POPGuide at the Tour César in Provins: an immersive audio-guided tour by Sycomore

Perched at the top of the medieval town of Provins, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Tour César, built in the 12th century, served as a watchtower, a refuge and a prison, and still houses the bells of the Saint-Quiriace collegiate church. Thanks to the POPGuide audio-guided mobile app, developed and deployed by Sycomore, it can now be explored through a multilingual audio immersion, directly from your own smartphone.

Sycomore, a key player in cultural interpretation

A recognized specialist in cultural interpretation, Sycomore was entrusted with the entire project, from content creation to distribution. The choice of an app was no accident: in a monument as demanding as the Tour César — slippery staircases, cramped spaces, no room to store equipment — a hands-free, practical and self-contained solution was needed. POPGuide delivers exactly that through an automatic triggering system using Bluetooth BLE beacons: content activates at just the right moment, without entering any numbers, for an uninterrupted visit.

A lively, captivating tour accessible to all

The tour features ten points of interest, each activated automatically as the visitor approaches the beacons. Available in French, English and Spanish, the app offers content told by two engaging narrators who alternate historical explanations, anecdotes and touches of humour. Visitors discover the guard room, the Governor's chamber, the famous medieval latrines nicknamed the "Pâté aux Anglais", the 17th-century timber framework and the lower hall, all while enjoying a spectacular view over the Provins countryside.

The format is deliberately short — around 25 minutes — to suit all audiences, including families with children.

Ease of use and a self-guided visit

Simply scan a QR code at the entrance to activate the tour. The app then guides the visitor automatically, with no need to handle the phone. For optimal listening, visitors are advised to bring their own earphones — earphones are also on sale on site. The POPGuide tour is included in the ticket price, both the standard ticket and the Pass Provins, and the app works offline once downloaded.

An eco-responsible, innovative solution

By eliminating the need for physical equipment to hand out, POPGuide reduces logistical costs, health risks and environmental impact. It is a modern, sustainable solution in step with the contemporary challenges facing heritage sites.

Nighttime discoveries and new tours to come

During the "Les Lueurs du Temps" events, scheduled for 5 July and 2 August 2025, the monument is illuminated by more than 700 candles — and POPGuide continues to guide visitors step by step. The collaboration between Sycomore and Provins will continue: a tour of the Grange aux Dîmes will soon be available on the same app, along with a future guided route through the streets of the medieval town.