Taking a pottery class in Paris presents a wonderful opportunity to immerse oneself in the city’s creative spirit, whether you’re a long-term resident or visiting for just a few weeks.
The idea of learning a new skill and bringing home a handmade souvenir, either for yourself or as a gift, makes the experience even more appealing.
The author of the “Discover Walks Blog” article, Molli, expressed her interest in taking a pottery class in Paris, which motivated her to research and write about the topic.
She hopes her research provides readers with the information and motivation needed to explore pottery classes in Paris.
Here are 10 of the best pottery courses in Paris, offering diverse options for all levels and interests:
1. Céramique-Paris
Céramique-Paris is ideally situated in the heart of Le Marais, a vibrant district in Paris. This atelier provides several options for pottery and ceramic enthusiasts.
For those committed to a deeper dive into the craft, long-term classes are available, structured as three-hour sessions, four times per month.
These extensive classes are designed to help students learn and perfect a variety of pottery techniques. According to their website, it typically takes about one year to become proficient enough to create pottery independently without direct teacher assistance.
In addition to regular classes, Céramique-Paris offers a unique opportunity to participate in a weekend getaway with one of their expert professors.
One such option takes participants to Bourgogne, a region located in the center of France. This allows students to not only explore a new area of La France but also to acquire new pottery techniques in an immersive setting.
- Address: Village Saint Paul, cours Rabelais, 12-14 rue des jardins Saint Paul, 75004 Paris.
- Metro: Saint Paul / Sully Morland / Pont Marie.
2. Poterie et cie
Poterie et cie (where “cie” is an abbreviation for compagnie, meaning company) is a pottery and ceramics school located in the 10th arrondissement of Paris.
This school is designed to cater to both children and adults, making it a family-friendly destination where everyone can showcase their pottery skills.
A notable benefit for parents is that Poterie et cie provides sessions specifically during school vacations, offering a creative outlet for children during their time off.
The school also has facilities available for children’s birthday parties, providing a unique and engaging celebration option. Beyond teaching and creation, Poterie et compagnie also offers a practical service: they repair broken pottery.
- Address: 3 Cité Riverin, 75010 Paris.
- Metro: Jacques Bonsergent / Strasbourg – Saint-Denis / Château d’Eau.
3. Melting Pot Ceramic
Melting Pot Ceramic is housed in a bright and clean workshop, tucked away in the 20th arrondissement of Paris.
This particular section of Paris is highlighted as feeling like “a little village set apart from the hustle and bustle of the center of the city,” contributing to a tranquil creative environment.
The atelier offers a variety of courses, including those for children and adults. For more experienced potters, there is also an open space where individuals can work on their pottery independently.
Additionally, Melting Pot Ceramic provides shorter weekend sessions for those with limited time.
One of the most unique and appealing offerings at Melting Pot Ceramic is a special session that pairs green tea tastings with Japanese ceramic courses.
This distinctive experience is described as “awesome” by the author, suggesting it’s a highly recommended option.
- Address: 14 Rue le Bua, 75020 Paris.
- Metro: Pelleport / Gambetta.
4. Atelier Grenelle
The Atelier Grenelle boasts an excellent location, situated directly next to the iconic Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.
The pottery courses at this school are primarily run by artist Karen Gulden, who is supported by four other artists specializing in painting and drawing.
This makes Atelier Grenelle a versatile art school that also offers other art classes in addition to pottery.
The school provides courses for a wide range of age groups, including adults, teenagers, and even younger children. Special classes are also offered during school vacations to accommodate younger students.
- Address: 7 rue Ernest Psichari, 75007 Paris.
- Metro: La Tour-Maubourg / École Militaire.
5. l’Atelier Terres etc
Located in the 15th arrondissement, l’Atelier Terres etc focuses on equipping students with the necessary skills to create pottery independently, without continuous reliance on a professor.
This atelier offers year-long classes for adults, providing a sustained learning environment. For younger enthusiasts, they also offer shorter training sessions for children.
Similar to some other schools, l’Atelier Terres etc can host children’s birthday parties, making it a convenient option for families in Paris for the long term.
The workshop and showroom are described as exceptionally gorgeous, designed to inspire students to immediately sit down at a potter’s wheel and begin creating.
