Clairefontaine FAQ
What’s the history of Clairefontaine?
Clairefontaine was founded in 1858 in the Étival-Clairefontaine in North-Eastern France. There was a long history of papermaking in the town, dating back to the 16th century. When Clairefontaine took over one of the papermills they started to also produce envelopes and notebooks, which started the stationery company as you know it today.
What makes Clairefontaine different?
Clairefontaine makes high-quality paper products, and their writing paper is particularly popular. However, they also create notebooks and art paper that artists enjoy using. The company also clearly loves art themselves, as they do a number of different paper/pad ranges with some beautifully designed covers.
Recommended Clairefontaine products
One of Clairefontaine’s bestsellers is the range of Triomphe writing paper and envelopes. They are suitable for all types of inks, come in plain or ruled layouts, and have a smooth pure white 90gsm writing surface.
The Europa notebooks are a classic and come in wirebound notebook or notepad formats. You will have seen them in the wild with their bright card covers and mottled patterns. Underneath those covers they use 90gsm Clairefontaine vellum paper.
If you are looking for a notebook with a more striking design, we are particularly fond of the Animalis range. The notebooks feature covers with animals from kangaroos to tigers to giraffes and were designed alongside the famous Deyrolle Institute for Natural Sciences in Paris.
