Marseille: Self-guided scavenger hunt walking tour

Summary

Wander Marseille’s streets, solve clues, and see the city differently

You’ll wander Marseille’s lively streets solving clues on your phone, discovering famous spots like L’Hôtel de Ville and Fort Saint John at your own pace. Expect small surprises: local tips from strangers, unexpected smells from bakeries, creative photo tasks that make you laugh — all without a guide rushing you along. It’s a playful way to explore Marseille that’ll stick with you long after you finish.

What’s the experience like?

I thought I knew what to expect from Marseille — busy port, noisy scooters, that salty Mediterranean air. But standing in front of L’Hôtel de Ville with my phone in one hand and my friend squinting at a riddle in the other, I realized this was going to be different. The app had just pinged us our first clue and honestly, we argued for five minutes about whether the “lion” it mentioned was a statue or some bakery logo. (It was the statue. She gloated.)

The best part? No guide hurrying us along or group to keep up with — just us, wandering wherever the next puzzle sent us. At Saint Mary Major, we got stuck trying to count something on the facade (I won’t spoil it), and an older local man noticed us circling like lost pigeons. He grinned and pointed out a detail we’d missed completely, then shrugged as if to say “tourists…” but in a kind way. There was this moment where you could smell bread baking somewhere nearby and hear kids shouting in French down an alley — it felt like being let into the city’s quieter rhythms.

We took our time between stops — sometimes too much time, honestly, because I kept getting distracted by street art or stopping for coffee. The scavenger hunt made me notice things I’d have walked past otherwise: faded tiles underfoot near Fort Saint John, or how the sunlight hit those old stones late in the afternoon. We even tried taking one of those silly photo challenges (my pose was… not flattering) but hey, you get points for effort.

I still think about that view from the fort — not just what we saw but how we got there, piecing together clues and laughing at ourselves when we overthought everything. If you want a day trip in Marseille that’s more than just ticking off sights, this is it. It’s loose and playful and lets you see the city through your own eyes — or maybe through a slightly wonky camera angle.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Marseille Scavenger Hunt

• Start scavenger hunt at city center
• Find sights using app hints
• Solve questions about landmarks
• Complete creative photo tasks
• Visit L’Hôtel de Ville
• Visit Saint Mary Major
• Visit Fort Saint John

Top questions

How long does the Marseille scavenger hunt take?

The tour usually lasts 1–2 hours but isn’t timed — you can go at your own pace.

Is this scavenger hunt guided?

No, it’s self-guided using an app on your smartphone.

What do I need to participate?

You’ll need a smartphone with the Explorial app installed and an access code (sent after booking).

Are there language options for the tour?

Yes, you can play in English, French, Italian, or German.

Does it include entry fees or food?

No entry fees or food are included; it’s just access to the self-guided walking tour via app.

Can I take breaks during the scavenger hunt?

Yes — there’s no time limit so you can pause whenever you want.

Is this suitable for families?

Yes; it’s suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries.

What’s included

Your experience includes access to the Explorial app for a self-guided walking tour of Marseille with riddles and creative photo challenges; simply download the app after booking and start whenever you like — no schedule or guide required.