Upholstery courses in Annecy, France
Learn Upholstery in a Real French Atelier
All courses take place in Céline Vanier’s working upholstery atelier near Lake Annecy, in the French Alps.
Whether you choose a private one-to-one training or a small group class, the goal is the same: to learn real upholstery techniques through practice and leave with your own finished piece.
This page gives you an overview of both formats so you can choose the experience that best suits your project, your pace, and your budget.
Small Group Classes
A shared 5-day upholstery experience in a very small group.
- 5 days – 35 hours of training
- Maximum 4 students
- Same atelier and same teaching approach
- Complete chair or stool project included
You follow the same overall structure while benefiting from the energy of a small group and a more accessible price point.
Once fully booked, no additional dates are added.
Price: 2,450 € per person
Private Upholstery courses
The most immersive and efficient way to learn upholstery.
- Classique 35h training or personalised project
- One or 2 students only
- Fully personalised guidance
- Faster progress and deeper understanding
- Complete chair or stool project can be included
You work directly with Céline in her atelier, at your own pace, with continuous guidance from start to finish.
Price: personalised project
What is included, both scenarios
- Chair frame or stool structure
- Traditional upholstery raw materials
- Use of professional tools
- 35 hours of instruction
- Packing materials if needed
- 2 months of access to online tutorials on the website
What is not included
- Fabric
- Decorative nails and trimmings
- Accommodation (recommendations available on request)
- Travel and shipping costs
2026 / 2027 Course Dates
- May 11–15, 2026
- June 8–12, 2026
- June 29 – July 3, 2026
- September 14–18, 2026
- September 21–25, 2026
- October 19–23, 2026
- February 15–19, 2027
- April 26–30, 2027
- May 17–21, 2027
- June 28 – July 2, 2027
Which format should you choose?
Private training is best if you want the most focused, tailored, and intensive learning experience, with direct one-to-one guidance throughout the whole week.
Small group classes are ideal if you enjoy a shared atmosphere and want a strong introduction to upholstery in a more convivial format. If you are unsure, feel free to get in touch and I will help you choose the most suitable format for your project.
Your Upholstery Project
Your training includes a chair frame or stool structure made in France and ready to be upholstered. The frame is included in the price of the course.
You may choose the model that best matches your level, your style, and the way you plan to take your piece home.
- Adult-size cabriolet chair: the richest and most complete upholstery experience
- Kid-size cabriolet chair: lighter and easier to transport
- Kid-size Voltaire chair: a charming and beginner-friendly traditional project
- Square upholstered stool: a simpler introduction with quicker progress
If you are travelling internationally, the smaller models and the stool are usually the easiest to ship. Larger chairs may require a transport company or a custom wooden crate.
Wood finishes available: natural wood with matte varnish, stained wood with matte varnish, White Linen paint, Lamp Black, or another Little Greene colour with additional fees if needed.
Fabric and Finishes
You may bring your own fabric or choose one through our website. We can help you estimate the quantity needed according to your selected model and fabric pattern.
As a general rule, you will need up to 1.5 metres of fabric for a plain fabric of standard width.
Decorative nails and trimmings are not included in the course price. You can choose them on site according to your project and preferences.
What You Will Learn
- Traditional and modern upholstery techniques
- The use of professional hand tools and workshop equipment
- Seat construction and padding
- Fabric covering methods
- Decorative and finishing details
The private format naturally allows more flexibility and adaptation to your level, but both formats are designed to give you a true hands-on understanding of upholstery.
Schedule
Daily Hours
Monday to Friday
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
1:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Total: 35 hours over 5 days
Course Language
English-speaking
A little French can of course be used if needed for French-speaking students.
Location
Le Boudoir des Etoffes
58 Route d’Annecy
74290 Veyrier-du-Lac
France
Near Lake Annecy – around 40 minutes from Geneva Airport.
Getting Your Piece Home
Shipping is not included in the course price, but we provide packing materials free of charge if you need to prepare your piece for transport.
Smaller models are naturally easier and less expensive to ship. For larger chairs, we can advise you on the most suitable options depending on your destination.
Booking
To enquire about availability, private dates, group sessions, or the most suitable chair project for your level, please get in touch directly.
I will also be happy to guide you regarding accommodation nearby, travel planning, and fabric choices if needed.
Plan your upholstery experience
Contact me to check availability and discuss your project.
If you prefer, you can also email me directly at
thegirlwithahammer@gmail.com
Need more practical information?
Travel, accommodation, shipping, and other practical questions are answered in the FAQ.
Download information and general terms
Learn upholstery online with photo and video tutorials
If you’d like to go further beyond the workshop, you can continue learning at your own pace with my online tutorials.
You’ll find complete step-by-step guides, detailed techniques, and practical advice on tools, materials, and professional methods, everything you need to keep improving with confidence.
And because the learning doesn’t stop at the workshop, all participants get 3 months of free access to the full online platform. A great way to deepen your skills, revisit techniques, and keep progressing long after the course.