Where to Buy Stamps and Send Letters in Paris: A Practical Guide for Expats

If you’re an expat living in Paris, chances are you’ll need to send a letter at some point—whether it’s a birthday card, official paperwork, or even a postcard home. But where do you buy stamps in France, and how does the system work?

Here’s a practical, up-to-date guide to help you navigate the French postal system with ease.

Where to Buy Stamps in Paris

1. At the Post Office (La Poste)

La Poste is the national postal service and your go-to place for all things mail. You’ll find post offices throughout Paris—look for the yellow-and-blue logo.

Inside, you can:

• Buy regular postage stamps (“timbres-poste”) at the counter or from yellow self-service machines (with an English option).

• Get help from staff for mailing international letters, parcels, or tracked items.

• Ask for specific stamp types, like commemorative designs or tracking options (“lettre suivie”).

Tip: Larger post offices often have shorter wait times in the early morning or around lunchtime.

2. At Tabac Shops (Tabacs)

Recognizable by their red diamond signs, tabacs are everywhere in Paris—and they often sell basic postage stamps. Just ask:

“Un timbre pour la France / l’international, s’il vous plaît.”

They’re generally open longer than post offices, including weekends. Handy when La Poste is closed.

3. Online via La Poste’s Website

Prefer digital? Visit laposte.fr to:

• Order stamps by mail (buy stamps).

• Use the “Mon Timbre en Ligne” service: choose a design, pay online, print your stamp at home.

This is perfect if you have access to a printer and don’t want to run out for just one stamp.

4. At Supermarkets

Some major chains (like Carrefour, Leclerc, or Intermarché) sell stamps at the customer service desk. Useful if you’re doing groceries and want to save a stop.

Where to print photos?

What About Fiscal Stamps (Timbres Fiscaux)?

Yes, timbres fiscaux (fiscal stamps) are still used in France—but not for postage. They are required for certain administrative processes like:

• Paying for a passport or ID renewal

• Visa applications

• Settling administrative fines

You cannot use postal stamps (timbres-poste) for these purposes. To buy fiscal stamps:

• Go to a tabac (many sell both postal and fiscal stamps)

• Use the official site timbres.impots.gouv.fr for online purchase and QR-code generation

Always double-check which stamp is needed for your paperwork to avoid delays.

Sending Your Letter

Find a Mailbox

Look for bright yellow mailboxes (“boîtes aux lettres”) around Paris—typically near post offices, metro stations, or on busy streets. Each box has two slots:

• One for local mail (“Paris et département”)

• One for national and international mail (“Autres destinations”)

Make sure to use the right slot based on your letter’s destination.

Check Collection Times

On each mailbox, you’ll find a sticker showing collection days and times. To avoid delays, post your letter before the last daily pickup.

Sending International Mail

Sending mail abroad? Ask for:

“Un timbre pour l’international” or “Une lettre internationale suivie” (for tracking).

Postage depends on weight and destination. For letters over 20g, you’ll need additional stamps. Ask staff to weigh your mail to avoid underpaying.

Tips for Expats

• Know the weight limits when you buy stamps: A standard letter (≤20g) requires one basic stamp (as of 2025, €1.29 for national, €1.96 for international).

• Use tracking when needed: For important mail, use “lettre suivie” or “recommandé” (registered mail).

• Learn the key terms:

  • Boîte aux lettres – Mailbox

  • Timbre – Stamp

  • Lettre suivie – Tracked letter

  • Colissimo – Parcel service (with tracking)

  • Lettre recommandée – Registered mail (with proof of delivery)

  • Timbre fiscal – Fiscal stamp (for admin tasks, not for mail!)

Conclusion

Sending mail in Paris is easy once you know the basics. Whether you’re grabbing a stamp at the tabac on a Sunday or printing one from home, you’ve got options. Remember to differentiate between postal stamps and fiscal stamps, and always check pickup times and postage rates for international destinations.

So the next time you need to send a letter or buy stamps, you’ll know exactly what to do—without stress.

Bon courage, and happy mailing from Paris!

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