Clairefontaine Notebooks in 2026: How to Choose the Right Format for School, Work or Watercolour

A Clairefontaine notebook can support very different uses: taking notes in class, organising documents, revising, writing at the office or practising watercolour. Yet the differences between a Rhodia notebook, a spiral notebook, an A5 notepad and an artist’s pad are not always immediately obvious.

Before buying, three common pitfalls are worth avoiding:

• Confusing format with actual capacity: a 24 × 32 cm notebook offers more space than an A4, but it also takes up more room in a bag.
• Choosing a binding without considering how you will use it: spiral binding makes it easier to open the notebook flat, while a stapled or sewn binding generally keeps it more compact.
• Relying on paper weight alone: 90 g/m² paper is suitable for everyday writing, but it can never replace 300 g/m² watercolour paper for wet techniques.

Criteria to Check Before Buying

1. Format and ruling

For classes, meeting notes and diagrams, a large-format notebook close to A4 provides a comfortable layout. Measuring 21 × 31.8 cm, the Rhodia No. 20 pad is well suited to detailed notes, tables and project plans.

An A5 notepad measuring 14.8 × 21 cm is much easier to carry. It is ideal for lists, journaling, short meetings and personal notes. Narrow formats, such as the Rhodia No. 8 at 7.4 × 21 cm, are better suited to columns, reminders and vertical lists.

The ruling should also match the way you write:

• Seyès-ruled notebook: its characteristic lines and interlines, found in French school notebooks, are particularly well suited to handwriting practice and schoolwork.
• Small squared notebook: its 5 × 5 mm grid works well for tables, calculations, diagrams and structured notes.
• Large squares or wide ruling: these provide greater comfort for people with larger handwriting and make notes easier to scan quickly.

2. Paper weight and type

Paper weight refers to the paper’s weight per square metre. It is a useful indicator, but it is not enough on its own to determine writing comfort.

• 70 to 80 g/m²: suitable for taking notes with a ballpoint pen, pencil or fountain pen, depending on the ink used.
• 90 g/m²: its more substantial surface is a strong choice for a student notebook or an everyday office notebook.
• 170 g/m²: suitable for thick, durable revision cards.
• 300 g/m²: designed for washes, gouache and watercolour, this paper withstands moisture more effectively.

Watercolour paper is also distinguished by its texture and treatment. Clairefontaine Aquapad uses natural white cellulose, a medium-fine grain and double sizing. For generous washes, it is still best to secure or stretch the sheet to minimise warping.

3. Binding and protection

Spiral binding often allows the notebook to open completely flat, or even 360°, making it easier to write on a narrow desk or while travelling. However, it can take up more room in a bag when the cover provides limited protection for the pages.

The Koverbook system adds a transparent polypropylene cover and two flaps for storing loose sheets, tickets or documents. This design is practical for students carrying several types of material, although the complete notebook is generally heavier than a flexible-cover notebook.

Finally, remember to check the number of sheets, whether the pages are microperforated and the type of perforation. The Rhodia No. 20 contains 80 microperforated sheets and four holes for filing in a ring binder.

2026 Selection by User Profile

PROFILE: BUDGET-CONSCIOUS BEGINNERS

Deli A5 Light Tone spiral notebooks, pack of 4

Why this choice suits this profile: A pack of four A5 notebooks lets you separate subjects, projects or personal uses without having to buy multiple notebooks individually.

How to avoid the pitfall

The format, page count and paper weight are clearly stated: 60 sheets, 120 pages and 70 g/m² per notebook.

Key benefits

Easy-to-carry A5 format, spiral binding and four notebooks for organising notes at school, university or the office.

PROFILE: PAPER ENTHUSIASTS

Clairefontaine Koverbook 24 × 32 cm, 96 pages

Why this choice suits this profile: Its 90 g/m² Vélin Velouté paper and protective cover make it suitable for regular use in class, at work or at home.

How to avoid the pitfall

The polypropylene cover and two flaps help prevent wear and eliminate the need to buy a separate folder.

Key benefits

Large 24 × 32 cm format, 90 g/m² paper, large-square ruling and a cover with integrated storage compartments.

PROFILE: REVISING ON THE GO

Clairefontaine Linicolor revision cards

Why this choice suits this profile: This compact revision notebook slips easily into a pocket or bag. It lets you organise definitions, dates and key concepts by topic.

How to avoid the pitfall

Its 170 g/m² paper is designed for revision cards, unlike a lightweight notebook, which may warp or wear more quickly with frequent use.

Key benefits

50 ruled cards, five colour-coded sections and a lay-flat opening for writing on both sides.

PROFILE: WATERCOLOUR PRACTICE

Clairefontaine Aquapad A5+ watercolour pad

Why this choice suits this profile: This compact format is ideal for beginner and hobby artists who want to practise washes or gouache without carrying a large pad.

How to avoid the pitfall

The 300 g/m² paper weight is clearly stated. This pad should therefore not be replaced with a standard writing notebook for wet techniques.

Key benefits

25 sheets, natural white cellulose, medium-fine grain, double sizing, acid-free paper and vegan composition, according to the product specifications.

Which Notebook Should You Choose for Each Situation ?

• For primary school: choose a Seyès-ruled notebook in a format compatible with the school’s requirements.
• For higher education: a large-format notebook or Koverbook is well suited to classes packed with diagrams and supplementary documents.
• For work: an A5 office notebook is practical for meetings, while a format close to A4 is better for detailed reports.
• For mathematics and data management: a small squared notebook provides a consistent grid for tables and charts.
• For journaling: an A5 spiral notebook or a ruled-page notepad is easy to carry and offers greater freedom when organising your entries.
• For watercolour: choose a 300 g/m² Clairefontaine watercolour pad rather than an ordinary notebook.

Frequently Asked Questions About Clairefontaine Notebooks

Is a Clairefontaine Notebook Suitable for a Fountain Pen ?

Clairefontaine paper between 80 and 90 g/m² has a smooth surface that feels excellent with a fountain pen. The result nevertheless depends on the nib, ink flow and pressure applied. To minimise show-through, allow the ink to dry and avoid particularly free-flowing models.

What Is the Difference Between a Rhodia Notebook and a Clairefontaine Notebook ?

Rhodia is a range from the Clairefontaine group, offering pads and notebooks in a variety of rulings, bindings and formats. When choosing, focus primarily on the format, sheet count, perforation and intended use. The Rhodia No. 20, for example, combines Seyès ruling, a 21 × 31.8 cm format and four filing holes.

Is 300 g/m² Watercolour Paper Necessary for Beginners ?

It is not essential for a simple dry sketch, but becomes highly useful as soon as you work with substantial amounts of water. A 300 g/m² surface absorbs moisture more effectively than writing paper. For generous washes, secure the sheet to a board to reduce buckling.