Orleans’ beautifully decorated squares, the scent of mulled wine in the air, and the glow of countless fairy lights overhead. With your phone in hand, your group laughs over silly challenges, snaps photos of brightly adorned stalls, and shares stories about weird gifts or New Year’s resolutions.
The app guides you through different parts of the market, with missions that take you from one charming stall to another. You might be asked to locate a specific figurine, record a humorous video, or find the worst gift on display—adding a playful layer to what might otherwise be just a casual stroll.
Practical Considerations
The activity works best for groups comfortable with using smartphones and navigating a digital app. Since it’s a private tour, you won’t be rushed or mixed with strangers, allowing a relaxed and personalized experience. Because it’s bookable at your preferred time, you can avoid peak crowds or choose a quieter moment to enjoy your hunt.
One important note: a stable internet connection enhances the experience, so plan accordingly. The activity is suitable for most travelers, including those with service animals, and is accessible to most age groups, provided everyone enjoys a bit of fun.
Who Should Try This?
This activity is perfect for families with kids who enjoy a bit of playful competition, groups of friends looking for a unique way to celebrate, or colleagues wanting a festive team-building event. It’s also a great option if you’ve seen the market before and want to explore it with a fresh, humorous twist.
However, if you’re seeking a highly educational or historical tour of Orleans or want questions deeply rooted in the local culture, this may not be the ideal choice. It’s more about celebrating Christmas with a sense of humor and camaraderie than enjoying the city’s history.
This unusual Christmas market game in Orleans offers a lively, relaxing way to enjoy the festive atmosphere from a different perspective. Its interactive challenges foster laughter and teamwork, making it a memorable part of the holiday season. For anyone who enjoys light-hearted competitions and photo-friendly adventures, it’s a fun, value-packed option that complements the traditional market experience.
The activity’s flexibility—playing anytime you like—and the convenience of a mobile app make it accessible and spontaneous. While some questions might seem a bit generic, the overall fun factor and the chance to capture holiday moments on your phone make it worth considering. It’s a perfect choice for groups looking to combine sightseeing with a bit of humor and friendly competition during their Orleans Christmas visit.
In short, if you want a playful, customizable activity that adds some extra sparkle to your holiday exploration, this game makes a cheerful addition to your Orleans itinerary. Just bring your phone, a sense of humor, and a desire to make some festive memories.
How long does the activity last?
The game is designed to be completed in approximately 2 hours, offering enough time to enjoy the market and play without feeling rushed.
Can I play at any time?
Yes, once you receive your instructions and game code, you’re free to choose when to start, fitting it into your schedule comfortably.
What do I need to participate?
A smartphone with internet access (preferably 3G, 4G, or 5G) is required to download the app and participate in the challenges.
Is this activity suitable for children?
While most travelers can participate, children who enjoy a bit of fun and silly challenges will find it especially entertaining. Please note that the questions may not always focus on Orleans itself.
Are guides or physical assistance provided?
No, the activity is self-guided via the app. You’ll receive instructions beforehand but won’t have a physical guide on-site.
Where does the activity start and end?
It begins at Place du Martroi, in the heart of Orleans, and wraps up back at the same spot, making it convenient for meeting and departure.
Is it private?
Yes, this is a private tour/activity, so only your group will participate, ensuring a relaxed experience.
With its lively mix of fun challenges and festive scenery, this Orleans Christmas market game offers a playful alternative to traditional sightseeing—sure to bring smiles and holiday cheer.