Paris: Plein Air Sketching Course, Drawing & Watercolor

Discover Paris on Your Canvas: Plein Air Sketching & Watercolor Tour

Imagine wandering the charming streets of Paris, sketchbook in hand, capturing the city’s timeless beauty with pencil and watercolor. For just $117 per person, this 3-hour small group experience offers a relaxed yet inspiring way to see Paris differently. Led by the talented Pauline Fraisse, the class is ideal for both beginners eager to learn and seasoned artists wanting to refine their skills. The class rotates through different neighborhoods each week, giving you a taste of Paris’s diverse scenery—from lively cafés to historic streets.

What we love most about this experience is its personalized teaching style and the opportunity to work outdoors, where light, architecture, and street life become your inspiration. Plus, the small group size (limited to six participants) ensures you get plenty of individual attention. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that the weather can impact your plans; some reviews mention rain or heat, so being flexible or prepared with layers and rain gear helps.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy creative pursuits, want a personal connection with Paris’s neighborhoods, or simply wish to step away from tourist crowds while capturing the city’s charm. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or family, this class offers a genuine, hands-on way to experience Paris beyond the typical sightseeing.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic Art Experience: Sketch Paris’s streets and cafés, creating your own travel journal.
• Professional Guidance: Taught by Pauline Fraisse, blending technical tips with encouragement.
• Flexible Participation: Join once or multiple times; suitable for all skill levels.
• All-Inclusive or Bring Your Own: Supplies can be purchased beforehand or brought along.
• Weather Considerations: Classes may move indoors if weather is unfavorable.
• Location Variety: Each week explores a different Paris neighborhood, offering diverse views and scenes.

An Artistic Spin on Paris: A Deep Dive

Setting the Scene: What’s Included and How It Works

This plein air sketching course invites you to explore Paris with a sketchpad, watercolor set, and an eager spirit. The experience is broken into a three-hour session that typically begins at a local café, where Pauline Fraisse — recognizable by her blond hair and friendly demeanor — greets you with a sketchbook in hand. From there, the class transitions into outdoor drawing, in a different neighborhood each week, allowing you to discover the city through the lens of an artist.

A key advantage of this format is its small group size, capped at six participants. This guarantees plenty of personalized feedback, whether you’re a newbie or an experienced artist. The class is bilingual — taught in both French and English — making it accessible to a wide range of travelers.

The Itinerary: From Café to City Streets

The day typically kicks off at the meeting point, usually a cozy café, at 9:30 AM. Here, Pauline begins with some quick sketching exercises or demonstrations, helping everyone get comfortable with their tools and technique. It’s a relaxed start that encourages conversation, and it’s a great way to warm up your creative muscles.

Once everyone is set, the group heads out into the neighborhood, which changes weekly. Some locations might offer scenic street views, historic façades, or lively cafés — all perfect for capturing on paper and in watercolor. Weather permitting, you’ll be outdoors; otherwise, some indoor options might be available, especially during bad weather or extreme heat.

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What You’ll Need to Bring

To make the most of the class, you’ll want to bring basic art supplies — a sketchbook (A4 size or similar), watercolor paints, brushes, and a water jar. Pauline also suggests items like a black waterproof pen, pencils, and optional tools such as colored pencils or India ink.

You can buy supplies ahead of time from Pauline’s website, but many participants find that a simple kit of paper, pencil, and watercolor is enough to start. Remember to dress comfortably, especially considering Paris’s weather, and bring sunscreen, hats, or warm layers depending on the season.

What Makes This Experience Special

The beauty of this class lies in its hands-on approach and the chance to see Paris through your own eyes. As one reviewer put it, Pauline’s ability to include everyone regardless of skill level makes it especially welcoming. Her guidance on perspective, composition, and figure drawing helps build confidence, even if you’ve never sketched outdoors before.

Another highlight is the variety of scenery. Each week’s neighborhood offers different visual delights. You might find yourself sketching bustling café terraces, quiet alleyways, or grand architecture — all providing fresh inspiration. Many reviews, like Sarah’s, highlight that Pauline’s exercises are perfectly tailored to different ability levels, making the class enjoyable for everyone.

The Authenticity and Benefits

Beyond the technical skills, this class offers a deeper connection to Paris. Instead of just snapping photos or wandering without focus, you’re engaging with the city in a creative way. This can transform your visit from a passive sightseeing experience into an active, memorable adventure.

The value is clear: for $117, you gain three hours of expert instruction, beautiful scenery, and a personal souvenir — your own travel sketchbook. Plus, the ability to join multiple sessions allows for continued growth and exploration of different neighborhoods.

Weather and Practical Considerations

While Pauline’s team is prepared to move classes indoors if weather turns sour, outdoor sketching does depend on the day’s conditions. A few reviews mention cancellations or transfer to studios during extreme heat or rain, so it’s wise to have some flexibility. Bringing sun protection or rain gear isn’t just practical; it keeps your experience enjoyable.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is ideal for creative travelers, families with older children, or anyone interested in seeing Paris from a different perspective. It’s suited both for beginners who want to learn the basics and for more experienced artists looking for new inspiration. If you enjoy art, outdoor activities, or simply want a relaxing way to soak in Paris’s ambiance, this class will suit you perfectly.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For travelers seeking a personal, creative connection to Paris, this plein air sketching course offers much more than just a class — it’s a chance to slow down, observe, and create in the company of like-minded people. The small group size, guided instruction, and varied locations make it a valuable experience for those eager to add a new skill or simply enjoy a different side of the city.

While weather can be a factor, Pauline’s flexibility ensures that your experience remains rewarding. The class’s affordability is justified by the quality of teaching and the unique opportunity to produce your own Parisian artwork.

If you’re someone who likes to document trips with sketches or watercolors, or if you want a memorable activity that combines sightseeing with art, this tour is an excellent choice. It’s a creative, engaging way to see Paris beyond typical tourist spots, leaving you with souvenirs and skills to cherish long after your trip ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to bring my own art supplies?
You can bring your own supplies, such as paper, pencils, and watercolor paints, or purchase kits from Pauline’s website up to five working days before class.

Can children participate?
Children under 7 aren’t suited for this class, but teenagers who are accompanied by an adult are welcome.

Is the class suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. Pauline’s gentle guidance and exercises are designed to support all skill levels, including complete beginners.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Classes are likely to be moved indoors to the studio in case of high heat or adverse weather, ensuring you still get a quality experience.

Where does the class meet?
The exact meeting point is sent via email a few days before the class. It’s usually at a local café in the neighborhood being explored that week.

How long is the class?
The session lasts approximately three hours, including warm-up at the café and outdoor sketching.

Is there flexibility in booking?
Yes, you can reserve your spot with the option to pay later, and cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Final Words

This plein air sketching experience offers a genuine, enjoyable way to see Paris through an artist’s eyes. It’s perfect for those wanting to add a creative touch to their trip, or simply enjoy a scenic, relaxed activity. Pauline’s friendly guidance, combined with stunning neighborhood views, makes it a worthwhile addition to your Paris itinerary — whether you’re a seasoned artist or just looking for a new way to connect with the city. Grab your sketchbook, and prepare to see Paris in a whole new light.

You can check availability for your dates here: