Last week there were elections in my country. I had just received the ballot papers but could not complete all the paperwork before the weekend. Then, on Saturday, at noon, when I arrived to my local post office, it was already closing. I thought I would not be able to vote anymore, as I had to travel abroad on Sunday for one week. My vote would be lost, and it was important.
Searching through the web, however, I discovered that there was one post office downtown in Paris that was open 22 hours per day, seven days a week. Yes, 22 hours. It sounds a bit weird, but that is that. The place closes from 06:00am to 08:00am, but for the rest of the day or night, it is open. So, if you have a deadline to meet, you can post your letter or parcel 5 minutes before midnight, and the post stamp will show you were on time. The service is open to all types of postal shipping, from the smallest postcard to big parcels, and it's available for worldwide shipping.
Some may find this not so useful, but really, when you have lived in more than 10 countries, have children, mother, father and other relatives spread in more than 3 different nations, it is useful to know that you can always bring something there and ask for delivery the next day.
Some public service is still guaranteed in the 21st century when everything is digital!!
Rue Étienne Marcel 16
€
free
Find your way with 168 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
The Marais in Paris is best known for its second-hand clothing shops, but "Chercheminippes" and its six shops have been innovating for half a century...
by
"Pizzeria Popolare" in central Paris makes authentic pizza napoletana. Come here if you don't mind queuing up and want the most affordable pizza around.
by
"La Bellevilloise" is a cultural centre in Paris with a bar & a restaurant. They have a fantastic variety of activities & it goes back to the 19th cen.
by
"L’Atelier Geneviève" is a 'ceramicafé' - here you can decorate your own ceramics w/ a coffee or breakfast. They even have kintsugi workshops!
by
" Le Bouillon Chartier" is a remarkable relic of the old modernist-style Paris. Classic French cuisine, nicely decorated mirrors, tiles & sculptures...
by
The bookshop is in an old car repair shop, which its owner transformed into a welcoming and open space where book presentations and talks take place.
by
"Land & Monkeys" in Paris makes 100% vegan croissants & other French staples. Is such a thing possible, you ask? Oh yes...
by
"Des Gâteaux et du Pain" was the first place that sprang to my mind when listing my top spots in Paris. They completely changed my croissant habits...
by
"Le Favori" is a small, unpretentious place in the 11th arrondissement in Paris that definitely makes the best pastrami sandwich in the city...
by
The "Grand Palais Éphémère" in Paris is set to host the Grand Palais' events while the latter is being renovated. Who knows, it might even stick around!
by
168 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 168 Insider Tips