Faced with a collapse in the number of first-class letters being sent, this year La Poste has abolished its emblematic 'timbre rouge' next day delivery service.
It has been replaced by a partially on-line version, with a price tag several cents higher than the timbre rouge - €1.49 against €1.43. Early reports are not encouraging, with reviews suggesting that the system is complex to use and only likely to be of interest to those without access to a computer at home. If you want to send a cheque with the letter, forget it! Next day delivery is also only 'indicatif'. Trade unions claim that the real objective of the new system is a reduction in the workforce.
The second-class service delivery is now 3 days, not 2 days as previously, although the price of the basic second-class stamp remains the same as last year - €1.16.
There is also a new delivery service called 'Lettre turquoise service plus', promising 2-day delivery and tracking, but costing €2.95 for a standard letter.
The parcel delivery service remains relatively unscathed. Colissimo parcel delivery prices have increased by 2.7%, whilst those for next day Chronopost remain the same. More digital options have been introduced and La Poste continues to pursue partnerships with private delivery companies in acting as their delivery agent.
One of the most dramatic changes in recent years has been the decrease in customers visiting La Poste branch offices in person, down from around 2 million a day 10 years ago, to less than 1 million today.
As a result, the number of branch offices has been reduced from 10,000 to around 7,250. However, with public service obligations to fulfil, La Poste has promised that 90% of the population will continue to be no more than 5 kms from a local branch office.
They have achieved this by creating over 7,000 counter services in municipal offices and 3,000 partnerships with private retailers where services are provided.
For the remaining offices, a huge programme of modernisation is underway, notably in the development of IT services, and in the provision of desk space for a range of public services to have a regular presence in their offices, eg health, tax, family benefits. The service is called Maisons de Services Au Public - MSAP.
To find out about the latest La Poste services and tariffs, as well as private parcel delivery services in France, and information on La Banque Postale, read our recently updated Guide to Postal Services in France.
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