TOUR & INVESTIGATION TRAIL
Discover Lion-sur-mer with this family-friendly investigation!
THE MYSTERY OF THE TRAMWAY
2
Hours of visit & game
5
Kilometres of route
6
Visit points
Letter to the visitors
“My dearest visitors,
Allow me to introduce myself: my name is Lucas Vidocq, humble descendant of the famed Eugène François Vidocq, illustrious investigator and head of the French police in the 19th century.
Some years ago, a most peculiar discovery befell me at the top of my ancestors’ abode. In that attic, long forgotten by time, I came upon an ancient trunk, covered in dust and oblivion.
Imagine my astonishment when, having opened it, I uncovered numerous old documents, completely unknown until then! My glorious ancestor had carefully stored away many investigations left unresolved—lack of time or circumstances having prevented their conclusion.
And believe it or not, dear friends, one of these investigations concerns none other than the peaceful town of Lion-sur-mer.”
THE INVESTIGATION
“My friends,
An old photographic print, sepia-toned and timeworn, reveals a scene from yesteryear: a few strollers, frozen in wait for the tramway. This vehicle, much admired in its day, linked the elegant seaside resorts, from Cabourg to Courseulles-sur-Mer, like a silver thread tracing the Norman coast.
On one particular image dated 1900, one might make out the distinguished figure of Mademoiselle Delamarre. Alas! Just days after the photo was taken, the young lady was declared missing. Rumor had it she was wearing a pale red tunic and was seen with an enigmatic figure: a certain “man with the cane,” Paris-born, distinguished in posture—but of highly questionable repute…
Decades have passed, and Mademoiselle Delamarre has never reappeared. Yet this photograph may still conceal a clue. What if we unveiled the mystery together? Join the investigation, and let us attempt to uncover the identity of the figure frozen in this image…
You may rightly object: how can one recognize a red tunic in a black-and-white photograph?
Well, according to the recovered archives, a sealed note mentions that someone—perhaps even the photographer’s own heir—secretly colorized the image. This precious version would only be accessible by solving a code, hidden within the heritage treasures of our dear town…”
CONDUCTING YOUR QUEST METHODICALLY
To stand a chance at uncovering the secret code, it is absolutely essential to follow the trail in the precise order given, without disrupting its progression. The investigation must begin at the First Point, located in front of Lion-sur-Mer’s Town Hall.
Here is the exact path to follow:
-
First Point: The Town Hall
-
Second Point: Villa Louis
-
Third Point: The Church
-
Fourth Point: The Château of Lion
-
Fifth Point: The Cemetery
-
Sixth and final Point: The Protestant Temple
Any deviation or haste may obscure the clues… Let the elegance of your mind guide your steps!
Red Trail – Quick Route : 4.5 km, around 2 hours on foot
A leisurely stroll, indeed, yet far from lacking in interest: throughout the route, the eye will delight in the ancient buildings and rich architectural heritage that adorn the town.
Blue Trail – Discovery Route : 7 km, around 4 hours on foot
A vast journey between coast and countryside. From paths lining the waves to the elegant homes of Haut-Lion, this excursion offers a true escape through the ages, blending natural beauty with echoes of the past.
OUR INVESTIGATION BEGINS HERE
“Please accept my most distinguished wishes for the success of your endeavour, and may Providence look kindly upon you.”
1 - the town hall
To begin your investigation, stand in front of the town hall, facing the sea. Observe the decorative elements of its facade.
Riddle: Beautiful by nature, they stand as guardians. They scan the horizon, their gaze turned toward the future? How many are there?
Take the seawall and head toward Point 2. Along your walk, admire the coastal mansions.
A bit of history along your path
In 1868, the mayor
“declared that, each year during the bathing season, the town of Lion is visited by many outsiders who, unaware of the names of the town’s streets, have trouble receiving their correspondence in a timely manner, which may harm their interests.”
Former Rue de Paris & Hôtel de la Plage
18Fi 50 – Lot 1 – Media 13 – Calvados Archives
Between that date and 1896, street nameplates were installed. Some names remain unchanged since the 19th century, like Avenue du Château, rue du Than, or rue des Écoles.
As for rue de la Mer, it went through several changes: renamed rue de Paris, it finally became rue Edmond Bellin in 1945, in tribute to one of the town’s most esteemed administrators (1912–1944).
2 - The Villa Louis
This Art Nouveau villa was built in 1868 by the daughter of composer Auber, director of the Paris Opera under Napoleon III. Observe its ceramics from every angle.
Riddle:
A symbol of pilgrims and travellers,
I mark the road ahead.
My home is hard,
but my heart is tender.
You might find me waiting on the beach.
How many are there?
Now head to Point 3, the church, via rue Edmond Bellin.
.png?etag=%22e96b-683c8ad9%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fpng&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=284%2B284&extract=0%2B39%2B284%2B223)
A bit of history along your path
Not far from Villa Louis is the fishermen’s slipway. During the 1900 Universal Exposition, the sailors of Lion-sur-Mer were honored with an official invitation from the Ministry.
However, the town council declined.
Poster: 1900 Universal Exposition, Le Petit Palais ©Henri Meyer
“The Council,
Having reviewed the ministerial dispatch of 21 May 1900,
And the letter from the Commissioner dated 25 May,
Commends the Minister’s thoughtful idea and kind intentions,
But regrets that its finances do not allow the expense of sending sailors to the Universal Exposition.”
