Updated May 2026.
La Poste is France’s national post office, but it does much more than handle mail. It also offers banking, mobile plans, mail forwarding, and other services. With more than 17,000 branches across the country, it is easy to find and use.
If you’re new to France, knowing what La Poste can do for you will save you time and effort.
Key Takeaways
- It offers three letter formats (Prioritaire, Verte, Suivie) and three parcel services (Colissimo, Chronopost, Colissimo International) to suit different speeds and budgets.
- La Banque Postale provides everyday banking with lower entry requirements than most traditional French banks.
- A formal cancellation letter (lettre de résiliation) service lets you cancel subscriptions and contracts online.
- Mail forwarding is available for both permanent moves and temporary absences, and can be set up online or in-branch.
What is La Poste?
La Poste is one of France’s oldest and most essential public institutions, founded in 1576 and now serving millions of residents through a network of over 17,000 branches.
Originally created to handle mail, La Poste has expanded over centuries into a trusted provider of financial services, telecommunications, and administrative support.
Mail Services
How do you send a letter in France?
La Poste has three main types of letters, each with a different mix of speed, price, and security:
- Lettre Prioritaire: the fastest option, delivered within 1 business day in France.
- Lettre Verte: slower and cheaper, meant for non-urgent mail, delivered within 2 days.
- Lettre Suivie: includes online tracking and has delivery speeds similar to Lettre Prioritaire.
Choosing the right option depends on how quickly your letter needs to arrive and whether you need proof of delivery.
FAQ
1. What is the fastest way to send a letter within France?
The Lettre Prioritaire (Priority Letter) is the fastest domestic letter option, with delivery typically guaranteed within 1 business day.
It can be used for standard documents, small items, or postcards. It is also available for international sending, though delivery times abroad will vary by destination.
2. Is there a cheaper, eco-friendly option for non-urgent mail?
Yes. The Lettre Verte (Green Letter) is made for non-urgent mail within France and usually arrives in 2 days. It also costs less than the Priority Letter.
As the name suggests, Lettre Verte is the eco-friendly choice in La Poste’s mail options. It’s a good pick if your deadline is flexible and you want to save money.
3. What if you need to track your letter?
The Lettre Suivie (Tracked Letter) adds online tracking to your delivery, giving you visibility over where your letter is at each stage of its journey.
It’s about as fast as the Lettre Prioritaire. This is a good choice if you’re sending important documents and might need proof of sending or delivery later.
Mail Forwarding
La Poste offers both permanent and temporary mail forwarding, so your mail reaches you at your new or temporary address when you move or are away for a while.
There are two options to choose from:
- Permanent forwarding: redirects all your incoming mail to a new address for as long as you need, which is helpful if you’re moving.
- Temporary forwarding: redirects your mail for a set period, which is useful for holidays or business trips.
You can set up either service at any La Poste branch or online, and they cover all standard letter mail sent to your registered address.
Cancellation Letters
How do you cancel a subscription or contract in France?
La Poste offers an online service to draft and send a formal cancellation letter (lettre de résiliation) on your behalf.
French law usually requires written notice to cancel many types of contracts, which can be unfamiliar if you’re new to France. This service covers a wide range of subscriptions, including gym memberships, insurance policies or magazine subscriptions.
La Poste takes care of formatting and delivering the notice, so you don’t have to worry about mistakes that could delay or block your cancellation. The service is fully online, so you don’t need to visit a branch: https://www.laposte.fr/modeles-lettres-resiliation
Package Services
How do you send a parcel through La Poste?
La Poste has three main parcel services, from regular deliveries in France to urgent international shipping:
- Colissimo: standard service for parcels in France and abroad, delivered in 2 to 3 days within France.
- Chronopost: express service with next-day delivery within France.
- Colissimo International: dedicated service for sending parcels abroad, with delivery across Europe in 3 to 5 days.
The best service for you depends on where your parcel is going, how fast it needs to arrive, and how much protection you want during shipping.
FAQ
1. What is the standard parcel service for sending within France?
Colissimo is La Poste’s standard parcel delivery service, with domestic delivery typically taking 2 to 3 days and a maximum weight allowance of 30 kg.
Colissimo includes tracking as standard and offers optional insurance for lost or damaged items, which is a good idea for anything fragile or valuable. It’s the most popular parcel option for everyday shipping within France.
2. What if your parcel needs to arrive the next day?
Chronopost is La Poste’s express service, offering next-day domestic delivery and significantly faster international delivery times than standard options.
Chronopost includes full tracking and higher insurance coverage, making it a good choice for urgent documents, legal papers, or valuable items. It costs more than Colissimo, but the extra speed and security are worth it when time matters.
3. How do you send a parcel abroad from France?
Colissimo International is La Poste’s dedicated service for sending parcels outside France, with the following estimated delivery times:
– Within Europe: 3 to 5 days
– Global destinations: 5 to 10 days
All international Colissimo shipments include tracking, and insurance can be added. For urgent international shipping, Chronopost International is the faster alternative.
Banking
Can you open a bank account at the post office?
Yes. La Banque Postale, which is La Poste’s financial branch, offers a full range of everyday banking services at any post office.
Key services available include:
- Opening a bank account
- Depositing cheques
- Sending money internationally
For international students who may not meet the requirements of traditional French banks, La Banque Postale is often an easier way to start banking in France.
Mobile and Internet
La Poste Mobile provides SIM cards, mobile phone plans, and broadband internet subscriptions, offering an affordable alternative to larger telecommunications providers.
Plans are flexible and competitively priced, making La Poste Mobile a practical choice for anyone setting up a new phone or internet connection in France. You can buy SIM cards at any La Poste branch without an appointment.
Where can you find your nearest La Poste branch?
With over 17,000 branches across France, including rural and remote areas, La Poste is one of the most accessible service networks in the country.
You can find branch locations and opening hours with the branch locator on the official La Poste website. Many services, such as parcel tracking, cancellation letters, and mail forwarding, can also be managed fully online without visiting a branch.
For more information, tips, and resources about studying and living in France, visit our Go! Go! France blog.
