Bordeaux Old Town Walking Game: Self-Guided Mystery Tour

Summary

Discover Bordeaux’s Hidden Corners on a Puzzle Walk

You’ll wander through Bordeaux Old Town solving clues that reveal hidden stories behind famous sights like Place de la Bourse and Grosse Cloche. This self-guided adventure lets you explore at your own pace while discovering secrets most visitors walk right past.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed stepping onto the wide esplanade near the Monument aux Girondins was the hum of locals—kids weaving between fountains, someone selling roasted chestnuts (the smell lingers), and the way the morning light hits those bronze horses. Our digital quest started right here, with a riddle about the monument’s history. It’s not just a statue; it’s a memory of revolution, and you’ll need to look close—there’s a tiny plaque most folks miss.

From there, we wandered into Place des Quinconces, which feels almost too big for a city square. On weekends, you might catch a vintage fair or carousel music drifting over from the riverbank. The Banque de France building stands nearby—our next stop—and I remember squinting at its stonework, trying to spot an old date carved above the door (hint: it’s easy to walk past if you’re not paying attention).

Place de la Bourse is where Bordeaux really shows off. The Garonne glints just beyond the reflecting pool, and if you’re lucky, you’ll hear street musicians under the arches. Our clue here led us to a tucked-away café terrace—locals sipping noisettes and chatting in that relaxed Bordeaux way. The Grand Théâtre came next; even if you’re not into opera, peek inside if you can. The wooden interiors give off this faint scent of varnish and old paper programs.

I got turned around in Saint-Pierre—easy to do with all those narrow lanes—but that’s half the fun. We stumbled on La Porte Dijeaux by accident, then doubled back for another puzzle at the Jean Moulin Center (the WWII stories here are heavy but fascinating). The Museum of Aquitaine surprised me with artifacts from Roman times to colonial trade—don’t skip the African art room upstairs.

The last stretch took us through Victory Square and past students lounging outside old university buildings. By then my feet were tired but I didn’t want it to end; every clue felt like peeling back another layer of Bordeaux’s story. And honestly? Solving puzzles together made us notice things we’d have missed otherwise—a faded carving here, an odd gargoyle there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bordeaux Old Town

• Visit Girondins Monument
• Pass by Quinconces Square
• Visit Banque de France Bordeaux
• Visit Place de la Bourse
• Visit Grand Théâtre
• Visit Church of Our Lady
• Pass through Old Bordeaux neighborhood
• Visit La Porte Dijeaux
• Visit Centre National Jean Moulin
• Tour Old Town solving clues
• Visit Museum of Aquitaine
• Visit Victory Square
• Visit Roman-founded University
• Visit Grosse Cloche

Top questions

Is this walking tour suitable for families with kids?

Absolutely! The puzzles are fun for all ages and you can pause anytime for breaks or snacks.

Do I need internet access during the game?

You’ll need your smartphone with data or WiFi to access clues and progress through each location.

How long does it take to finish?

Most people spend 2-3 hours, but there’s no rush—you can stop for coffee or photos whenever you like.

Are there any steep hills or lots of stairs?

The route is mostly flat and stroller-friendly, so it works well for all fitness levels.

What’s included

Your mobile access code unlocks 12 story-driven challenges across Bordeaux Old Town. You’ll get flexible timing (pause/resume anytime), plus insider content inspired by local legends and real history along each stop.