Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in France

We have a mailbox located on the edge of the village, where mail is placed outside the gate. Suppose they need a larger space or paperwork to be signed. They will come to the door. If we are not at home, it will be dropped off at the post office in a village seven kilometers away.  It will be tried again the next day. We are friendly and kind to the postal personnel. And they are just as kind. The yellow outgoing Postbox had been on our Gate post for many years at the edge of the village. So we almost saw and greeted them nearly every day, except on Sundays.  Last month, they came to remove the outgoing box. I helped them since they did not have the correct tools.  The government is cutting services just like the US.  But the incoming is still coming.  Be nice and get treated well; it works.

I'm in the suburbs of Paris and the service is fast and reliable. I live in a gated community and that poses some issues for parcel deliveries. If I'm not home or if the guardian is not here, they can sometimes leave the parcel a bit far away but that a problem of prestige. I always give them a "pourboire" at Christmas and that way I'm assured of good service. They're friendly and helpful outside of Paris. Don't forget to say bonjour!

Recently moved in to an apartment. I had a mailbox with 3 past names written on it. Landlord + 2 other previous residents. I've told that I had to contact the syndicate who is managing the building, to change the name. Then they requested either my landlord or the agency I've rented the house to request it instead of me. After my agency contacted the name issue is solved.

I want to share a common problem I hear from other people.

If you have something valuable delivered to your mailbox, don't wait it there for too long.

Let's say the delivery person delivers it.

An other delivery company/person opening the box (they have master keys) can steal the previous items in the box. Since the first delivery already has proof for them putting it there, they don't have the responsibility anymore.

The Mailbox at your home or apartment is not secure. So be careful about what you have sent here. That is mainly true anywhere in any country.  Google it at

https://www.french-office.com/po-box-in … usinesses.

Additionally, some Tabacs and Libraries offer mail and package delivery services if you establish a relationship with them. 

The Mailbox at your home or apartment is not secure. So be careful about what you have sent here. That is mainly true anywhere in any country. - @boatman1940

That depends on where it is. In the UK you post it through the door, so pretty much secure. My mailbox is secured to the outside wall with a key and lock. Very secure parcels are genually collected from the post office where I have to give ID, so again very secure.

@Zinavo@32123

Thank you for the copy and paste. But what is your experience?