The French post office, La Poste, offers much more than just sending and receiving mail. It provides a wide range of services that can be incredibly useful for both locals and international visitors.
A Brief Overview of La Poste
Founded in 1576, La Poste has played a significant role in French society for centuries. Originally established to handle mail services, it has since evolved into a multi-service institution. Today, it functions as a trusted provider of financial services, telecommunications, and various administrative tasks.
With over 17,000 branches across France, La Poste is an essential part of the country’s infrastructure, making it easy to access crucial services no matter where you are.
Mail and Packages
Sending letters and parcels remains one of the core services. Whether it’s a simple postcard or an international package, you can choose from various delivery options.
The most popular options are:
- Lettre Prioritaire (Priority Letter): This is the fastest option for sending letters within France and internationally. Delivery within France typically takes 1 business day. Priority letters can be used for sending documents, small items, or postcards.
- Lettre Verte (Green Letter): An eco-friendly option, Lettre Verte is slightly slower than Lettre Prioritaire but costs less and is designed for non-urgent domestic mail. It usually takes about 2 days for delivery within France.
- Lettre Suivie (Tracked Letter): For those who want additional peace of mind, Lettre Suivie includes tracking, so you can monitor the progress of your letter online. Delivery speeds are similar to those of Lettre Prioritaire, but you get the added security of tracking.
Package
The most popular options are:
- Colissimo: Colissimo is the standard parcel delivery service for both domestic and international shipping. For domestic parcels, delivery usually takes 2-3 days. Internationally, delivery times vary depending on the destination, typically ranging from 3-8 days. Colissimo offers tracking and can handle packages weighing up to 30 kg. Insurance is also available to cover lost or damaged items.
- Chronopost: For urgent shipments, Chronopost offers express delivery services both within France and internationally. Domestic delivery is typically next-day for parcels, while international delivery times are much shorter than with standard shipping. This service includes full tracking and a higher level of insurance coverage. It’s ideal for important documents or high-value items that need to arrive quickly.
- Colissimo International: This service is specifically for sending parcels abroad. It’s a reliable option with tracking included and can be insured. Delivery times vary based on the destination, but packages are generally delivered within Europe in 3-5 days and to other global destinations in 5-10 days.
Financial Services
La Banque Postale, the financial arm of La Poste, allows customers to handle everyday banking at the post office. You can open a bank account, deposit checks, and even send money internationally through partnerships like Western Union. For many international students and expatriates, La Banque Postale is a convenient option for managing finances in France.
Mobile and Internet Services
Through La Poste Mobile, the post office also provides mobile phone and internet plans. Whether you need a SIM card for your phone or are looking to set up broadband in your new apartment, La Poste has affordable and flexible plans, making it easier to stay connected.
Cancellation Letter
France has a formalized process for cancelling subscriptions or contracts, often requiring a “lettre de résiliation” (cancellation letter). La Poste offers an online service to create and send cancellation letter securely, allowing you to cancel services such as gym memberships, insurance policies, or magazine subscriptions without the hassle of mailing it yourself.
Redirect Your Mail
La Poste offers convenient mail forwarding services to ensure you don’t miss any important correspondence during a move or extended absence. If you’re relocating, you can opt for permanent mail forwarding to ensure all your letters are sent to your new address. For temporary absences, such as vacations or business trips, La Poste provides a temporary forwarding service, allowing you to receive your mail at a different location for a specified period.
As a nationwide network with over 17,000 branches, La Poste is highly accessible, even in remote areas, making it easy to access services anywhere in France. It offers a broad range of options, from standard mail and package deliveries to financial and digital services, all under one roof.
