Format

When thinking of unscripted content, the region of Belgium that immediately springs to mind is Flanders. According to the latest data presented by The Wit at the recently concluded Paris Unscripted Showcase (see the Formatbiz article here), Flemish Belgium currently holds the fifth position worldwide for unscripted format exports.
However, Walloon Belgium is also rich in compelling IP. A notable example is the eco-reality show La Yourte, which aired a few years ago on RTBF (Radio-télévision belge de la Communauté française). This past Saturday, June 6, the same broadcaster premiered Les Trésors de Wallonie: L’Aventure en Famille in prime time with the excellent share of 22,4%.
The format is a giant treasure hunt that takes four families on a journey to discover Walloon heritage. Aboard playfully revamped camper vans, these families travel the UNESCO Route, a cultural circuit crossing Belgium from west to east.
The kick-off takes place at the Antoing Eco-Park, where the initial objective is to identify—from among five colored keys—the one that opens the “WalloVan” (pictured). This fully equipped luxury van will take the ultimate winning family to various music, comedy, and street theater festivals across the region this summer, from Namur to Enghien, and through Chassepierre.
Finding the right key, however, is just the beginning. The families must hold onto it until the very end by winning host-led challenges and collecting as many clues as possible throughout the adventure.
Simple in its essence but visually stunning, the format is a classic example of an entertainment show built around domestic tourism. It is highly reminiscent of another hit from the francophone market: La Route des Coffres, which aired on the French channel M6.
Like its Belgian counterpart, the French format seamlessly blended gameplay with the promotion of local heritage. Pairs of contestants in customized camper vans traveled across France, solving riddles and completing challenges to find treasure chests hidden in historical, unusual, or particularly picturesque locations nationwide.

To read about another a couple of brand-new formats in 2 countries usually under-the-radar, here.

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Axel Fiacco