France Rural Code Postal: Correct Format for Delivery to Corsica’s 2A/2B Postcodes
Shipping to Corsica, France’s unique Mediterranean island region, requires precise adherence to its specialized 2A/2B postcode system—critical for ensuring packages reach remote towns like Ajaccio, Bonifacio, or Corte without delays. As a French overseas department, Corsica uses postcodes starting with 2A (South Corsica, Collectivité de Corse-du-Sud) and 2B (North Corsica, Collectivité de la Corse-du-Nord), each with distinct formatting rules. This guide breaks down the 2A/2B postcode structure, provides bilingual address templates for Ajaccio to Bonifacio deliveries, and offers ferry parcel tracking tips to navigate the island’s rugged logistics.
1. Understanding Corsica’s 2A/2B Postcode System
Postcode Structure Explained
Corsica’s postcodes are 5-digit numbers with unique prefixes:
- 2A*: South Corsica (e.g., Ajaccio: 2A001, Bonifacio: 2A160, Porto-Vecchio: 2A166)
- 2B*: North Corsica (e.g., Bastia: 2B001, Corte: 2B100, Calvi: 2B011)The final three digits denote specific communes or postal districts, with rural areas often using shared codes for mountain villages (e.g., 2A200 for several small towns in southern Corsica).
Key Differences Between 2A and 2B
| Category | 2A (South Corsica) | 2B (North Corsica) | Shipping Impact |
| Major Cities | Ajaccio, Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio | Bastia, Corte, Calvi | South Corsica relies more on ferry imports (Ajaccio Port) |
| Rural Density | Higher mountainous terrain | More coastal towns | 2A postcodes require detailed village names for delivery |
| Ferry Hubs | Ajaccio Port (2A001) | Bastia Port (2B001) | North Corsica uses Bastia for bulk cargo; south uses Ajaccio |
2. Correct Address Format for Corsica Deliveries
Bilingual Address Template (French + Corsican)
Corsica recognizes both French and Corsican place names—include both to avoid misdelivery:
Recipient Name Rue de Gaulle, 15 (Uru de Gaulle, 15 in Corsican) 2A001 **Ajaccio (Aiacciu)** Collectivité de Corse-du-Sud France Tel: +33 4 95 10 10 10 Critical Formatting Rules
- Postcode Placement: Always list the 2A/2B code before the city name (e.g., 2B100 Corte, not Corte 2B100).
- Rural Addresses: For villages without street names (common in mountain areas like Zonza), use:
Maison du Village 2A210 **Zonza (Zonza)** Collectivité de Corse-du-Sud - Ferry Delivery Note: Add “Port de Livraison: Ajaccio” (for south) or “Port de Livraison: Bastia” (for north) on packages to prioritize ferry cargo handling.
3. Ferry Parcel Tracking: Ajaccio to Bonifacio Routes
Major Ferry Operators & Tracking Tips
Corsica’s remote towns rely on ferries for 90% of cargo—use these strategies for smooth delivery:
| Ferry Company | Route Focus | Tracking Tools | Transit Time (Mainland to Ajaccio) |
| SNCM | Marseille/Ajaccio/Bastia | SNCM Cargo Tracking | 12–16 hours (overnight sailings) |
| Corsica Ferries | Toulon/Porto-Vecchio | Corsica Ferries Live Map | 8–10 hours (day sailings) |
Step-by-Step Tracking Process
- Pre-Shipment:
- Request a ferry-specific tracking number from your carrier (e.g., DPD France appends “CORS” to Corsica-bound parcels).
- Use GeoPost Tracking for real-time updates from French mainland hubs to ferry ports.
- Ferry Transit:
- Track vessel location via MarineTraffic—storms in the Mediterranean can delay sailings by 2–4 hours (common November–March).
- Note: Parcels are scanned at ferry ports as “En Transit Vers Corse” (In Transit to Corsica) during sea passage.
- Island Clearance:
- Ajaccio Port processes 2A postcode parcels within 4 hours; Bastia Port (2B) takes 6 hours due to higher bulk cargo volumes.
- Use La Poste Track & Trace for updates once packages reach Corsica’s local sorting centers.
4. Common Address Errors and Solutions
Pitfall 1: Omitting the 2A/2B Prefix
- Risk: Parcels marked “20000 Ajaccio” (old pre-2018 code) are misrouted to mainland France (20000 is a historical code no longer in use).
- Solution: Always use the current 2A/2B prefix—verify via France Postcode Finder.
Pitfall 2: Ignoring Corsican Place Names
- Rule: Coastal cities like Bonifacio (2A160) have the same name in French/Corsican, but mountain towns like Corte are “Corte” in both languages—no translation needed.
- Case Study: A package labeled “2B100 Corse” was undeliverable; correct format is “2B100 Corte”.
Pitfall 3: Incomplete Rural Addresses
- Rural Example: For a cottage in Oletta (2B020), include:
Chemin de la Montagne, Chalet des Oliviers 2B020 **Oletta** Collectivité de la Corse-du-Nord Local couriers use GPS coordinates for addresses without street numbers—include a landmark (e.g., “Near the church”).
5. Shipping Methods for 2A/2B Postcodes
Cost & Speed Comparison
**
| Method | Transit Time (China to Ajaccio) | Ideal For | Customs Tip |
| Sea Freight | 30–35 days (via Marseille) | Bulk orders (≥100kg) | Declare “Colis Privé” (Personal Parcel) to qualify for France’s €150 duty-free limit |
| Air Freight | 5–7 days (via Paris/Ajaccio Airport) | Urgent small packages (≤20kg) | Use FedEx France Rural Delivery for mountainous 2A postcodes |
| Combined Ferry/Road | 12–15 days (China→Marseille→Ajaccio ferry) | Mid-volume goods (20–50kg) | Partner with DPD France for intra-island trucking (covers 98% of 2A/2B postcodes) |
Customs Documentation Essentials
- Commercial Invoice: List “Articles personnels” (Personal Items) for duty-free shipments under €150.
- HS Code: Use 9503.00 for toys, 6103.43 for clothing—avoid generic codes like “9999.99” which trigger inspections.
6. Essential Tools for Corsica Shipping
Postcode & Address Validation
- France Post Official Tool: Recherche de Code Postal – Search by commune name (e.g., “Bonifacio” returns 2A160).
- Corsican Place Name Checker: Corsica Tourism Office List – Verify dual French/Corsican spellings.
Ferry & Local Delivery Tracking
- SNCM Cargo Customer Service: +33 4 91 05 15 15 (English support for tracking updates).
- Corsica Local Courier Directory: Colis Privé Corse – Lists small carriers serving remote 2A/2B postcodes.
Key Takeaways for Error-Free Delivery
- Postcode Precision: Always use 2A/2B prefixes and verify via official tools—old codes like “20” are obsolete.
- Bilingual Clarity: Include both French and (where applicable) Corsican place names to assist local sorting.
- Ferry Tracking: Monitor vessel locations during transit and use carrier-specific tools for island-wide updates.
By mastering Corsica’s 2A/2B postcode system and ferry logistics, you can ensure packages reach even the most remote Corsican villages efficiently—critical for e-commerce sellers and personal shippers targeting this unique French territory.
