Paris Marais: Self-guided scavenger hunt walking tour

Summary

Wander Paris’ Marais solving clues & finding hidden corners

You’ll explore Paris’ Marais district at your own pace with this self-guided scavenger hunt walking tour. Solve clues on your phone, discover local sights like Place des Vosges and Hôtel de Sens, and take breaks whenever you want. It’s a playful way to see familiar streets differently — and maybe catch yourself smiling at small surprises along the way.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, we got lost before we even started — classic us. The app said “begin at Place de la Bastille” but somehow we ended up circling a bakery twice (the smell of fresh baguettes didn’t help). Once we finally figured out the starting point, it felt like a tiny victory. There’s something about doing a scavenger hunt in Paris that makes you feel like a kid again, except this time you’re dodging scooters and locals in perfect scarves.

The first clue sent us down a narrow street where an old man was sweeping his doorstep, humming something I couldn’t place. We paused to check the map on my phone — I’m not great with directions, but the app kept us mostly on track. At Hôtel de Sens, our next stop, I had to squint at a plaque to answer the question (my French is still embarrassing). My friend tried to pronounce “Sens” properly; a woman passing by smiled and corrected him softly. That moment felt more real than any guidebook tip.

Somewhere near Place des Vosges, we got sidetracked taking silly photos for one of the creative tasks — I think we annoyed a couple of pigeons who were minding their own business. The light was soft and golden, and for a second I forgot we were competing for points. We took our time because there’s no rush; you can pause whenever you want (we did, for coffee and people-watching). I liked that—no pressure to keep up or move along before you’re ready.

By the end, my shoes were dusty and my brain pleasantly tired from all the riddles. We’d seen corners of Marais I’d never noticed before, even after living here for months. It wasn’t perfect — my phone battery almost died halfway through — but honestly, that made it feel more like our own little adventure. Sometimes I still think about that old man humming as we walked past.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Paris Scavenger Hunt Highlights

• Start interactive scavenger hunt
• Find sights using app hints
• Solve questions about landmarks
• Complete creative photo tasks
• Visit Place de la Bastille
• Explore Hôtel de Sens
• Discover Place des Vosges
• Enjoy self-paced city exploration

Top questions

How long does the Paris Marais scavenger hunt take?

The tour usually lasts 1–2 hours but you can go at your own pace.

Do I need to speak French to do this self-guided tour?

No, the scavenger hunt is available in English, French, Italian, and German.

Where does the scavenger hunt start?

The starting point is Place de la Bastille in Paris’ Marais district.

Is there a guide or is it fully self-guided?

This experience is fully self-guided using an app on your smartphone.

Can I take breaks during the scavenger hunt?

Yes, you can pause anytime and continue when you’re ready.

What do I need to bring for the tour?

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

Are there physical requirements for this walking tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or pregnant travelers.

What kind of places will I see during the scavenger hunt?

You’ll visit sites like Place de la Bastille, Hôtel de Sens, Place des Vosges, and other local highlights in Marais.

What’s included

Your day includes access to the Explorial app for a self-guided walking tour through Paris’ Marais district; just download the app after booking and use your access code to start exploring at your own pace — no guide needed and breaks are totally up to you.