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

If you’re planning a trip to Paris and want to explore beyond the typical tourist spots, Lupin’s Footsteps offers a unique way to see the city through the lens of the famous fictional gentleman thief. This self-guided walking tour is designed to let you discover intriguing sites related to Lupin and Paris’s underground history at your own pace, without the pressure of a group tour. For just under $10, it’s a wallet-friendly way to add some mystery and local flavor to your day.

We love how this experience combines history, storytelling, and flexibility. With audio narration by a fictional character, Comte de Saint-Germain, you’ll feel like you’re walking alongside a knowledgeable friend who narrates fascinating tales about Paris’s hidden corners. Another highlight is the chance to explore secret tunnels and underground sites, including parts of the Catacombs that are off-limits to most visitors. But it’s worth noting that the tour doesn’t include guided access to certain sites, which might be a consideration if you’re expecting a full tour experience inside museums or attractions.

This tour is best suited for curious travelers who enjoy self-paced exploration, storytelling, and want to avoid the crowds. If you’re a big fan of Lupin, or simply love uncovering lesser-known parts of Paris, you’ll find this a clever, flexible way to experience the city differently. Just remember, it’s a walk — no guided museum visits included — so plan your day accordingly.

Key Points

• Self-paced flexibility allows you to start and stop as you wish.
• Affordable price point makes it accessible without sacrificing interesting content.
• Unique underground and historical sites connect fiction with real Paris landmarks.
• In-depth narration by a fictional local guide adds a story-driven element.
• Offline access and GPS navigation ensure you can explore without needing an internet connection.
• Not a guided tour inside museums or attractions, so entrance fees are separate if you choose to visit.

What Is Lupin’s Footsteps All About?

This is a self-guided walking experience, which means you get to choose your own adventure. For just $9.99, you’ll receive a ticket and a code that unlocks the tour via the VoiceMap app. This app is intuitive — it provides GPS-based, turn-by-turn directions, so you don’t need to constantly check your phone. Plus, once downloaded, you can enjoy the tour offline, making it perfect for wandering through Paris’s streets without worrying about connectivity.

What makes this tour stand out is its storytelling. The voice narration from Comte de Saint-Germain—although fictional—adds a layer of authenticity and charm. You’ll hear about real historical buildings, underground tunnels, and famous sites like the Paris Observatory, the Catacombs, and the Santé Prison. The narrator also shares intriguing stories about jailbreaks and secret societies, tying in the fictional adventures of Lupin with real Parisian history.

The tour lasts about an hour to an hour and a half, but you can stretch it out or breeze through it — it’s entirely up to you. This makes it suitable whether you want a quick walk or a leisurely exploration with plenty of stops for photos or coffee.

Deep Dive into the Itinerary

Starting Point and First Stops

Your journey kicks off on Île-de-France, a convenient starting spot in the 14th arrondissement. From there, the narration guides you through some iconic sites, like the Paris Observatory. We loved the way the tour explains the importance of the François Arago’s invisible statue, which you can actually see at the observatory — a neat touch that makes history tangible.

Exploring the Underground and Historic Sites

One of the highlights is the visit to the Catacombs, a world-famous Paris underground site. Interestingly, an episode of Netflix’s Lupin was shot here, which could excite fans of the series. The tour mentions both the accessible sections filled with bones and the private tunnel networks that are off-limits to the public. If you’re fascinated by Paris’s subterranean secrets, this tour balances well with real history and fictional storytelling.

Sites with Layered Histories

You’ll also pass by places like the Aquaduc Medicis, a historic water conduit, and buildings like the Cochin Hospital, which boast over 400 years of layered history. The narration shares stories about jailbreaks from the Santé Prison, adding a bit of thrill to your walk. These stories are engaging for history buffs and those curious about Paris’s darker past.

