Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 in Paris, game locations to visit in real life

The video game Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is inspired by real-life settings in Paris. And so, the first images speak to strollers and gamers alike. They set a Belle Époque scene, between dream and memory.

Real-life backdrops to enhance the game

Presented at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024the title won over art lovers. What’s more, its artistic direction heralds an ambitious narrative. Its anticipated release in 2025 is already raising expectations.

In the trailer, we think we recognize the Pont Alexandre III. The Palais Garnier also appears, an icon of the capital. These settings anchor the adventure in Paris without freezing the creation.

Bridges, opera houses and glass roofs: familiar landmarks

Some shots evoke the Grand Palais. One frame recalls a columned square, close to Place Vendôme. The setting changes, yet the landmarks of Paris remain unchanged.

“When the imaginary respects the city, the magic happens right away.”

The teams cite Belle Époque inspiration, with its soft lines and ironwork. As a result, textures and volumes encourage a clear reading. The result serves the action without sacrificing the decor.

A respectful dialogue between fiction and heritage

Revisiting familiar places changes the way you play in Paris. Immersion becomes affective, as each facade tells a story. This gentle recognition reinforces the desire to return.

• Spot the nymphs and sculpted lampposts on the bridges.
• Compare glass roofs and domes with the great historical galleries.
• Observe the columned facades and perspective squares.
• Follow Art Nouveau lines in railings and balconies.
• Note the golden hues at sunset in the city.

The studio takes visual liberties, but retains the spirit of the sites. What’s more, the light guides the eye to telling details. The rhythm of the battles follows this precise aesthetic.

The glass roofs, lampposts and gilding are reminiscent of urban Art Nouveau. The nave of the Grand Palais comes to mind. Familiar Parisian kiosks also come to mind.

For a real stroll, some places can be visited all year round. Others require timetables or tickets, so a little forethought goes a long way. The contrast between day and night also changes the experience.

Player feedback, sharing and memories

The community has fun listing scene-by-scene correspondences. On the networks, the captures serve as a guide, yet nothing is set in stone. Everyone projects their memory according to their neighborhood.

A short route links the opera house, the bridge and the glass roof. From the center of Paris, everything is within walking distance. So walking between these spots enhances the vistas.

Useful landmarks for your walks and parties

In terms of timing, the team is aiming for a window in 2025. Progressive communication will detail systems and maps. Public footage already gives a good overview.

Behind the project is Sandfall Interactive, a studio based in France. The art direction is consistent, but bold. This choice serves both the theme and the mechanics.

These bridges between pop culture and heritage also benefit Paris. What’s more, they invite us to look at monuments differently, without clichés. The game points towards more sensitive points of view.

Before your session, a photo scouting session aligns memory and gaming pleasure. In this way, the screen and the city interact more effectively, for a lasting experience.

• paris