A Visit to the Canson Paper Mill in Annonay, France
- Feb 20
- 3 min read
This year, we were very lucky to visit the beautiful town of Annonay in France, home to the historic Canson paper mill, finishing and distribution centre, and the Canson & Montgolfier Papermills Museum.
It was a rare opportunity to see firsthand where many of the fine art papers used in professional printmaking are made. Papers such as Moulin du Roy and Canson Infinity Rag Photographique, alongside a vast range of other Canson papers — including their well-known coloured papers — all originate from this site.
Fine Art Papers Used in Printmaking
Many of the fine art papers we work with daily are produced at the Annonay mill. These papers are trusted by artists and printmakers worldwide for their consistency, surface quality, and archival performance.
Seeing the production process in person gave us a deeper understanding of how these materials support high-quality giclée and fine art printing.
Sustainable Papermaking at the Canson Paper Mill
The mill is located close to the river, which is essential, as paper production requires large amounts of water. Some of this water is converted into steam, now generated using a renewable biomass boiler, which fuels the steam-heated cylinders used during the drying process.
This commitment to sustainability ensures traditional papermaking techniques can continue responsibly.
Raw Materials: 100% Cotton Paper Production
Our tour began in the delivery bay, where all the raw materials arrive. Outside, we saw large paper rolls that hadn’t passed Canson’s strict quality control. These are recycled back into the production cycle, keeping waste to a minimum.
The fine art papers we use are made from 100% cotton, delivered as cotton linters — the short fibres remaining after textile-grade cotton has been removed.
From Cotton Linters to Paper Pulp
The cotton linters are broken down in pulpers and mixed with water to form pulp. Once the fibre consistency is correct, the pulp is cleaned through centrifuges to remove impurities before entering the Fourdrinier paper machine.
Here, the pulp is laid onto a moving mesh, allowing the fibres to intertwine as water drains away and the sheet begins to form.
Paper Texture and Surface Finishes Explained
The newly formed paper moves onto felt, which plays a key role in defining texture. Steam-heated cylinders remove further moisture, followed by rollers that create either hot-pressed or cold-pressed finishes.
These finishes directly influence how ink sits on the paper and how artwork is perceived once printed.
Quality Control in Fine Art Paper Manufacturing
Throughout the process, the paper is rigorously tested — both digitally and by hand — to ensure consistency in surface, weight, and finish across every batch.
This level of quality control is what allows artists and printers to rely on the paper performing consistently across entire editions.
Preparing Paper for Giclée Printing
Once complete, the paper is wound onto a mother reel, which is later converted into sheets or rolls.
Papers such as Canson Infinity Rag Photographique receive an additional surface coating, designed specifically for high-performance giclée printing, ensuring excellent colour accuracy, fine detail, and longevity.
Paper Finishing, Cutting, and Distribution
We then visited the finishing and distribution areas, where paper is cut, packaged, and prepared for a wide range of creative and commercial uses around the world.
The History of Papermaking in Annonay
Alongside the working mill, we explored the Canson & Montgolfier Papermills Museum, which charts the evolution of papermaking in France.
Early papermaking was seasonal, carried out by farmers during winter months when water was plentiful. Industrialisation later allowed paper production to continue year-round.
Canson Paper and Its Legacy in Art History
The museum also highlights the legacy of Canson and the Montgolfier family, including the first paper hot air balloon flight on 14 December 1782, launched from the mill courtyard.
Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Monet, Picasso, Degas, and Van Gogh all worked on Canson paper, with many originals in the Louvre created on these materials — a powerful testament to their quality and heritage.
Why Paper Choice Matters in Fine Art Printing
Visiting the mill reinforced how vital paper selection is to fine art printing. Understanding where these materials come from deepens our appreciation for the craft behind papermaking — and why choosing the right paper is essential to producing exceptional prints.
