The Chouette d’Or, or the Golden Owl, is one of the most famous and enduring treasure hunts in the world. Launched in 1993 by Max Valentin (a pseudonym for Régis Hauser) and artist Michel Becker, this hunt captivated treasure seekers for over three decades. The prize, a golden owl statuette encrusted with diamonds, was estimated to be worth €150,0001.
The Origins of the Hunt
Max Valentin, a French author and puzzle maker, conceived the idea of the Chouette d’Or as a way to engage the public in a challenging and intellectual pursuit. He buried a bronze replica of the owl somewhere in France and published a book containing eleven cryptic riddles that, when solved, would lead to the treasure’s location1.
The Riddles
The eleven riddles in the book were designed to test the solver’s knowledge of French geography, history, and culture. Each riddle contained a cryptogram and a visual clue, which together formed a complex puzzle. The final solution, known as the “super-solution,” was hidden within the answers to the individual riddles2.
The Quest
For 31 years, treasure hunters, known as “chouetteurs,” dedicated themselves to solving the riddles and finding the owl. The hunt became a cultural phenomenon in France, with many participants investing significant time and resources into their quest. Some even faced financial ruin, divorce, and other personal hardships due to their obsession with the hunt3.
The Discovery
On October 3, 2024, Michel Becker announced that the Chouette d’Or had finally been found. The discovery marked the end of the world’s longest-running treasure hunt. The identity of the finder and the exact location of the owl were not immediately disclosed, but the solution to the riddles was confirmed to be valid1.
Impact and Legacy
The Chouette d’Or treasure hunt left a lasting impact on the world of puzzles and treasure hunting. It inspired numerous other hunts and became a benchmark for complexity and engagement. The hunt also highlighted the enduring appeal of intellectual challenges and the lengths to which people will go in pursuit of a dream1.
The Chouette d’Or treasure hunt is a testament to the power of mystery and the human spirit’s drive for discovery. Even after three decades, the hunt maintained its allure, drawing in new generations of treasure seekers. The recent discovery of the owl brings closure to a remarkable chapter in the history of treasure hunting, but its legacy will continue to inspire and captivate for years to come.