Terra Aventura

Jacqueline Brown

Hello, is there anybody there? I’ve been abducted and drawn into another universe; can anybody hear me? Actually don t worr y I think I ve found somewhere where a histor y and travel nerd like me is quite at home, despite the fact it relies on technology

Let me introduce you to Terra Aventura the nouvelleAquitaine GeoCaching app and its collection of over sixhundred interactive treasure hunts that can be followed in French or English As well as adding interest and fun, to make the most out of your visits to some of the region’s top locations, you will get to know the mysterious world of the Poi’z, thirty-one characters who are there to guide you and show you things you might other wise have missed

Ever y Poi z has their own specialist subjects and interests from histor y, nature, art, geology, local legends and more As they whisk you off on your adventures, they share little snippets of histor y and local knowledge and you can be sure to find hidden backstreets, unusual buildings and quiet spots in busy cities, as you pick up interesting facts along the way

In just over a month, I ve completed eleven adventures, in four different departements and according to the app (that I find myself drawn to more than is necessar y) I’ve walked or cycled 4 2kms and burned almost 7500 calories I have explored new areas and revisited places I thought I knew, only to discover something fabulous I’d missed before, including gardens châteaux and Roman villas If you are looking for something to ensure your family gets outside this summer look no further but be warned collecting Poi z can quickly become an addictive pastime

To join in the fun, it’s as simple as downloading the app on your smartphone, picking your destination, following the clues and answering the questions all of which have been imaginatively created to make learning fun whatever your age If your answers are correct you will be led to a hidden prize and let me tell you, even a couple in their fifties have been known to do a happy dance upon the discover y that all their answers are correct My smile in the photo says it all There are over forty circuits to discover in the Deux-Sèvres and over six hundred in nouvelle-Aquitaine and yes there is one that starts in the grounds of the Château de Javarzay and guides you around the commune of Chef-Boutonne If you fancy giving this one a go, do pop in and say hello Whilst most of the routes are designed to do on foot, with distances from 1km to over 5kms, some of them are specifically for cyclists and are usually at least 10km longthere is something for ever yone

All the information you need about how it works and where the treasure hunts can be found is available on their website: www terra-aventura fr or go to the App store on your smartphone The app is free, as are all the treasure hunts, and the routes can be downloaded in advance to easily use off-line when you are out