- Address: 48 rue des Morillons, 75015 Paris.
- Metro: Convention / Porte de Vanves. Website: Available.
6. Terre Ocre
Terre Ocre functions as both a pottery and ceramic boutique and a studio that offers courses. Regardless of your current skill level, Terre Ocre is equipped to provide guidance and support throughout your learning journey.
Also situated in the 15th arrondissement, it offers an opportunity to discover a lesser-known area of Paris. The courses cater to a diverse audience, with classes available for children and adults.
They also provide a one-on-one option for individuals seeking personalized attention. A particularly appealing offering is a course designed for both adults and children, which is highlighted as an excellent opportunity for parents and their kids to bond over a shared creative activity.
For those who are not in Paris but wish to purchase pottery or ceramics, Terre Ocre’s website features a wide selection of items from their boutique.
- Address: 60 rue des Cévennes, 75015 Paris.
- Metro: Lourmel / Boucicaut / Javel.
7. Un Jour D’atelier
Un Jour D’atelier provides courses for all levels of pottery enthusiasts. The studio prides itself on being a space where participants can learn, exchange ideas, and collaborate with other creators and their professors.
A key feature of Un Jour D’atelier is its small class sizes, which never exceed six people, ensuring a personalized and focused learning environment.
In addition to their weekly courses, they also offer weekend sessions, providing flexibility to accommodate various schedules.
- Address: 14 Rue Bardinet, 75014 Paris.
- Metro: Plaisance / Pernety.
8. La Tuile à Loup
Established in 1974, La Tuile à Loup is located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, known for its historical significance.
Since its inception, its core mission has been to conserve the artisanal and aesthetic aspects of French ceramics, aiming to protect a form of beauty and mastery that was nearing extinction.
Under the direction of Eric Goujou, who took over in 2006, the studio’s continuous passion and dedication have solidified La Tuile à Loup’s reputation.
As a result, it has become a must-see Parisian showcase for French ceramics and artisanal crafts.
While primarily described as a boutique and showcase, its historical commitment to the craft implies a deep engagement with and preservation of ceramic artistry in Paris.
- Address: 35 Rue Daubenton, 75005 Paris, France.
- Metro: Censier-Daubenton.
9. Ateliers Terre Et Feu
Ateliers Terre & Feu Paris is an art school offering a comprehensive range of artistic disciplines beyond just pottery.
Their curriculum includes sculpture-modeling, pottery, filming, drawing, painting, live models, illustration, and manga comics, among other methods.
The school operates from three studios across Paris: one in Paris 3rd Republic, another in Paris 14th Alésia, and a third in Paris 17th Villiers. These studios are designed as actual training and artistic production spaces.
With a history spanning 20 years, Ateliers Terre & Feu Paris is highly regarded for the excellence of its teaching team, the quality of its courses, and the provision of major technical resources.
Their seminars are tailored for motivated participants who aspire to enhance their skills, broaden their cultural horizons, improve and maintain their knowledge, modernize their practices, acquire new gestures, and push technological boundaries.
This makes it an ideal choice for serious art students looking for a comprehensive art education, including pottery.
- Address: 8 Cité Dupetit-Thouars, 75003 Paris, France. (Note: While the text mentions three studios, only one address is provided under “Practical Information” for this listing).
- Metro: Mairie d’Issy.
10. Sk Céramique
At Sk Céramique, Sandrine Karsenthy’s primary objective is to foster creativity and imagination by providing participants with the necessary resources to create distinctive masterpieces.
The studio is envisioned as a “cocoon” and a space for expression, where the “earth is at your disposal”.
The philosophy emphasizes that “Beauty has no other genesis than wounds, which are unique to each individual and can be hidden or exposed,” suggesting a focus on personal expression through art.
Participants can attend weekly turning or modeling appointments at the workshop. These sessions allow students to either learn or master the techniques of working on a potter’s wheel, including turning and specific turning methods. Modeling offers a pathway for creative expression.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to customize their pieces through decoration and enameling, completing the creative process.
- Address: 24 Rue de Navarin, 75009 Paris, France.
- Metro: Saint-Georges.
Alicia Richards