Code postal France

Structure of France postal codes

Format and composition of France postal codes

Postal codes (Zip codes) in France are made up of five digits. The first two identify the département, and the next three designate a locality (city) or distribution area.

For example:

51200 : Department Marne (2 digits : 51) and city Epernay (3 digits : 200).
75001 : Department Paris (75) and the next three digits designate the first arrondissement of Paris(001).

Postal codes make it easier for postal services to sort mail quickly.

Understanding the meaning of each character in a France postal code

The recipient's zip code is entered on the last line of the address, directly followed by the commune's name (city name). This applies even if the commune does not have a distribution office.

The city name

The french postal code is immediately followed by the name of the city in capital letters.
Example: 13008 MARSEILLE
For small towns without a distribution office, the zip code of the nearest main town is used, but the name of the recipient's town is indicated.

Example of a postal address in France for an individual

Here's a typical example:

John SMITH
12 Rue des Rubis
44000 Nantes

Example of a postal address in France for a business

These addresses often include elements such as a service or a company name.

COMPANY NAMES
Kevin CORBEN
524 bis avenue des chantiers
51100 Reims

Regional variations and exceptions in French postcodes

For Paris, Marseille and Lyon, the last digits of the postal codes indicate the municipal district (from 75001 to 75020 for Paris, from 13001 to 13016 for Marseille, and from 69001 to 69009 for Lyon). The arrondissement is not specified in the following example: 69004 LYON. In Paris, the 16th arrondissement is divided into two parts, mainly due to the large volume of mail destined for the Maison de la Radio: 75016 (southern part, including the Auteuil and Muette districts, where the Maison de la Radio is located) and 75116 (northern part, including the Porte-Dauphine and Chaillot districts).

Towns with prefectures have zip codes ending in 000. Since the introduction of new communes, some of these towns have merged with neighboring communes. As mentioned in the “commune nouvelle” sub-section, the communes déléguées retain their old zip codes. For example, the code 91080 ÉVRY-COURCOURONNES is used for mail destined for the former commune of Courcouronnes.

Overview of French postal codes

Introduction to France postal codes

Postcode in France play a crucial role in the organization of mail and deliveries. This system, introduced in 1964, uses a combination of five digits to precisely identify a locality or geographical area. Each code begins with two digits representing the department, followed by three digits specifying the commune or district. For example, Paris is identified by codes from 75001 to 75020, while Lyon uses those from 69001 to 69009. Overseas territories, such as Guadeloupe and Martinique, also have their own distinctive codes. This system not only facilitates mail sorting and distribution, but also demographic and economic analysis by INSEE. It is also essential for businesses and delivery services that depend on a precise address to ensure efficient dispatch. The zip code is therefore much more than just a number; it's a key element in the French logistics network.

History and Evolution of France Postal Codes

The postal code in France was introduced in 1964 and generalized on October 26, 1965 by the PTT administration, the forerunner of La Poste. Initially, it consisted of two digits corresponding to the department number.

On May 23, 1972, the French Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Robert Galley, announced a reform of the postcode, which was changed to five digits on June 3, 1972. The first two digits of this new code still correspond to the department number, while the other three identify the mail distribution office. Communes without a distribution office were given the code of the office to which they were attached. Some large communes with several distribution offices therefore have several zip codes.

On January 1, 2022, France's 34,955 communes were served by 6,328 zip codes.

Practical use of France postal codes

How to find and validate a French postal code

To validate an address, you can use online tools validation address like the one we offer on this site. Check that :

The recipient's name is accurate.
The zip code and city correspond.
The general format is respected.

A correctly formatted address guarantees trouble-free delivery!

Tips for correctly formatting addresses with France postal codes

A french postal code is a series of numbers assigned to a geographical area to facilitate mail sorting and distribution. In France, these codes :

Have five digits
Must not be spaced
Are placed on the last line of the address, before the name of the commune or locality.
The first two digits indicate the department, while the last three designate the distribution office.
In Paris, Marseille and Lyon, the last two digits identify the arrondissement.