Lupin’s Footsteps: A Self-Guided Walking Tour in Paris

Lupin’s Footsteps: A Self-Guided Walking Tour in Paris

Imagine wandering through Paris, following the footsteps of Arsène Lupin, the gentleman thief who has charmed readers and viewers alike. This self-guided tour, priced at only $9.99, offers an engaging way to see some of the city’s lesser-known sites while enjoying the fictional and real history of Paris’s underground tunnels, historic buildings, and secret hideouts. The tour lasts between 1 to 1.5 hours, making it a perfect quick adventure or a leisurely exploration—whatever suits your pace.

What we love about this experience is the flexibility it offers. You can start anytime, linger at stops you find intriguing, and revisit the tour whenever you wish. Plus, with the virtual tour option, you can even enjoy the mysteries of Lupin from home before your trip or in between sightseeing days. The second highlight is the narrative quality — the producer, Comte de Saint-Germain, creates a vivid storytelling atmosphere, bringing to life not only Lupin but also the historic sites of Paris.

A potential consideration is that this tour doesn’t include guided help at specific sites, so you’ll need to keep your phone handy and follow the instructions. Also, if you’re seeking a more immersive museum or attraction experience, you’ll need to pay separately. This tour appeals most to those who enjoy self-paced exploration, history buffs, and fans of Lupin’s stories who want to see the actual locations behind the legend.

If you’re looking for a cost-effective, flexible, and engaging way to explore Paris’s underground history and iconic sites, this tour should definitely be on your list.

Key Points

• Flexible self-guided experience allows you to explore Paris at your own pace.
• Affordable price of $9.99 provides lifetime access to the tour.
• Insightful storytelling by Comte de Saint-Germain adds depth and color to the sites.
• Highlights underground tunnels and real locations linked to WWII and Lupin stories.
• Offline access ensures you won’t need Wi-Fi or data once you start.
• Ideal for fans of Lupin and history enthusiasts who want a private, customizable tour.

A Deep Dive into Lupin’s Paris: What to Expect

If you’re familiar with the clever, charming gentleman thief Arsène Lupin—whether through books, TV, or Netflix—you’ll find this tour offers a fresh perspective on the real and fictional Parisian landscape. We’ll walk through the historic sites, underground tunnels, and secret hideouts that inspired stories and even scenes from the Netflix series, providing a tangible connection to Lupin’s mischievous world.

Starting Point and How It Works

Once you purchase your ticket, you’ll receive detailed instructions and a unique code to unlock the tour via the VoiceMap app. This app is your guide, offering automatic GPS navigation and turn-by-turn directions, ensuring you don’t get lost while exploring Paris’s streets. Since everything is offline, you can focus on the experience without worrying about internet access or data charges.

Exploring Paris with a Storyteller

The tour begins on the Île-de-France, with a focus that’s broader than just Lupin’s adventures. You’ll hear about the Paris Observatory, where the guide shares stories about the François Aragos invisible statue, and learn about the Société des Gens de Lettres housed in the historic Massa Hotel, where Maurice Leblanc, the creator of Lupin, once worked.

What stands out here is the balance of history and fiction. The storytelling makes these sites come alive, and the narrative keeps you engaged, whether you’re a local or a visitor. As Rene_S mentions in reviews, the “wonderful narrative” and effective mapping make the experience both enjoyable and easy to follow.

Underground Tunnels and the Catacombs

One of the key highlights is the visit to the Catacombs of Paris, world-famous underground ossuaries. But what makes this tour particularly fascinating is its reference to the Netflix Lupin series filmed there, blending fact and fiction. Some scenes were shot in the public sections, but the tour also touches on private tunnel networks—areas typically off-limits—and explains their historical context.

This segment offers a compelling peek into Paris’s underground world without the need for claustrophobia or trespassing. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring secret tunnels or learning about out-of-bounds locations, this tour satisfies that curiosity safely and legally.

Historical Sites and Buildings

The walk continues through sites like the Aquaduc Medicis, and buildings with over 400 years of layered history, such as the Cochin Hospital and the Convent of the Surs de Saint-Joseph de Cluny. These stops give you a sense of Paris’s evolving architecture and the layers of stories each structure holds.

The narration enriches the experience by sharing true stories about jailbreaks, some linked directly to the Centre Pénitentiaire de Paris la Santé. It’s easy to imagine Lupin’s own clever escapes when hearing about real jailbreaks that have taken place in this city.

