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La Poste is The French national postal service. Post CodesA French postcode is a five digit number. The first two numbers indicate the département number and the last three the area. In Paris, the final two digits indicate the arrondissement number.
Other post code finders
Writing a French Address
The address should never be more than six lines long. If possible, write the entire address in capital letters. “Saint” and “Sainte” may be shortened to “ST” and “STE”, respectively. Example:
Online examples of addresses in France
Stamps and Postage LabelsThere are two different stamps (timbres) available for regular mail service within France. Officially called Marianne stamps (timbres Marianne) the stamps are printed with the face of Marianne, the personification of the Republic of France.
The Marianne stamps can be bought in books of 12 (carnet) from post offices, newsagents (tabacs) and La Poste website. Rolls of 500 stamps are also available at post offices and from La Poste website. Many post offices have a self-service coin-operated machine which weighs letters and issues postage labels (vignettes d'affranchissement) which can be used instead of stamps. The machines usually have an English-language format. The letter rate can only be used for documents, correspondence and documentation-related items (CDs, diskettes) under three kilograms in weight. Anything else is mailed at the package rate.
Sending Post to Countries Outside of FranceThe blue stamp (timbre bleu) is used to send letters within the EU and to Switzerland. It is possible to send letters of up to 20g with one blue stamp.
Postexport PremierRecorded delivery service for delivery in Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Finland, Ireland, Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Sweden and Switzerland. Envelopes are pre-paid, with weight limits of either 100g or 500g. Methods of Sending a LetterEcopliFor sending a non-priority letter. Delivery time is generally three to five days. The service is slightly less expensive than using the red or green stamps. Registered Letter with Receipt of Delivery (Lettre Recommandée Avec Accusé de Réception, AR)This is a recorded delivery service. A confirmation receipt will be received by the sender, or confirmation of delivery can be obtained online. General delivery time is one to two days. This service can be used for letters weighing up to 3kg and 22 by 11cm in size. When mailing a lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception, fill out the required forms at the post office. The postal clerk will attach the forms (minus a receipt for the sender/preuve de dépôt) to the envelope. When the letter is received, the recipient will sign for it and the signed receipt (avis de réception) will be returned to the sender. Pricing is dependent on the weight and reimbursement value of the sent item. Insurance is optional.
Electronic Registered Letter (Lettre Recommandée Electronique)A service similar to the lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception (with an optional receipt of reception) but for sending electronic documents in various formats (Word, PDF and similar). Through La Poste website, these documents can be sent with an official record of when it was sent and when it was received. Though an electronic document is sent via the website, the recipient will receive a printed, hard copy of the document delivered by the postal service. A confirmation receipt can be received by the sender via regular post or electronically. Documents sent via the Lettre Recommandée Electronique service will be postmarked at the moment it is electronically sent to La Poste. Documents can be sent from anywhere in the world and will be considered sent within France (as the document will actually be printed in France). Pricing is based on the number of pages sent and payment is made using a bank card. General delivery time is one to two days.
Ready to Deliver Letter (Prêt-a-Recommander Suivi)An integrated letter and envelope with pre-paid recorded delivery service and tracking service. A recipient cannot claim an empty envelope was received when this service is utilised as the letter and envelope are one.
Recorded Delivery (Distingo Suivi)This service is for recording when an item was sent. There is no record of delivery or guaranteed time of delivery. Distingo Suivi envelopes are made of Tyvec and are therefore waterproof and tear-resistant. An optional bubble-wrap lined envelope is available. It is possible to buy pre-paid Distingo Suivi envelopes from La Poste. Several methods are available to monitor a Distingo Suivi letter.
Methods of Sending a ParcelThe La Poste website has an English-language guide for sending parcels, including links to information about Customs formalities.
Further Information
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This is the "French Postal Codes & Addresses" INFOrmation Page at AngloINFO Limousin. AngloINFO Limousin's INFOrmation Pages provide an online encyclopaedia covering all aspects of "Life in Limousin, in English!". AngloINFO Limousin is your Limousin information source, for everyone living in Limousin or moving to Limousin, covering everything from the Limousin property and real estate contacts you need before and during your move to France, to all aspects of everyday life in the Limousin international community for those living their lives in France. » Find out more about AngloINFO in France | ||||||||||||||||||||
