Playing in the citadel

The mysteries of Pif

Children also have the right to their own Bonifacio trail! By downloading the Les Mystères de Pif app, we took part in a family investigation of the cliff city. Our guides? Wonderful little cats and dogs: Lupif and Charlok at the helm. The QR code was on display at the Bastion de l’Étendard Information Office, and after scanning it, it was a simple matter to get the app and start the adventure!

Restaurant Fondago Vue Le Royal Bonifacio

First steps... on the terrace!

A quiet start

To start with, there are some initial games to play on the phone. Just in time, we had just visited the Bastion of the Standard and its esplanades, and were keen to settle down on a terrace to sip a local lemonade and rest our legs. We decided to meet up with Charlok. On the program: jigsaw puzzle, a little tough charade (ahah!), scratch card, the kids are totally autonomous while we sunbathe under the mulberry trees of the Royal hotel-restaurant. After twenty minutes or so, they’re ready for the riddles. The second part of the game takes us to the Tourist Office on rue Scamaroni.

On-site survey

Unlocking Bonifacio's secret

The app takes us to different corners of the medieval citadel and leads us, or rather… our children, to pay closer attention to detail. As you can’t see the same thing at 7, 13 or um… a certain age, everyone gets involved. And we think we’ve already won the bet. As for our youngest, he’s quite happy to be the one holding the smartphone. For once! On the other hand, the teenager is dragging her feet a little, it’s true. Just a teenager!

We recommend...

Several heritage games are available in Bonifacio for your children or families in general. Escape game, booklet-game at the Bastion de l’Étendard, diploma issued by the Roy d’Aragon after climbing the Roy d’Aragon stairs, model of the Bastion to assemble on the way home. Heritage is not just for grown-ups.

Eglise Saint Dominique Vue Exterieure Bonifacio

Fun learning

The second winning bet is undoubtedly all the things we learn to see in the citadel. Without Les Mystères de Pif, we wouldn’t have paid so much attention to the details that are so important in a city so steeped in history. The stroll continues. We learn more about the composition of the Upper Town, and take in alleys we might not have noticed without the game.

We’re now in the Pisan quarter. The riddles have led us to the church of Saint-Dominique. I leave the children with their father and take the opportunity to have a quiet look around. When I come out, they’re already solving another question that Charlok and Lupif have asked them. I join them. We’re very close to the secret. Even our teenager is interested!

A friendly, educational experience

I’m not going to reveal the end of our adventure, which took us roughly an hour. Looking back on this afternoon spent in the company of my childhood heroes (Ah! Pif Gadget, what nostalgia), I’m very happy with this moment of family sharing around a heritage theme. It’s not always easy to combine tourism and knowledge when traveling with children. We tend to prefer the beach or shopping, but I’m keen to ensure that in all our travels, we learn a little more about the place we’re in. Judging by the look on my toddlers’ faces, I’d say they’re won over by the experience. On the way back to our hotel, they’re talking about the riddles again, including one in Latin that really made them laugh. Who knows why? I recommend this experience which, even if it requires a smartphone to complete, is still friendly, interactive and educational. My definition of an ideal vacation.

Did you know?

Pif Gadget, a French children’s comic magazine, was created in February 1969, with the distinctive feature of including a gadget in each issue. The magazine was a major success in the 1970s and 80s. After several periods of inactivity, Pif has been back since 2018 under the name of Pif le mag, from which this app is derived.

A drink on the terrace?

A moment of conviviality

A short break is always welcome during a visit to the citadel, especially on a fine spring, summer or autumn day. In Haute-Ville, you’ll find places with shaded terraces a little away from the excitement, or right in the heart of Bonifacian life. Don’t hesitate to take your time, chat with the owners and make connections. While it’s harder to talk in high season, in April or October you can enjoy the conviviality of your hosts and learn more about Bonifacian culture.