Even art and craft supplies take on a hip edge in Paris, where you’ll find beautiful, highly specialised stores. Take, for example, the boutique Michel Charbonnier, the city’s only dedicated origami store. Cross-stitch enthusiasts will find their Nirvana at Les Bonheur des Dames and Des Fils et une Aiguille. Phidar, with nine outlets around Paris, stocks gorgeous yarns in wool and acrylic blends alongside easy-to-read and fashionable patterns (in French). Online ordering is also available. Amateur artists can order everything they need from Boesner, an enormous warehouse outside the city stocking professional artist materials and free delivery of online and in-store purchases over €120 is offered. For dedicated artist boutiques within the city bounds Maison Gattegno and Esquise, both in the 6th arrondissement, are two addresses worth noting.

For generalist stores, department store BHV has an entire floor dedicated to art supplies. Falling under the one company umbrella, Créa, Rougier & Plé and Graphigro really rule the market when it comes to art and craft mega-boutiques. There are five stores across the city headed under the various banners – one Créa, one Rougier & Plé and three Graphigro addresses; your best bet for browsing or when a wide range of stock is needed.

For courses and tuition in painting, sculpting, ceramics, drama and even music request a brochure from ADAC Ville de Paris, a group organising workshops in studios across Paris. Frimousse magazine and Le Paris des Tout-Petits (available at kiosks) contain extensive information on upcoming workshops. The local town hall (mairie) in each arrondissement will also run adult learning courses, including those focussed on the arts. Ask for the booklet, Cours Municipal d’Adultes.