How I Holiday: Cabaret, Versailles Balls And Perfume In Paris With A Creative Director

Welcome to How I Holiday, a series of travel stories and recommendations shared by friends of Urban List from Aotearoa and Australia.

Sophie Marcoux is the chic director behind perfume brand Ficifolia Fragrances. Designed in Australia, each scent pays homage to distinctly local memories—like sipping spritzes along the Yarra or hitting the surf in Sydney. Here, Sophie shares memories from much further afield: Paris. Think a private tour of Marie Antoinette’s apartments at the Château de Versailles and a rabbit ravioli she still dreams about.

Why is Paris special to you?

I’ve always been drawn to the rich history of Paris. There’s a sense that every street holds a story or an unexpected moment of beauty. It’s also a city that feels creatively energising, especially in my line of work. The way people move, dress, and live here is so expressive, and it’s easy to see why so many artists have been inspired by Paris.

What's a core memory you have from Paris?

I booked a private tour of Marie Antoinette’s apartments at the Château de Versailles. Exploring hidden spaces away from the crowds felt very special.

Where should people eat, drink, stay, and play?
 

Eat

For the best baguettes and pain au chocolat, go to The French Bastards in the 2nd. I also loved Brasserie Dubillot for steak frites, and anything from Carboni’s is worth the trip.

Drink

Folderol is a not-so-hidden gem. Ice cream by day, natural wine by night. It’s relaxed and effortlessly cool.

Stay

Stay in Le Marais. It’s charming, walkable, and full of boutiques, cafés, and all the cool Parisians live there.

Play

You must see a cabaret at Crazy Horse. It’s intimate, incredibly chic, and left me completely speechless. After the show, stroll to the Seine and catch the Eiffel Tower sparkling from Pont de l’Alma.

Make time for Officine Universelle Buly to create a personalised beauty keepsake. Or stop by Jovoy, my favourite perfume store. There are also a million vintage stores worth browsing on Rue St Denis in the 2nd arr.

And if you only visit one museum, let it be Musée Carnavalet. It tells the story of Paris through beautifully reconstructed interiors from historic homes, boutiques, and salons. If you have time, another one of my favourite free art museums is the Petit Palais.

What's the best meal you've ever had in Paris?

The rabbit ravioli at Libertino. I still dream about it; it was that good.

What's the best event on Paris’s cultural calendar?

The Grand Masked Ball at the Château de Versailles. I haven’t been yet, but it’s at the very top of my list. Everyone who goes says it’s unforgettable