On the lands of the Commanderie Cotelier lies the hidden treasure of Gauvain, a generous Templar who left behind a whole bunch of encrypted riddles to help the bravest find it. Objectif Gard has tested the Défi des Templiers for you, the Saint-Gillois escape game and good news with the heat coming: it’s rather cool there!
Whether you are looking for adventure, a heritage discovery in addition to a visit to the Abbey, or you want a fun break on the Way of St. James, a little detour to the Commanderie Cotelier in Saint-Gilles could interest you. Former land of the Templars strategically placed on the pilgrimage route, the estate today is a wine-growing area that houses an Escape Game with a perfect theme in an old building.A historian came to the site, analyzed the place and confirmed that the Templars had lived here.”, explains Martin, better known to players as Hugues – he is the game master of the Défi des Templiers.
“You can climb ladders and touch everywhere… but be careful, there are sometimes little creatures that stay in the holes in the walls, so don’t put your finger in there!” • C. Graizzaro
“We wanted to highlight the history of the commandery, the land and the estate.” Then, about a year ago, came the idea of upgrading the old, unused building into a tourist location. The Défi des Templiers was born, with the program of rooms lit by (electric) torches, somewhat cryptic puzzles, and a decor that mixes wine barrels, grimoires and swords. And as the saying goes, after the effort, the comfort: a tasting of the estate’s wines, but also of its apricot and grape juices is included in the entry price.
Grimoire, candles, swords… Everything is designed to put you in the shoes of a medieval treasure hunter. • C. Graizzaro
A small peculiarity, Hugues is not behind a screen, guiding the players with a walkie-talkie as in most establishments of the genre. No, Hugues, sometimes in a suit when it is not too hot, accompanies the participants from start to finish, to clarify certain puzzles, adapt them to his audience or sometimes launch a few gently mocking remarks when a deduction has proven to be false: “Nothing happens, you should reread the riddle!”
Last ray of sunlight before the doors are closed: inside, only electric torches can illuminate you. • C. Graizzaro
“We didn’t want too much electrical system in the rooms”, he explains. “We didn’t want to damage the place. And having someone there all the time helps reassure some players, but also relieves parents who come with their children, and sometimes even creates games with exclusively child players!” Because yes, this escape game is accessible from 6 years old, with some simplified tests (but not simplistic, some stir the brain).
Not always obvious, some puzzles gave us a hard time! • C. Graizzaro
The Templar Challenge is open all year round “although it’s a little too cold in winter“. On the other hand, in summer, it is a welcome coolness in the rooms. It is accessible between 2 and 6 players, at a price of 27 euros per person, 20 euros for under 13s, by reservation by telephone or directly on the website of the place. “We are also open for birthdays – we offer a personalized shield to the person celebrating, or for team building.”
Gauvin is visible staying a little too long watching over his treasure… • C. Graizzaro
The Templar challenge will also be present during the Templar Tournament, an international medieval combat competition, on July 13 in Rodilhan.
After the effort, the comfort: if the game lasts about an hour, a half-hour tasting is planned afterwards. C. Graizzaro
