Postage to France from the UK
How much it costs to send a letter, large letter or small parcel to France, how long it takes and what you need to know about customs.
Letter£3.60
Large letterfrom £3.80
Small parcelfrom £9.80
Typical delivery3-5 days
France is a common destination for cards and gifts. Letters usually arrive in 3-5 working days. For parcels, an accurate customs description in plain English (or French) helps avoid delays at the border.
| Size | Weight | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Letter | Up to 100g | £3.60 |
| Large Letter | Up to 100g | £3.80 |
| Large Letter | 100g-250g | £6.15 |
| Large Letter | 250g-500g | £7.65 |
| Large Letter | 500g-750g | £10.25 |
| Small Parcel | Up to 250g | £9.80 |
| Small Parcel | 250g-500g | £12.05 |
| Small Parcel | 500g-750g | £13.65 |
| Small Parcel | 750g-1kg | £14.90 |
| Small Parcel | 1kg-1.25kg | £15.65 |
| Small Parcel | 1.25kg-1.5kg | £16.40 approx. |
| Small Parcel | 1.5kg-2kg | £17.85 approx. |
Prices from 5 October 2026, last checked 1 October 2026. Prices marked approx. are our best estimate – confirm with the carrier before paying.
How to address post to France
French addresses put the 5-digit postcode before the town, e.g. 75008 PARIS. Write FRANCE in capitals on the last line.
Things to know about posting to France
- La Poste delivers Royal Mail items in France.
- French customs can charge VAT on gifts worth more than the EU gift allowance, plus a handling fee.
- Avoid sending wine or spirits by post - alcohol is restricted on international services.
- Since Brexit, gifts and goods need a customs declaration and the recipient may pay import VAT.
General tips
- Put FRANCE in capitals as the last line of the address.
- For goods, fill in the customs declaration with an accurate description, value and quantity.
- International Standard is not tracked. If the item is valuable, choose a tracked service or a courier.
- Heavier parcels (over 2kg) need a courier or Royal Mail's International Tracked or Parcelforce services.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to send a letter to France?
A standard letter up to 100g costs £3.60 with Royal Mail International Standard.
How much is it to post a small parcel to France?
A small parcel starts at £9.80 for up to 250g, rising to £14.90 for 1kg with Royal Mail International Standard.
How long does post to France take?
Royal Mail aims to deliver International Standard post to France in around 3-5 working days, but it is not guaranteed.
Do I need a customs form to send a parcel to France?
Yes, if you are sending goods or gifts. You can complete the customs declaration online when you buy postage, or at the Post Office counter. Documents and letters do not need one.