Puy du Fou isn't just known for its owner's off-road adventures. This year, the famous Vendée theme park is making a big splash with a treasure hunt of unprecedented scale. Inspired by Arthurian legend, the treasure hunt invites adventurers to follow in the footsteps of Exkalibur, a goldsmith's sword estimated at €250,000, hidden somewhere in Western Europe. The timing is significant: after the end of the legendary Golden Owl Hunt, which held France in suspense for 31 years, Puy du Fou is now capturing the collective imagination by launching a hunt for the magic sword. This immersive adventure also fits in with the launch of his new show, called The Sword of King Arthur.
A unique treasure
The quest for Exkalibur is not just a game. To participate, you must purchase a game box (from €39) on the Puy du Fou website. This box contains a detailed map of medieval Europe, twelve riddles calligraphed on animal skin, and as many hand-painted illuminations. The clues, designed by Étienne Picand, co-founder of Unsolved Hunts, are designed to be solved from home, the only trip required being to unearth the final chest. A Europe-wide treasure hunt that will guide the winners to a buried chest containing a unique piece of goldsmithing.
The Exkalibur sword stands out as a true work of goldsmithing, forged in France, at the foot of the citadel of Carcassonne. More than six months of work were required to create this unique piece, measuring 124 cm and weighing 3.4 kg, scrupulously respecting medieval techniques. Its steel blade, shaped in a charcoal forge, is decorated with Celtic engravings and covered in gold. The pommel is set with a 6.23-carat red spinel, extracted from the Vietnamese mines of Luc Yen. The value of the sword, estimated at €250,000, promises to become a priceless collector's item.
A treasure hunt on a European scale
The location of the treasure is deliberately vague: it could be in France, Portugal, Spain, Andorra, the United Kingdom, or Ireland, but never on private land. This adds unprecedented depth to the adventure. The official launch of the hunt is scheduled for May 22, 2025, alongside the new show. The quest is estimated to last between two and five years, but could be extended if the chest is not discovered.
Six game boxes are available for sale, between €39 and €169 depending on the clues provided. Beyond its material value, the sword is intended to embody the excellence of French jewelry, through a fantasy medieval prism. Whoever solves the riddles and locates the chest will be awarded the sword during an official ceremony in the park.
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