How to join the growing community of outdoor sketchers this summer—from Paris to Montpellier.

The Art of Slowing Down with a Pencil

In a summer of heatwaves and crowded tourist spots, more travelers are swapping selfie sticks for sketchbooks. Across France, plein air drawing—the practice of sketching outdoors—has become a mindful and creative way to explore the country’s parks, plazas, and quiet corners.

This is not just for trained artists. From complete beginners to seasoned illustrators, people are gathering in public spaces to draw what they see: shady plane trees, market stalls, pétanque players, or café terraces at twilight. It’s part of a broader movement of “urban sketching”, where locals and visitors alike document daily life through quick, observational drawings.

Why Try Plein Air Sketching?

• Stay Cool, Stay Present: Sitting under the shade of a tree with a sketchbook in hand is one of the best ways to beat the heat without missing out on the scene.
• See More Deeply: Drawing forces you to slow down and really observe—a park becomes more than just a green space; it becomes a collection of shapes, shadows, and stories.
• Minimal Gear: No easels or paints required! All you need is a notebook, a pen or pencil, and a curious eye.
• Meet Locals: Many French cities have friendly sketching communities that welcome travelers into their meetups and workshops.

Where to Sketch: France’s Summer-Friendly Spots

Paris

• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont: Dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and shady groves make this a favorite for sketchers seeking organic, whimsical scenery.
• Canal Saint-Martin: Draw the boats, cafés, and people lounging along the quays.
• Urban Sketchers Paris Meetup: Check their Facebook group or Meetup.com for casual sketch crawls—often held in parks, gardens, or café terraces.

Bordeaux

• Jardin Public: With old trees, a duck pond, and sun-dappled benches, this city park is a sketchbook favorite.
• Place de la Bourse & Miroir d’Eau: For practicing reflections and architecture, there’s no better spot in Bordeaux.
• Local Groups: Try "Croqueurs de Bordeaux" (Sketchers of Bordeaux) on social media to find events or join spontaneous drawing sessions.

Montpellier

• Promenade du Peyrou: Capture classical statues, shady promenades, and sunset views over the rooftops.
• Esplanade Charles-de-Gaulle: Ideal for people-watching sketches, especially during summer festivals or evening markets.
• Ateliers & Meetups: The "Urban Sketchers Montpellier" community often hosts relaxed gatherings—no judgment, just drawing!

Tips for Your Sketchbook Stroll

• Pack Light: Bring a small sketchbook, a few waterproof pens, and perhaps a travel watercolor set. Many French pharmacies also sell mini cooling sprays—perfect for misting your face between sketches.
• Start with Five-Minute Sketches: Don’t worry about perfection. Quick line drawings help you capture the energy of a place without overthinking.
• Observe First: Spend a few minutes soaking in the atmosphere before putting pencil to paper. What catches your eye—the shadows? A passing cyclist? The glint of sunlight on café glasses?
• Engage with Locals: People in France are often curious about sketchers. A friendly "Bonjour" and a smile go a long way if someone peeks over your shoulder.
• Protect Your Work: Bring a binder clip to keep pages from flapping in the breeze.

Join the Global Urban Sketching Movement

Urban Sketchers (USk) is an international network with active chapters in dozens of French cities. Their motto? "We show the world, one drawing at a time."

To find a local meetup:

• Visit www.urbansketchers.org
• Search Facebook for "Urban Sketchers + [City Name]"
• Look for hashtags like #uskparis or #uskbordeaux on Instagram

Final Thought: A Cool Summer Souvenir

Forget postcards—this summer, consider bringing home your own hand-drawn memories. Whether you’re sketching lavender fields, Gothic cathedrals, or simply the way the sunlight hits a café chair, plein air drawing offers a personal, meditative way to experience France’s beauty—one page at a time.