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Travel

How I Holiday: Spend A Day In The City Of Love With SIR Co-Founder Sophie Coote

24th Nov 2025
Written by:
Emma Bishop
Head Of Content: Features And Lifestyle | Urban List

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

Traversing the world in search of inspiration is a special part of the creative process for SIR. The Label's co-founder and creative director, Sophie Coote. The palettes, designs and silhouettes of the beloved brand's ranges are influenced by the rich tapestries of cities and their makeups. For Sophie, Paris's unique energy has always influenced the brand—the people, the vintage clothing, the architecture and the local way of life. Here, as part of Urban List's guest editorship series, Sophie Coote shares her Paris travel diaries: where to go for a late lunch, prime spots for people watching and where to stumble upon the most interesting and in-demand local creatives.

Why is Paris special to you?

I’ve been travelling to Paris for more than a decade now. It was one of the first cities we visited when we began taking SIR. to a global audience. Over the years, spending time there with friends and collaborators, uncovering incredible vintage, and soaking up the city’s energy has firmly cemented Paris as a forever favourite.

Sophie Coote

What is the food scene like? Where do you always eat?

The food scene in Paris is unmatched. Dining with friends or solo, you’re bound to have a sensory experience. 

I love a late lunch, soaking up the sunshine and settling in for drinks with friends into sunset.

Chez Janou is a standout for me. It’s relaxed but refined, serving classic French dishes in an atmosphere that’s hard to beat. The decor and vibe are unmatched and great people watching.

Chez Janou

Where are your fave spots to shop?

The classics, like Galeries Lafayette, are always worth a visit. Galeries Paradis is perfect for furniture and homewares, and during Fashion Week, vintage pop-ups in Le Marais are a must. I love Revoir Vintage and Entremains Vintage, though really, the Marais is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered.

Where do you always stay in Paris?

Château Voltaire. The rooms are beautifully styled, generously sized, and full of that timeless Parisian charm. The underground spa is stunning, a perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the city. 

 

Château Voltaire

Where are the best spots for people watching? 

Pull up a chair in the Marais or by the Seine and watch the city move. Café du Canal and Café Charlot are great spots during the day or early afternoon.  

A late-night cocktail at Hotel Costes is also great for people watching.  

Café du Canal & A late night cocktail at Hotel Costes

Where do you go to find inspiration in Paris?

Everywhere. Paris is full of gems from Yvon Lambert for books to wandering the streets, people watching and soaking up street style. I love popping into Azzedine Alaïa, exploring the smaller galleries in Le Marais, hunting for vintage, or exploring Clignancourt flea market for designer furniture, art, and fabrics. And of course, the classics like the Pompidou Centre are always worth a stop.

I also love just putting on my headphones and walking the streets or taking a lime for a ride through the Tuileries.

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