A Game of the Goose to discover Périgueux and its surroundings

Périgueux is a city with authentic charm and a rich history. Nestled in the heart of the Dordogne, the city seduces visitors with the fascinating duality of its heritage.

On one side, the Gallo-Roman city of Vesunna reveals its impressive remains, such as its emblematic tower and its well-preserved domus. It offers a captivating journey into antiquity.

On the other, the old medieval town, with its cobbled streets, its majestic Saint-Front cathedral with Byzantine domes and its half-timbered houses.

This harmonious blend of eras is a unique cultural experience.

It was with the aim of learning more about Périgueux, its history and its culinary assets that the Périgord Guide participated in the new Game of the Goose, set up by the Périgueux tourist office. What could be more original than visiting an unmissable site in the town to learn while having fun?

Be careful when leaving…

The meeting point is at the Mataguerre Tower, near Place Francheville, in the heart of the old town of Périgueux. At 10:30 a.m., the two participants, the game mistress, and ourselves enter this historic site. Stepping inside is a bit like stepping back in time.

Don't expect a richly decorated interior in the traditional sense. Here, the structure is raw and authentic, testifying to its defensive function.

Outside

Interior

Did you know? The Mataguerre Tower is closed to the public. You'll only be allowed access through certain guided tours or games organized by the office, such as the Game of the Goose.

After climbing precisely 64 steps, we arrive at the roof of the world (or almost!). A 360-degree view opens up before us under a radiant sun. Here, you can see:

The roofs of the old town;
Saint-Front Cathedral;
The meanders of the Isle,
Historic hotels…

It is a privileged point of view for understanding the organization of the city and its environment.

The preparation

To begin the game, the game mistress sets up the Goose Game board on the orientation table. This will be a valuable aid in knowing where each of the city's must-see sites is located and will allow us to answer future questions.

To play, all we need is our brains and our knowledge. The office has everything you need: a game board, cards, pieces, dice... The city map is right on the table.

But, actually, what is the Game of the Goose?

The instructions for the Game of the Goose

Like the classic game of our childhood, all players place their pieces on the “Start” square. You can play with up to 8 people. Take turns rolling the die to move your piece the corresponding number of squares.

The game changes at this precise moment: the Périgueux office has created questions, riddles, puzzles and even gourmet challenges to discover Périgueux in a new way.

Expect different boxes:

The “animal” squares: they allow you to replay, return to the starting square…
The “questions” and “riddles” boxes: these are there to test your knowledge of the town or the Périgord region.
The "gastronomy and tasting" sections are the tastiest (in every sense of the word!). You'll be able to blind-taste local dishes. Can you find the mystery ingredient?
The “orientation” boxes are, as their name suggests, questions about the location of this or that monument.
“Observation” boxes: these are the best way to learn more about the surrounding sites.

Caution: If you don't answer the question or answer it incorrectly, your pawn moves back one square. Prison squares prevent you from playing for two consecutive turns.

Through the boxes: exploration and discoveries

The Périgord Guide rolls the dice, the game begins!

Here are some questions we were asked:

How many steps do you have to climb to get to the top of the Mataguerre Tower? (We gave the answer a little earlier…)
Where is Périgueux train station from our location?
Saint-Front Cathedral features several architectural styles. Which ones?
In which Périgord is Sarlat located?
What does this chocolate taste like? (a gastronomic and tasting question of course!)...

Some boxes also provide an opportunity to learn more about the city's history, so keep your ears open!

Did you know that foie gras originated in ancient Egyptian times? Or that strawberries can be found in local markets as early as April?

Between fun and learning, the game is perfectly paced! And the wind even wanted to play with us by pushing some pieces to other squares...

The verdict: a surprising way to discover Périgueux

The more of you there are, the longer the game can be. However, it will not exceed 1h30 . For us, one of the participants won the game in 30 minutes flat. Unfortunately, it is a defeat for the Guide du Périgord, but we have not said our last word ;)

We loved discovering Périgueux in a different way. After the Murder Party the day before, we had the honor of trying a more classic, but equally fun, activity. Being up high, overlooking the old town, gives another dimension to the game. And even if you don't know the city like the back of your hand, you'll be able to find the answers on the orientation table and by looking around you.

This outdoor activity is ideal for families (from 12 years old) or with friends. If you like history, if you have a sweet tooth or if you want to go back to your childhood with the Game of the Goose, go for it!

All practical information can be found on the Destination Périgueux website.

After your game, don't miss: