RHODIA 117370C Wine Soft Notebook: A5 Lined with Ivory Clairefontaine Paper
Product description
What it is
The RHODIA 117370C Wine Soft Notebook is a compact A5 notebook with a flexible imitation leather cover. It uses ivory Clairefontaine paper at 90 g/m², arranged in lined pages with a 7 mm line spacing. The cover features an orange bookmark ribbon and an elastic closure, while the inside spine includes a gusseted pocket for loose notes. This is part of Rhodiarama’s collection, designed to be slim, durable and pleasant to write on.
How it feels and writes
On the page, the Clairefontaine ivory paper is noted for its velvety surface and smooth writing experience. The 90 g/m² stock is designed to be pleasantly resistant to bleed-through, offering decent opacity for writing on both sides of the page. The book’s soft cover and light build make it comfortable to carry, while the elastic closure helps keep the pages secure in transit. The paper is acid-free and pH-neutral, with water-based inks used in printing, which aligns with a lower environmental impact claim for this format.
What stands out
Two aspects tend to catch the eye here. First, the combination of a flexible faux leather cover with a warm wine colour gives the notebook a refined, understated look suitable for work or personal use. Second, the use of Clairefontaine 90 g/m² paper is a notable feature for a mid-range notebook, it aims to deliver a smoother writing experience and better ink handling than many standard notepads in this size category. The tape-like bookmark and the gusseted inside pocket are practical touches for keeping place and tucking in loose papers.
How it compares to different uses
If you prioritise a compact, pocket-friendly notebook for everyday planning or journaling, this Rhodiarama model fits well. It offers a step up in paper quality compared with basic, cheaper alternatives, and the vegan-friendly, PEFC-certified materials can be a selling point for eco-conscious buyers. It may be less suitable if you need ultra-heavy writing sessions or very thick notebooks—at five inches by seven inches, the A5 format is comfortable but not designed to replace a desk-sized notepad.
Who it’s for
This notebook is a sensible choice for students, professionals or journal-keepers who value a pleasant writing surface, a tidy organisation system (line spacing and a built-in pocket) and a compact form. It suits those who want a lightweight companion for daily notes, meeting briefs or personal journals without committing to a larger, heavier notebook.
Who it isn’t for
If you frequently require very high page counts or heavy-duty covers, this slim, soft-cover Rhodiarama may feel too light. If you prioritise glossy or sectioned layouts (e.g., dotted grids, specialised planners), you’ll find this model offers only lined pages and a minimalist structure. Also, if you must use metal-bound or hard-cover notebooks for long travel, a soft cover might not meet your durability expectations.
When it makes sense to buy
Consider this notebook if you want a refined, portable writing surface with good paper quality, a clean line layout and handy accessories (bookmark, elastic closure, pocket). It works well for on-the-go note-taking, daily journaling or as a compact log for meetings, where the handwriting feel and page opacity contribute to a smoother experience.
What to check before buying
- Confirm you’re happy with A5 size and lined pages at 7 mm spacing.
- If you rely on very heavy inks or markers, test a page edge for show-through, as 90 g/m² is good but not invincible.
- Ensure you like faux leather aesthetics and the wine colour, the soft cover is stylish but gives less structural protection than hard covers.
Practical use case
Imagine drafting a concise daily plan at your desk, then slipping the notebook into a bag for a client meeting. The orange ribbon keeps your place, the elastic keeps the book shut, and the inside pocket stashes a few notes or receipts you collect along the way.
FAQ (brief and practical)
- Is the paper bright white or ivory? It uses Ivory Clairefontaine paper, which gives a warm ivory tone.
- Are there other formats in the same collection? The Rhodiarama line includes several formats, this entry is specifically A5 with lined pages.
- Is it vegan-friendly? Yes, the materials are described as vegan-friendly.
- How durable is the soft cover for daily carry? The cover is soft and flexible, if you need rugged durability, consider additional protection or a different binding option.
Is it worth it?
Worth considering if you value a refined, portable notebook with good writing paper and practical features in a compact format for everyday use. It may not be the best option if you need a large notebook, a hard-cover for rough handling, or specialised page layouts beyond standard lines.
Final verdict
For those seeking a mid-range, well-constructed notebook that balances writing comfort with portability, the RHODIA 117370C offers a credible combination of paper quality, thoughtful extras and a neat aesthetic. It’s a sensible everyday tool, especially if you prioritise a smooth writing surface and unobtrusive design over brute durability or a wide range of page formats.