How can I receive packages while in France?

The situation is complex and quite variable.

If the delivery is done by La Poste (the incumbent postal service), they usually have access to those mailboxes (they have the RFID equivalent of a master key, as well as master keys to open the mailboxes to deliver parcels in them, if they are standard mailboxes). The exception is if there’s a concierge, in which case they will receive mail and deliver it into the mailboxes (this is becoming quite rare in France). The standard parcel delivery service of La Poste is called Collisimo.

If they can’t get access or the parcel is too big for the mailbox, they should normally ring using the “interphone” if there is one.

If this fails or they’re in lazy mode, they will leave a missed delivery note, and you will either be able to pick up at the nearest post office, or the option to chose another delivery attempt (not sure if this is generalised).

Note that special instructions are usually not available, it’s the address and nothing else.

Most of this usually also applies to parcels delivered by Chronopost, though this may vary locally.

Most other private delivery companies will not have access to the mailboxes inside. They will either:

• call you when they are about to deliver (some use this to coax you into stepping down to the street to get your parcel instead of coming up to your flat like they’re supposed to)

• call you if they can’t make the delivery

• leave a note with options

• leave a note letting you know they delivered the parcel at a nearby store

• pretend you weren’t home even if you were and deliver it directly to a nearby shop and let you know by email or SMS

Some will attempt a second delivery.

In most cases, you can provide additional instructions, including the “digicode” (code used to enter the building), the number or name for the “interphone” (an audio or audio-video system between the building entrance and each flat), and possibly instructions on what to do if you are absent (leave in location X, leave with neighbour Y, etc.).

Note that “nearby shop” can be quite a distance. There are several different networks of shops providing this service, so depending on which network the delivery company works with, and which network local stores are affiliated to, it may end up in different locations, some quite further than others.

Most sites (including Amazon) will actually let you pick directly a store to have the parcel delivered to. Some will even provide this service cheaper than home delivery. The generic name for the service is “relais colis”, and the site may be affiliated with one or more of the networks. You’ll usually have a map to pick the most convenient location, with opening hours etc.

Don’t hesitate to call the shop before going there to reconfirm their opening hours, the data is not always up to date.

Other options include Poste Restante (only for parcels delivered by La Poste), mailboxes in post offices (though I believe this is becoming quite rare, and is probably expensive for mailboxes suitable for parcels), lockers (either those of Amazon or those of La Poste), and more, but they are often restrictive.

Amazon has an option to deliver your packages to "relays" or "points de retrait" - usually gas stations and small shops can act like one, but there are dedicated places too. You get your package there free of charge, at the store's opening hours. You will need a valid ID to pick it up.

If the item you want is not eligible for such delivery, you can usually buy it from another seller which supports this option.

If you provide your home address as delivery address, and the courier is unable to deliver the package, your item will typically end up in the post office or in such a relay (and you'll get a mail or a paper note in your mailbox with instructions). You may not be able to pick a convenient location though: I once had to go across town to pick up a package.

In my residence, I have exactly the same case. Mail boxes are too small (aperture is designed for letters only) and are accessible from within the building for which the external door is always kept close for security reasons (accessed through physical key or RFID wireless key by residents).

I will tell you what happens with Amazon delivery based on my experience:

• Typically, the postman comes during working hours, so normally, the receptionist should be in his office and will let him in to deposit the parcels in his office so that he would dispatch it himself. If not (Too big parcel), it will be kept in his safe until you pick it up yourself.

• If not, in case the admission/reception office is exceptionally closed during working-hours, or delivery is taking place on Saturday (Amazon Prime), I used to receive a phone call on my mobile from the deliverer, provided that I included that my number in my Amazon account of course.

I just agree with the deliverer on a specific timing. Alternatively, I would ask some colleague inside the building to receive the parcel on my behalf and sign for it.

Don't worry, everything is well-tracked in France and you should receive your goods. Good Luck,

Note that even though Chronoposte looks like it's a service from the post office, it's actually entirely run by contractors (down to sub-sub-sub contractors..) and behaves quite differently from the post office. Especially in terms of delivery, and especially to residential addresses. If you want the full benefit of post office service, be sure to use Colissimo and not Chronoposte. The latter's claims of being 'express' is absolutely not reflected in reality in my experience, in fact to a residential address you strongly risk never getting your package at all, much less getting it faster.

A solution that might help you is called Poste restante, meaning Staying at the post office.

The trick is to give as your address, your name followed by the mention "Poste restante" and the address of a specific post office near you. The letter or package will be delivered to this office and you will be able to get it by presenting an ID. As an example, you might provide this address:

Joshua Frank Poste restante
21 avenue des Champs-Élysées
75008 Paris

In France, the parcel will never, ever be left on the street. By the way, do not worry about the gate code, I think every pizza store has every gate code in the country already.