We tested it for you: the Frères Brigands treasure hunt

To clear our minds on a sunny afternoon, we set off to test the “Grand Tour in Villars” treasure hunt created by the Frères Brigands. Behind this name are two brothers, creators of outdoor adventures, who designed a route especially for our resort.

This immersive game, aimed at children ‘aged 5 to 88’ in their own words, allowed us to discover Villars in a whole new light through a series of puzzles.

The start

Our excursion begins at the Villars Tourist Office. We check in at the reception and request a “Frères Brigands” kit. We then receive a nice tote bag containing:

• An access code for the app to unlock the coded riddles
• An “Introduction” document
• An “Instructions” document
• A booklet called “Did You Know?” to learn more about the region
• A glossary to understand the local dialect
• A map of the area to help you find your way

The magic happens through the app. Once the code is entered on our phone, we are immersed in the history of alpine tourism in Villars. All the riddles are solved within the app, using real-world elements (landscapes, signs, buildings) as well as the booklet, map, and glossary, becoming a true French-Vaudois dialect bilingual!

Tip: Make sure your phone is fully charged before you start!

The Story

The synopsis takes us back to 1922. We play the role of English tourists enjoying a peaceful holiday on the shores of Lake Geneva when we receive a letter from an old friend in Villars. His patent for the first ski lift has been stolen, and he calls on us to help recover it.

The storyline is cleverly designed to be understandable and engaging for both children and adults. Through the riddles and the provided materials, it teaches us a lot about the history of the resort and mountain tourism, a fantastic way to learn while having fun!

The Route

During our test, although the activity is advertised as lasting 2 to 3 hours, we managed to complete the route in under 2 hours at a brisk pace. Admittedly, we are quite familiar with the region and its history! However, the suggested duration is very realistic for anyone who wants to enjoy the walk at a more relaxed pace.

The route doesn’t stray off the beaten path: a good pair of trainers is more than sufficient. This approximately 5 km walk allows you to get some exercise while remaining accessible, with a fairly moderate elevation gain. We particularly appreciated that the treasure hunt doesn’t stay confined to the village centre but takes us to explore some of Villars’ more hidden streets and paths.

The Riddles

Although the first riddles may seem easy, don’t be fooled too quickly. Observation, reasoning, and imagination will be your best allies to reach the solution. In the worst case, there’s no frustration: the answers are always available in the app, making it easy to solve the puzzles. What a thoughtful touch!