How to write the address when sending parcels to France

Shipping address format in France

Postal address in France is divided into different lines, each of them containing relevant information. For domestic shipments, a basic French address example comprises 3 lines. However, the address format in France may extend to 5 lines, following the format below:

1. Person or business name. Full name of the recipient or company.
2. Additional information about apartment, building or office. (optional)
3. House number and street name.
4. Postal code (code postal) and city.
5. Country. Only for international shipments.

Examples of shipping and postal addresses in France

Specific cases require additional lines from the basic French format address to provide the necessary information to the courier. Depending on the recipient or the type of shipment, you will need to add 1 or 2 extra lines about the recipient information and the country.

French address format when the recipient’s name is not on the doorbell

The address format in France has one (or even two) additional lines between the recipient’s name and the street to specify additional details.

In case the recipient’s name is not on the doorbell or mailbox, you can add these important details.

Use the term chez (= care of) followed by the name on the doorbell.

Postal code in the French shipping address

The postal code, in French ‘code postale’, is essential for the courier and the postal services to identify the delivery location.

The postal code in France has 5 digits and follows these simple rules:

• The first 2 digits are the number of the département (for overseas territories, the first 3).
• The last 3 digits identify the local post office in charge of mail delivery.
• The last digit is always 0, except for big cities like Paris, Lyon and Marseille.
  • In Paris, Lyon and Marseille, the last 2 digits indicate the municipal arrondissement.

For example, the Eiffel Tower is in the 7th arrondissement, so the postal code is:

Write the address to send mail and parcels to Monaco

To send a parcel or a letter to the Principality of Monaco, you have to follow the French address format. Postal services to the principality of Monaco are provided by the French postal company La Poste.

The postal code for Monaco starts with 98 and follows the French format.