The game, the rules
The Dream Whisperer
July 2nd 2011: alert in Paris!
It’s been several weeks already that Parisians have stopped dreaming: no recollection of their thoughts upon awakening.
What is the origin of this worrisome phenomenon?
The sleep experts are without answers. Their only lead: an anonymous message hidden in the streets of Paris: “You, Parisian lovers, can say goodbye to your dreams unless you accept to live the biggest of dreams: My Parisian Reverie.”
As if in signature, each of these messages was accompanied by a few grains of sand…
Rumors were quick to circulate: is someone posing as the Sandman, that mythical personage who sprinkles sand over a sleeper’s eyes to send him or her into the dream world?
A few days ago, twelve district city halls each received an hourglass. Inside, a trail that was evidently typed but written in an enigmatic form that evokes that of a dream.
Could it be that these waking dreams lead us somewhere?
The Concept
Dive into a real treasure hunt in the Parisian street maze.
This game, organized by the Paris City Hall, is free and open to all.
Alone or in teams, set off on a mysterious quest that will lead you to make unusual discoveries and impromptu encounters.
The enigmas will call upon your flair, perspicacity, observation skills, adventurous spirit and courage when at the hands of mysterious characters awaiting in ambush.
The adventure will reveal the mystery and riches of the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th districts of Paris and of Saint-Ouen.
You will get a feel for the authentic heart of Paris by diving into the districts’ legends, meeting the shopkeepers, craftsmen and artists who animate them, and discovering unique and often unknown places: hidden gardens, narrow streets and other secret passages.
At the origin and in charge of this touristic event, Jean-Bernard Bros, deputy mayor in charge of tourism, wishes you the best of luck!
The Rules
The Paris Treasure Hunt will start at 10AM and finish at 3:30 PM on July 2nd, 2011. To participate, treasure hunters must register on this website or the day of the event in front of the city halls of the 3rd, 6th, 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th districts of Paris.
Registration is free and open to all.
The enigmas are handed to the participants July 2nd 2011 between 10AM and 1PM in front of the twelve city halls. There will be one treasure hunt per district, so twelve independent treasure hunts and a series of winners per district.
The hunt is not timed. However, the game closes at 3:30 PM sharp. The winning teams will be drawn at random among those who reach the final location before the game closes.
Game Structure:
Several enigmas, following different itineraries, are distributed at random to the participants. All the trails of a district converge toward the same ending. Each member of a team receives the same enigma.
The enigma leads the participants through different neighbourhoods of Paris where strange characters await them to challenge them to a trial of wits, humour, taste, scent… who knows what else?
If they succeed, they win clues necessary for discovering the exact arrival location. A tip: bring a pen or pencil.
At the final location, the participants are asked to submit a coupon with their name and a phone number where they can be reached in France in the ballot box.
The Final Challenge:
At the arrival point, in order to increase their chances of winning, the participants must answer a question about the course they just completed. If they answer correctly, they win extra coupons to place in the ballot box.
Departure Points:
Departure between 10 AM and 1 PM July 2nd 2011 in front of the twelve participating district city halls.
Exceptions:
- In the 6th: departure in the allyway of the seminary (a few meters from the city hall)
- In the 18th: departure in the Clignancourt square (a few meters from the city hall)
- In the 12th: departure in the jardin de Reuilly (Reuilly garden)
The Treasure
The prizes:
The prizes are meant for teams of 6 people maximum.
In each district:
- 1st prize: The treasure of Paris
An invitation to Paris’s secret cabaret: it opens only once a year for a magical night. The location and the program are kept secret.
Two years ago: a private concert by –M- on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Last year: a private concert by Tete at the trois baudets.
This year the location will be underneath Paris! - 2nd prize: UCPA trip/weekends
- 3rd prize: Dinner in a top Paris restaurant
- Jury’s special prizes: Gifts from the event’s shopkeepers and partners will be distributed to the team with the best costume, the most motivated team…
Prize-giving ceremony:
At the end of the adventure on July 2nd 2011, the twelve district city halls set a time and place for all of the participants of its district to meet and enjoy festive entertainment and activities, drink in hand, before attending the prize giving ceremony at 4:30pm.