Hidden Stories and Architectural Marvels

The tour also highlights the Société des Gens de Lettres, housed in Hôtel de Massa, where Maurice Leblanc (the creator of Lupin) once worked. It’s a clever tie-in that fans of the character will appreciate, blending fiction with real literary history. The buildings you’ll see are overlaid with stories, making each stop a teaching moment.

The Value of This Experience

At $9.99, this tour offers remarkably good value. The price just covers the digital narration and navigation tools, but the depth of storytelling and access to offbeat sites add a richness that many guided tours don’t provide at this price. Plus, the lifetime access means you can revisit the tour whenever you’re back in Paris — or even from home, if you want to relive parts of your trip.

Reviews echo this sentiment, with one reviewer calling the narration “wonderful” and praising the effective mapping tool. Another appreciated the chance to see less touristy sites, which can make your trip feel more authentic and less crowded.

Keep in mind, since it’s a self-guided walk, you won’t get a guide to answer questions in real time or help with entrance fees. If you’re expecting a guided tour inside museums or attractions, you’ll need to handle that separately.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: About 1 to 1.5 hours, but flexible.
• Start Point: Île-de-France, in the 14th arrondissement.
• End Point: Returns to the start, so no need to worry about transportation after.
• Accessibility: Most travelers should be able to participate, but consider your pace and comfort with walking.
• What to Bring: Smartphone and headphones (necessary), and perhaps a water bottle if you plan to linger.
• Timing: Available 24/7, so you can choose a quiet time to enjoy the tour at your own pace.
• Additional Costs: Museum or attraction visits are not included, so entrance fees are separate if you wish to go inside.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for independent travelers, curious about Paris’s underground history, or fans of Lupin and detective stories. It’s perfect if you prefer to avoid large groups and want flexibility. Those on a budget will appreciate the affordability, while history buffs will enjoy the stories woven into the walk. It’s also a good choice if you want to explore a lesser-known side of Paris without spending hours on a guided tour.

It’s not tailored for those expecting a guided visit to museums or inside attractions, but it’s a wonderful supplement if you’re already planning a more comprehensive visit.

The Sum Up

Lupin’s Footsteps offers a distinctive way to explore Paris, combining self-guided storytelling with underground adventures. The affordable price, flexible schedule, and intriguing narratives make it a compelling option for travelers who love history, mystery, or simply want to see a different side of the city. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy exploring at their own pace, soaking in stories without the pressure of a group or guided tour.

While it doesn’t replace a full guided experience inside museums or attractions, it adds a layer of fun and curiosity that can transform an ordinary walk into a memorable adventure. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, story-driven exploration that takes you off the beaten path, this tour is worth considering.

FAQ

What do I need to participate in this tour?
You need a smartphone with the VoiceMap app installed and headphones. The tour is GPS-based and works offline once downloaded.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 30 minutes, but you can take longer if you prefer to linger at each stop.

Is this a guided tour with a live guide?
No, it’s a self-guided experience. You listen to narration on your own device and walk at your own pace.

Can I start the tour anytime?
Yes, it’s available 24/7, so you can choose a time that suits you best.

Are the sites inside museums or attractions?
No, this tour doesn’t include guided visits inside museums or attractions. Entrance fees are separate if you choose to visit them.

What are some highlights of the tour?
You’ll visit the Paris Observatory, the Catacombs (including the series shot for Netflix’s Lupin), and historic buildings like the Cochin Hospital and Hôtel de Massa.

Is the tour family-friendly?
It’s suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind it involves walking and exploring underground tunnels, which may not be ideal for very young children or those sensitive to claustrophobia.

How much does it cost?
The tour costs $9.99 per person, offering great value for the amount of content and flexibility.

Can I revisit the tour later?
Yes, you get lifetime access to the tour, so you can explore it again anytime, even from home.

If you’re someone who loves uncovering hidden stories or simply wants a flexible way to explore Paris with a touch of intrigue, Lupin’s Footsteps offers a fun, budget-friendly option. Just remember to bring your curiosity and a good pair of walking shoes!