Our top 7 French destinations visited in Lupin

The series takes off at the renowned Louvre museum, where we get a glimpse of its iconic glass pyramid followed by a panoramic view of its interiors. Later, we are led to the Denon wing, where the glass paneled ceiling illuminates the walls with paintings from the Italian Renaissance. The backdrop of the Louvre is also where we are introduced to the enigmatic Assane Diop, who, disguised as a janitor marvelling at the Louvre’s masterpieces and a few scenes later, later reveals himself as a gentleman-thief who wants to steal the queen’s necklace. We're left wondering whether Monsieur Diop is actually the hero or the villain of the series.

After a brief tour of the museum, we are transported to a restaurant where Assane meets with his estranged wife against the backdrop of Porte Saint Martin. The triumphal arch is one of the most celebrated of Paris, and was commissioned by Louis XIV in honour of his victories. On your next visit to the City of Light, take a tour of the monument to study the bas-reliefs. When it comes to Assane, in this scene, we don’t see the flamboyance of a criminal mastermind that one may associate with a gentleman thief; just a regular guy in a sweatshirt enjoying his tea.

Assane’s past, his relationship with his father and the Pellegrini family is explored with a series of flashbacks scattered throughout the series. One such poignant scene is filmed at Nissim de Camondo Museum, which is depicted as the family residence. As the camera rolls inside the mansion, we're awestruck by the stunning original condition of the mansion, with furniture and objets d'art dating from the 18th century. We get a sneak-peak of the several historical portraits and of the family library, from where Assane’s father takes the book Arsène Lupin, Gentleman Burglar as a birthday gift for his son.

The most memorable scene in the second episode is filmed at the Luxembourg Garden with a bird’s-eye view of its lawns, graveled footpaths, large pool and palace. This vast space with its terraces and indoor and outdoor seating arrangements is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. The most enthralling scene shot here is when Assane asks Ms. Pellegrini to meet him at the octagonal basin, children playing with model sail boats in the background – scenes from a typical day out in the Garden for the average Parisian. The Jardin du Luxembourg is also the setting that demands Assane use his charm, wit and stealth to the fullest in his delivery boy disguise to avoid the police.

In a few rare instances in the series, we get to see Assane’s heart of gold, especially during his interaction with his son Raoul while crossing the Pont des Arts. The footbridge is a popular meeting place for couples with breathtaking views of Paris in the background. Many of the city’s museums, cafes and monuments are within walking distance from the Pont des Arts. A stroll along the Seine from Pont de Sully to Pont Alexandre III is a must-do for every traveler to the capital. In one of the scenes filmed here, Assane shares his love for Arsène Lupin when he gives his book to his son, who later falls in love with the fictitious character as well.

A couple of scenes in the series are filmed at Les Puces fleamarket, where Assane’s closest friend, Benjamin Ferel, owns an antique showroom. Covering 20 acres, le marché des Puces is the largest antique market in the world, situated in the north of Paris. From decorative furniture, antique toys to painting and vintage clothing, this is a happy hunting ground for those who love their antiques and hidden treasures. In one of the scenes, you also get to see the interiors of Benjamin’s boutique, whose first sale included the Fabergé egg and many other rare items that Assan had sweetalked from an old lady.

Assane and his family head to Étretat, a pretty seaside town in the coastal region of Normandy renowned for its visually striking cliffs, to attend a festival dedicated to Arsène Lupin. The ending of the first season is filmed at Falaise d’Aval cliff, where the family descends the steep path to take a stroll on the pebble beach. The view of the natural arch jutting out into the sea with its chalk-white spire rising from the waves is jaw-dropping, and instantly recognizable. Assane is concerned about his family and wants to protect them from Mr. Pellegrini’s henchmen. Even though the ending is heartbreaking, you realize how much Assane is a family man standing under the cliffs of Étretat.