The French mail service can be used as your regular mail system.
Postage stamps (timbres) can be purchased at tabac stores, or at
the post office. Mailboxes are usually located near the tabac
stores. There is one slot for local mail and one slot for all other
destinations. The French Post Office hours are usually from 8 a.m.
– 6 p.m., Monday – Friday., Saturday 8 a.m. – Noon. The Post Office
is closed during lunch time, like most French offices.
Shipping and Mailing packages to and from
the U.S.
Please avoid, at all costs, receiving packages (regular
mail and overnight courier) with any sort of electronic equipment,
cameras, computers, peripherals, medicines, vitamins, etc. These
packages are always stopped in the customs entry point in France.
Before the package is released you must fax the completed form back
to the customs office and pay a processing fee (approx. $50) and a
tax that is equivalent to 20% of the value. Medicines and vitamins
are often not allowed through customs.