3 - The Church
You are now in front of the Church of Saint Peter, built from the 11th century onward.
Take your time to walk around and observe its architecture.
Riddle:
Stone-bodied with startled gaze,
We watch the heavens near the spires.
Our gaping mouths, in silence, stir as rain descends and slips from heights.
How many are we?
Proceed now to Haut-Lion (Point 4) to discover its château and the old winding streets around it.
A bit of history along your path
Over the centuries, Lion-sur-Mer transformed—and the church square bears witness. In medieval times, it hosted a chapel dedicated to Saint Thomas.
Until the interwar period, traces remained of the old tithe barn and a leper hospital.
The Church Square, around 1913 ©Private collection
The tithe barn, destroyed during WWII, stood to the right of the church, heading toward Haut-Lion.
It was used to store goods collected as tithe—an early form of taxation. Opposite stood hospital buildings, said to have been founded by Saint Louis, according to tradition.
4 - The Château
You now stand before the Château of Lion and its watchtower, rising near the entrance gate.
Riddle:
Lined in silence upon a wall of stone,
They watch the wind, the shadow, war unknown.
Narrow slits with piercing sight,
From them once flew arrows in flight.
No doors, no windows—just eyes in the wall,
Discreet sentinels from a time of brawl.
What is their name, whispered low?
And on the watchtower, how many show?
Follow the path between homes and fields to reach the communal cemetery, Point 5. Here lie tombs from another era!
A bit of history along your path
In earlier times, the people of Haut-Saint-Pierre, who worked the land, were wary of the sailors below.
One still speaks of the old distinction between Haut-Lion, land-facing, and Bas-Lion, near the sea.
Today, those old rivalries have faded, giving way to a united community: Lion-sur-Mer, proudly future-facing, welcoming to both visitors and its ever-growing population.
%20-%2018Fi%2050%20-%20Lot%201%20-%20M%C3%A9dia%204%20-%20Archives%20du%20Calvados.jpg?etag=%22434c9-683a93f6%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=501%2B333&extract=89%2B11%2B289%2B216&quality=85)
Postcard of the château, 1901 | 137 18Fi/50 Calvados Archives
Lion owes its independence to the Le Sens de Lion family from Caen, ennobled in 1470. They built the current château, which has since changed hands many times but remains privately owned.
Relations between the townsfolk and the castle’s lords have always been cordial.
Even after the rise of the Republic, the people of Lion remained fond of their former seigneur.
5 - The Cimetery
You are about to enter the cemetery, established in 1910, after the relocation of the old parish cemetery that once surrounded Saint Peter’s Church.You will find very ancient tombs. Please explore in silence and with respect.
Riddle:
Diplomat of land and sea,
He bore France’s voice with dignity.
Born in 1895, noble and brave,
He served his country long and grave.
On stone dark as night, he lies at rest,
His arms, his name, his noble crest.
His final breath, distant yet near—
In what year did he disappear?
Now pass through old Lion and head back toward the coastline, near the Tennis Club, where you’ll find your final riddle at Point 6.
A bit of history along your path
With the arrival of summer visitors in the 19th century, Protestantism gained visibility, especially with the settlement of bankers and academics.
Their increasing presence led the town council to approve, on March 2, 1902, the following:
“Considering that the creation of the new seaside resort can only encourage visitors and promote local prosperity, the Council supports the building of a Protestant temple within the commune.”
%20-%2018Fi%2050%20-%20Lot%201%20-%20M%C3%A9dia%201%20-%20Archives%20du%20Calvados.jpg?etag=%2244793-683a96bf%22&sourceContentType=image%2Fjpeg&ignoreAspectRatio&resize=366%2B233&extract=9%2B7%2B289%2B216&quality=85)
The former Grand Hôtel, across from the town hall | 58 - 18Fi/50 Calvados Archives
La Belle Époque—a true golden age for Lion-sur-Mer! It was during this time that the resort flourished: the construction of a grand casino, sumptuous villas, elegant hotels, and its iconic promenade.
A true rival of Deauville, Lion welcomed great figures of its time: Édouard Charton, author of the French language dictionary, King Carlos I of Portugal, the writer Gyp, and Nobel laureate Anatole France… A brilliant and vibrant period that marked the town forever.
6 - The Temple
You now stand before Lion-sur-Mer’s Protestant temple, inaugurated in 1903.
Before its construction, Protestants attended services in the Château’s private chapel, offered by the Count.
Riddle:
For cross the threshold and look up,
count the solid, pious guardians.
Lined up, silent, but proud to be there,
they are the support, from here to below.
How many of them carry this faith,
never bending under the weight?
Your investigation is now complete.
Return to the seawall, between the town hall and Villa Louis.
If your code is correct, you will reveal the colorized photograph and, perhaps, meet Mademoiselle Delamarre, in her time…
“After this trail full of surprises, it’s time to find out what kind of investigator you truly are!”
Enter the digits you’ve found with each riddle, in order, from the first to the last.
The code appears to be eleven digits long.
With all due respect, I must warn you: if your code is incorrect, you will have to start your investigation all over again…
May fortune favor you!