Outdoor Historical Treasure Hunt: The Affair of the Poisons
Presentation
Explore the gardens of the Palace of Versailles or the historic quarter through a 2-hour treasure hunt on the greatest scandal of the 17th century: the Affair of the Poisons.
Context
1673: France is shaken by the Affair of the Poisons, one of the greatest criminal cases in its history. Louis XIV is stunned to learn that a large part of the Versailles court is involved, and he even becomes the target of a poisoning attempt.
Gabriel Nicolas de La Reynie, the first Lieutenant General of Police—who also introduced public street lighting—is put in charge of the investigation.
Despite his tenacity, the instigator was never unmasked!
However, eight suspects among the most illustrious names of the kingdom were singled out: Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Montespan, Philippe d’Orléans, Madame de Sévigné, the Man in the Iron Mask, the Prince of Condé, Olympe Mancini, Antonin de Lauzun, and La Grande Mademoiselle.
Three centuries later, it’s up to you to finally uncover the truth!
Your Investigation – Practical Information
Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: under the statue of Louis XIV, Place d’Armes, in front of the Palace of Versailles
Investigation location: in the historic district or in the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles
How it works:
You will be welcomed by your investigator-trainer, who will hand out sealed envelopes with instructions, present the plot, and give you some final warnings.
Your team will then set off independently to explore the groves of the palace or the Saint-Louis district, using boldness and skill to solve puzzles and unmask the culprit.
End of investigation: in the Cour des Senteurs, just steps away from the palace, with the announcement of the winning teams, along with historical insights about Versailles and the Affair of the Poisons.
The gardens route is inspired by “Manière de montrer les jardins de Versailles”, the tourist guide written by Louis XIV himself.
1673: France is shaken by the Affair of the Poisons, one of the greatest criminal cases in its history. Louis XIV is stunned to learn that a large part of the Versailles court is involved, and he even becomes the target of a poisoning attempt.
Gabriel Nicolas de La Reynie, the first Lieutenant General of Police—who also introduced public street lighting—is put in charge of the investigation.
Despite his tenacity, the instigator was never unmasked!
However, eight suspects among the most illustrious names of the kingdom were singled out: Françoise-Athénaïs de Rochechouart de Montespan, Philippe d’Orléans, Madame de Sévigné, the Man in the Iron Mask, the Prince of Condé, Olympe Mancini, Antonin de Lauzun, and La Grande Mademoiselle.
Three centuries later, it’s up to you to finally uncover the truth!
Your Investigation – Practical Information
Duration: 2 hours
Meeting point: under the statue of Louis XIV, Place d’Armes, in front of the Palace of Versailles
Investigation location: in the historic district or in the Gardens of the Palace of Versailles
How it works:
You will be welcomed by your investigator-trainer, who will hand out sealed envelopes with instructions, present the plot, and give you some final warnings.
Your team will then set off independently to explore the groves of the palace or the Saint-Louis district, using boldness and skill to solve puzzles and unmask the culprit.
End of investigation: in the Cour des Senteurs, just steps away from the palace, with the announcement of the winning teams, along with historical insights about Versailles and the Affair of the Poisons.
The gardens route is inspired by “Manière de montrer les jardins de Versailles”, the tourist guide written by Louis XIV himself.
Opening day(s)
From 01 April to 31 October(every year)
Sunday, Friday, Saturday, Wednesday, Thursday
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Outdoor Escape game in the Parc du Château open only from 1 April to 31 October from Wednesday to Sunday.
General information
- Services :
- 150 people max per group
- 10 yrs old min
LIBELLE_EQUIPEMENT_SERVICES
- Parking :
- Parking
Accessibility
- Accessible tourism :
- Accessible tourism
- Accessibility criteria for people with reduced mobility :
- Accessible for wheelchairs with assistance
- Minimum aisle width of 90 cm
- Accessible for self-propelled wheelchairs
- Possibility of drop-off in front of the site
- Doors >=77 cm wide
Prices
| Prices | Min | Max | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2025 - 31/12/2025 | |||
| Adult | 25.00€ | 35.00€ |  25? = jeu de piste dans le quartier Saint-Louis
35? = jeu de piste dans les jardins du château de Versailles avec billets Grandes Eaux Musicales inclus |
| Group adults | 35.00€ | 45.00€ | par personne
35? = jeu de piste dans le quartier Saint-Louis
45? = jeu de piste dans les jardins du Château de Versailles, billet pour les Grandes Eaux Musicales inclus |
- Payment methods :
- Online payment
Contact
Outdoor Historical Treasure Hunt: The Affair of the Poisons
78000
Versailles
Mob : +33 6 60 59 43 01
- Spoken language(s) :
- Environnements :
- Town location
- In the historic centre