Gardois participated in a culinary escape game. They had to browse the shops of Nîmes while answering different riddles. The best received a basket filled with local products.
This Saturday, June 29, in the morning, a culinary escape game was organized in the streets of Nîmes. The third-year communication students of the Institut Formation Conseil (IFC) organized this event, in collaboration with the Rotary Club Nîmes Arènes association. Together, they proposed a unique concept. About twenty pairs competed. Children, grandparents, young people and couples participated.
The meeting point was in front of the bull. The riddle: “In a Roman city, look for the spirit of strength, in a huge arena.” • Liana Delgado
The participants traveled through the city center of Nîmes and had to answer as many riddles as possible. The solution indicated the name of the business that needed to be joined. At the entrance to the stores, a student was waiting for the participants. “I am responsible for awarding a small stamp in the players’ notebook so that they can access the next puzzle”, explains Inès Zaimi, organizer of the event. She adds: “It’s great to see that our project has come to fruition and to be able to collaborate with local traders, it warms the heart.”
Invested traders
Eight Nîmes stores took part in the game and happily agreed to participate in this escape game. Baptiste Luigi has been manager of the Corsican grocery store in Nîmes since last year, 8 rue des Marchands. “I come from the north of Corsica, near Calvi, and I buy from small Corsican producers that I know well. I prefer to use them rather than the large retailers,” says the manager. It sells wine, cold meats, cheese, biscuits and Corsican specialties.
Baptiste Luigi’s Corsican grocery store. • Liana Delgado
“The escape game is a great initiative for Nîmes traders. It allows us to introduce our products to people who don’t often come to the city centre”, continues Baptiste Luigi. An opinion shared by Myriam Lanquetin, manager of the Au Petit Gourmand store: “I think it’s positive for us. It allows us to showcase our products. Here we offer artisanal cakes, including caladons and Joyeuse macaroons.”
Myriam Lanquetin, manager of the Au petit Gourmand store • Liana Delgado
L’Huilerie de Nîmes is a delicatessen that has been open for 50 years. “It’s a historic store in the city,” says Jonathan Paris, the manager. A fan of escape games, he did not hesitate to participate in this event. “They suggested that a student sit at the entrance to manage the participants. This allows us to continue working and collaborating without constraints. It’s a great idea,” approves the manager. Many products are to be found such as oils, tea, flours, syrups and delicacies.
Jonathan Paris, director of the Huilerie de Nîmes • Liana Delgado
A successful event
Around ten students were present to cover the event and ensure the smooth running of the event. “We didn’t expect to have so many participants. It’s a great success for us,” “Inès Zaimi is delighted. The organizers were very satisfied with how the game went. “The morning went very well, people were in a good mood and they were all very motivated and super enthusiastic!”, explains Céleste Thiabaud Gonzalez, an organizer. His colleague, Morgane Morales, happily certifies: “We are very proud of ourselves. Implementing a project that we thought of, created and prepared is very rewarding”.
To validate their “event communication” subject, students had to organize a concrete event. The objective was to help the Rotary association gain visibility among the local population. At the end of the culinary escape game, the association has planned an aperitif for the players. “Thank you all for participating in this delicious survey. We organized this morning to try to make you want to volunteer. We are in need of help,” supports Josette Charaf, the president of Rotary Club Nîmes Arènes. “I would especially like to congratulate the IFC students,” she concludes.
Happy winners
The escape game course lasted on average 45 minutes. The three teams with the best time were rewarded with a garnished basket, offered by the merchants who participated in this gourmet survey. Two teams came first equallythe duo of Céline Truche and Sophie Nicolas. “The puzzles were very good, neither easy nor too complicated. Strolling around the city center of Nîmes was very pleasant. To win we ran a lot,” smiles Celine.
The winners ! • Liana Delgado
The second couple says: “We discovered some traders we didn’t know. It was a great experience, we are very happy to have arrived first.” The garnished baskets included coffee, macaroons, chocolate, a bottle of wine, brandade and cakes. This event allowed everyone to meet and share a moment through a fun game.
