Strasbourg

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Postal Services

Sections

1. Overview of Postal Services in Strasbourg

La Poste offers a wide range of services, including:

  • Mail Services: Sending letters, postcards, and documents domestically and internationally.
  • Parcel Services: Sending and receiving packages, with options for standard or express delivery.
  • Banking Services: La Poste also operates a banking service called La Banque Postale, which offers basic financial services.
  • Other Services: Mobile phone plans, photocopying, and purchasing stamps, envelopes, and packaging materials.

2. Types of Services Offered

Mail Services

  • Standard Mail (Lettre Prioritaire): For fast delivery within France (usually 1-2 business days).
  • Green Mail (Lettre Verte): An eco-friendly option that takes slightly longer (2-3 business days within France).
  • Registered Mail (Lettre Recommandée): For important documents or items, with tracking and proof of delivery.
  • International Mail: Options for sending letters and documents worldwide, with varying delivery speeds.

Parcel Services

  • Colissimo: Standard parcel delivery service for domestic and international shipments. Includes tracking and delivery confirmation.
  • Chronopost: Express delivery service for urgent parcels, both domestically and internationally.
  • Mondial Relay: A cost-effective option for sending and receiving parcels via designated pickup points.

Additional Services

  • Stamps and Packaging: Available for purchase at post offices or online. Stamps can also be bought at tabacs (tobacco shops) and some supermarkets.
  • Poste Restante: A service for receiving mail at a post office if you don’t have a fixed address. Useful for visitors or temporary residents.
  • Forwarding Services: For residents moving within France or abroad, La Poste offers mail forwarding services.

3. Costs of Postal Services

The cost of postal services depends on the type of service, weight, and destination. Below are approximate prices (as of 2023):

Domestic Mail (France)

  • Lettre Prioritaire: Starting at €1.49 for letters up to 20g.
  • Lettre Verte: Starting at €1.16 for letters up to 20g.
  • Registered Mail: From €4.83 (additional fees for insurance or higher weight).

International Mail

  • Europe: Starting at €1.80 for letters up to 20g.
  • Worldwide: Starting at €2.20 for letters up to 20g.

Parcels

  • Colissimo (Domestic): From €4.95 for small parcels up to 250g.
  • Colissimo (International): Prices vary by destination and weight (e.g., €13.10 for a 1kg parcel to Europe).
  • Chronopost: Higher rates for express delivery (e.g., €24 for a 1kg parcel to Europe).

Tips for Saving Money

  • Use Lettre Verte for non-urgent mail to save money.
  • For parcels, compare Colissimo and Mondial Relay for the best rates.
  • Purchase stamps in bulk or online for convenience.

4. Procedures for Sending and Receiving Mail or Packages

Sending Mail

  1. Prepare Your Item: Write the recipient’s address clearly in the correct format (see below for details).
  2. Buy Stamps: Purchase stamps at a post office, tabac, or online. Use the correct postage based on weight and destination.
  3. Drop Off: Place letters in yellow mailboxes (boîtes aux lettres) located throughout the city or hand them over at a post office for parcels.
  4. Tracking: For registered mail or parcels, you’ll receive a tracking number.

Receiving Mail

  • Ensure your name is clearly displayed on your mailbox if you’re a resident.
  • For visitors, use the Poste Restante service by providing the post office address and your name. Bring ID to collect your mail.

Address Format in France

Recipient Name
Street Address, Building/Apartment Number
Postal Code, City
Country (if international)

Example:

Jean Dupont
10 Rue des Écrivains
67000 Strasbourg
France

5. Locations of Post Offices in Strasbourg

Strasbourg has several post offices (bureaux de poste) conveniently located throughout the city. Here are some key locations:

  1. Main Post Office (La Poste Strasbourg Centre)

    • Address: 1 Rue de la Poste, 67000 Strasbourg
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM; Closed on Sundays.

  2. La Poste Strasbourg Gare

    • Address: 20 Place de la Gare, 67000 Strasbourg (near the train station)
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

  3. La Poste Strasbourg Neudorf

    • Address: 2 Rue de Ribeauvillé, 67100 Strasbourg
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

  4. La Poste Strasbourg Robertsau

    • Address: 45 Rue Boecklin, 67000 Strasbourg
    • Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM; Saturday, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Finding Post Offices

  • Use La Poste’s official website (www.laposte.fr) or mobile app to locate the nearest post office and check operating hours.

6. Operating Hours

  • Most post offices in Strasbourg operate Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM - 6:30 PM, and Saturday mornings (9:00 AM - 12:30 PM).
  • Post offices are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
  • Yellow mailboxes are accessible 24/7, with daily collection times posted on each box.

7. Tips and Considerations

  • Language: Staff at post offices may not always speak fluent English. It’s helpful to know basic French phrases or bring a translation app.
  • Peak Hours: Avoid visiting post offices during lunch hours (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM) or late afternoons, as they can be busy.
  • Tracking: Always keep your receipt and tracking number for parcels or registered mail.
  • Customs for International Parcels: If sending items outside the EU, you may need to fill out a customs declaration form (available at the post office or online).
  • Tabacs for Stamps: If you only need stamps, visit a nearby tabac instead of waiting in line at a post office.

8. Financial Considerations

  • Payment Methods: Post offices accept cash, credit/debit cards, and contactless payments.
  • La Banque Postale: If you’re a resident, you can open a bank account with La Banque Postale for convenient access to financial services.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to use Strasbourg’s postal services efficiently, whether you’re sending a postcard to a loved one or receiving an important package. Let me know if you need further assistance!