Practical Details and Experience

The tour’s cost is remarkably reasonable, especially considering the lifetime access and the fact that it works both as a walking guide and an at-home virtual experience. It’s perfect for independent travelers who want to explore without a group or guide, valuing privacy and flexibility. You’ll need your own smartphone and headphones, but no transportation or museum tickets are required, making it a cost-effective way to enhance your Paris trip.

Why This Tour Works

From the reviews, it’s clear that knowledgeable narration and good value for money are the standout features. Amy_K notes, “Great walking tour you can do on your own when you have time,” highlighting the flexibility. Rene_S praises the “wonderful narrative” and the effective mapping tool that guides you smoothly through the city.

The self-guided format allows you to spend as much or as little time at each site, making it adaptable to different travel styles. This is especially useful if you enjoy discovering hidden corners rather than sticking to busy tourist routes. The focus on underground tunnels and secret sites offers a unique twist that appeals to history buffs, fans of Lupin, and adventurous travelers alike.

A Highly Detailed Look at the Itinerary

The Paris Observatory and François Aragos

Your tour begins near the Paris Observatory, a site famed for its astronomical significance. Here, you’ll hear about François Aragos, whose invisible statue sparks curiosity. We loved how the story weaves science with urban legend, giving you a rounded historical perspective.

The Literary Society in Hôtel de Massa

Next up, the Société des Gens de Lettres housed at the Massa Hotel offers insight into Paris’s literary past. This place connects directly to Maurice Leblanc, the creator of Lupin, giving a literary context to the stories. If you’re a fan of classic detective tales, this stop adds a layer of appreciation.

Historical Underground Sites and the Catacombs

Then comes the catacombs, the most iconic underground site in Paris. The guide shares details about Netflix filming and the hidden tunnels used during WWII. The highlight for many is the ability to visualize the secret network used by those avoiding detection—without risking legality or comfort.

The Prison Break Stories and Historic Buildings

Further along, the tour details real jailbreaks from the la Santé prison, showcasing how Lupin’s cunning mirrors real-world escapes. Visiting buildings like the Convent of St. Joseph of Cluny and Cochin Hospital adds historical depth, illustrating how Paris’s architecture has been layered over centuries.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?

For fans of Lupin or those interested in Paris’s underground secrets, historic sites, and literary history, this self-guided tour offers exceptional value. It’s affordable, flexible, and enriched by a storyteller who makes history and fiction equally engaging. The offline map and narration make it practical even on busy city streets.

Travelers who appreciate independent exploration and are eager to see less touristy spots will find this tour a rewarding addition to their Paris itinerary. It’s a perfect blend of history, mystery, and storytelling that can be tailored to your schedule.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?
It lasts approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, but you can spend more time at the stops that interest you most.

Is this tour guided in person?
No, it’s a self-guided experience, delivered via the VoiceMap app. You follow the directions at your own pace.

Can I do this tour without internet?
Yes, the tour offers offline access, so you won’t need Wi-Fi once you’ve downloaded the content.

What do I need to participate?
You need a smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed, and headphones to listen to the narration.

Is this suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the content may be more enjoyable for those interested in history or stories about underground tunnels and prisons.

Does the tour include museum visits?
No, it does not guide you through any museums or attractions; entry to such sites is not included and requires separate tickets.

Can I start the tour anytime?
Yes, the tour is available 24/7; just follow the instructions with your code to begin when you’re ready.

What locations are visited?
Including the Paris Observatory, Catacombs, Aquaduc Medicis, historic prisons, and buildings with centuries of history.

How does the pricing compare to guided tours?
At just $9.99, it offers great value for a flexible, private experience, especially compared to guided group tours which are often more expensive.

Is there a limit on how many times I can access the tour?
No, your lifetime access means you can revisit the tour as often as you like.

Final Verdict

For travelers eager for a personalized, budget-friendly adventure that combines history, mystery, and the allure of Lupin, this tour from VoiceMap hits the mark. It’s especially well-suited for those who enjoy self-guided walks, have an interest in secret tunnels and underground history, or simply want a flexible way to explore Paris beyond the usual tourist spots.

If you’re seeking a deep dive into Parisian sites with a narrative flair and the freedom to explore on your own schedule, this tour provides a smart, engaging option. It’s a wonderful way to stitch together a memorable, authentic experience in the City of Light—on your own terms.