Located in the Vosges region of France, Clairefontaine was established on the site of a 16th century paper mill. The Clairefontaine Paper Mill and Plantfontaine mill has been making paper since 1858 and stationery products since 1890. The company is best known for making the first school notebooks in France.

Clairefontaine is famous for its exceptionally white and ultra smooth vellum paper.

Their reputation rests on the brushed vellum paper manufactured by Clairefontaine for the last 50 years on continually perfected machinery. The paper weighs 90 grams per square meter, and has excellent opacity and a prefect satin finish for maximum smoothness in writing. The paper, white enough for the writing to be clear, is also anti-glare.

Clairefontaine is currently the only manufacturer making its own paper for its own products. This guarantees not only consistent product quality, but also controls the environmental impact of the manufacturing process.

Clairefontaine only buys pulp from sustainable forests that are certified according to recognized international standards (PEFC, FSC, etc.) These certifications also ensure that endangered wildlife habitat is protected, worker health and safety laws are kept, and the rights of indigenous communities are respected.

The River Meurthe is the source of water supply for our Vosges mill. The water is so clean when it leaves our facility; local people can fish, swim and boat downstream within sight of the mill.

Please Note:  Clairefontaine offers an extensive line of products. We endeavor to stock the most popular items. Please check out the listings below to see if we carry your favorite Clairefontaine item.

Clairefontaine Paper Rulings

We are frequently asked about Clairefontaine paper rulings.
Please note widths below:

Horizontal Rule:                             Grid Rule:
5/16 inch or 8mm                     3/16 inch or 5mm

French Rule: Bold main horizontal lines are spaced 8mm Bold main vertical lines are spaced 8mm There are four intermediate horizontal lines in each 8mm space, these are spaced 2mm

Clairefontaine Pollen Stationery
The Ultimate in Smooth!

Smooth writing Clairefontaine correspondence cards and envelopes. Cards and envelopes are pH neutral 115 LB weight. Envelopes are self sealing. Bright assorted colors. Perfect for short notes!

Triomphe Stationery

Writing Pads

Hardbound Journals

Clothbound Journals

Washable glossy clothbound covers in assorted colors in Clairefontaine's traditional bright block patterns. Paper is 24 LB white vellum.

Basics Notebooks

Sturdy, but elegant leather-grained cardboard covers. Paper is 24 LB white vellum, ruled. An alternative cover to Clairefontaine's standard bright colors. Available in black or tan colored covers as noted below.

Basics Clothbound Journals

Sturdy, but elegant leather-grained cardboard covers. Paper is 24 LB white vellum, ruled. Some of our customers prefer these more conservative covers to the traditional Clairefontaine bright covers. Available in black or tan colored covers as noted below.

Staple Bound Notebooks

An inexpensive alternative to Clairefontaine's clothbound and hardbound journals and notebooks. Same great 24 LB neutral pH ultra-smooth paper, covers are glossy finish in assorted bright colors.

Wirebound Multi Subject Books

Get organized with a multi colored Clairefontaine notebook! Wirebound notebooks are indexed into sections of four different colored papers. Paper is 24 LB, neutral pH, vellum finish. Washable glossy covers in assorted colors.

Wirebound Notebooks

Used by generations of French students, these notebooks contain the finest 24LB, neutral pH extra white vellum paper. Washable, glossy covers come in assorted colors.

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