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Main image of the game The Alchemist VALENCIENNES
4,3/5 from 70 reviews

The AlchemistCitywide escape game in Valenciennes

120 minutes 5,6 km 12 years old 1 to 6 players

The year of our Lord 1555. Right before your eyes, the guards arrest Josyne, a villager accused of witchcraft. In the streets of Valenciennes, your investigation begins.

Discover the story
1 code = 1 team
39,99 € per team
per player
  • Up to 6 players with a single code
  • No need to book a date
  • Code valid for 3 years
  • Refundable as long as the code is not activated
  • Makes a gift: forward the code by email
Estimated duration120 minutes
Estimated distance5,6 km
Per team1 to 6 players
From12 years old
Languages
EN flag
FR flag
NL flag

A witch, really?

You play an alchemist in 1555, in an investigation drawn from real events. Josyne Van Vlasselaer really existed: she was an ancestor of Beethoven.

1

An arrest before your eyes

You were just passing by. The city guards lead Josyne away, accused of witchcraft. What on earth could she have done to deserve that?

2

Help or accuse

Your first decision changes the course of the adventure. Stand up for her, or join those pointing the finger? With strange things happening all over town, you might well hesitate.

3

Witnesses to question

Pernelle, the Burgomaster, the Judge, the Governor, the Bishop. You cross the city to meet them and examine every clue. The hard part is telling real leads from rumours.

4

Before the trial

Gather clues and witnesses in time to present them at the trial. What is at stake: sparing Josyne a tragic end. Time is not on her side.

The witnesses

Four people who may know more than they let on. Flip a card to prepare your questioning.

Valenciennes in 1555

Map of the The Alchemist Valenciennes route Open in Google Maps
  1. Start Location Place de la Gare, Valenciennes
  2. End Location Rue des Incas, Valenciennes

What awaits you in Valenciennes

Travel back in time to 1555 and experience a thrilling adventure in the heart of Valenciennes!

Let yourself be swept up in the mystery of Josyne, a village woman accused of witchcraft. Your adventure begins at Place de la Gare, where a single decision—help Josyne or accuse her—will change the course of history. As you wander through medieval streets, meet intriguing witnesses such as the judge, the mayor, or the bishop, gather clues, and uncover the secrets hidden within the city.

But beware, strange phenomena occur and every choice will have unexpected consequences. Inspired by true events, this urban detective game promises suspense, reflection, and total immersion. Are you ready to take on the challenge and write your own version of history? The fate of Josyne—and that of the city—is in your hands!

A family playing a Coddy game near a fountain in town

Ready in three steps

No guide, no time slot, no queue. Your smartphone is the game master.

  1. 1

    Buy your code

    It arrives by email within a minute. One code covers a team of 6 players.

  2. 2

    Pick your moment

    Saturday afternoon, summer evening or rainy Sunday: head to the starting point whenever you feel like it.

  3. 3

    Let the app guide you

    The Coddy app, free on iOS and Android, leads you from riddle to riddle with GPS.

One smartphone is enough for the team Hints if you get stuck Set off with a charged battery
4,3 /5

Average rating from 70 player reviews

Positive reviews87 %

The players' verdict

leuke manier om de stad te zien, je ziet enkele belangrijke bezienswaardigheden, de wandeling is
une jolie découverte de la ville grâce à cette expérience
super expérience nous avons passés un bon moment
Au top merci pour votre travail !
On a sauvé Josyne !
dernier lieu en travaux avec beaucoup d'échafaudage donc pas de visibilité mais bon parcours
L'expérience était bien reliée à la ville et incluait à l'intérieur les statues et plaques
amusant,permet de découvrir la ville,un peu trop long
super fun, glad we did it! we did a bit of cheating and rented out a scooter. super fun.
ce serait chouette que chaque équipe ait un itinéraire différent, sinon super !
super van genoten. leuke manier om Oostende op een andere manier te ontdekken.
Chouette moment et sert à découvrir la ville en même temps !

Before you book

The questions people ask most before buying.

All frequently asked questions
Do we have to pick a date?

No. Your code stays valid for 3 years from purchase. You start the game on whatever day and time suits you.

Can I give the game as a gift?

Yes. You receive the code by email and pass it on to whoever you like. It stays valid for 3 years with no date to set, so they play on whatever day suits them.

Is the game suitable for beginners?

Yes. The riddles call for observation and logic, not special knowledge, and hints get you going again if you are stuck. The game is recommended from age 12.

There are more than 6 of us, what do we do?

Take one code per team of up to 6 players. Teams set off at the same time and play the same route in parallel. The booking card works out the number of codes for you.

How many smartphones do we need?

One is enough for the whole team. Up to 6 phones can join the same game, handy if a battery runs low.

What if we get stuck on a riddle?

The Hint button in the app puts you on the right track, step by step. Each hint weighs a little on your final score, but nobody stays stuck.

Can I get a refund?

Yes, as long as the code has not been activated. Contact Coddy support before you start the game.

Josyne is counting on you

Start: Place de la Gare, Valenciennes. The code arrives by email right away. You set off whenever you like, for 3 years.

Book for 39,99 € per team
Refundable as long as the code is not activated

The Alchemist in other cities

This theme is also available in other cities.

The Alchemist

Nice · Adults · Teens
  • Estimated duration : 120 min
  • Estimated distance : 4 km
  • Rating : 4.1 / 5
  • Languages : EN / ES / FR / NL
€39.99 per team

The Alchemist

Dinant · Adults · Teens
  • Estimated duration : 120 min
  • Estimated distance : 3 km
  • Rating : 4.2 / 5
  • Languages : EN / ES / FR / NL
€39.99 per team

The Alchemist

The Hague · Adults · Teens
  • Estimated duration : 180 min
  • Estimated distance : 3 km
  • Rating : 4.0 / 5
  • Languages : EN / FR / IT / NL
€39.99 per team
39,99 € per team No fixed date